Elementary Library

Clarify any confusion and offer more concrete definitions of fiction (learning from imagination) and nonfiction (learning from information). DIRECT INSTRUCTION & PRACTICE Step 1: Fiction Read Aloud Say: We are going to read two stories today. One is fiction and the other nonfiction. As we read, listen and watch for details we can add to our chart to help us describe the differences between the two texts based on our definitions of fiction and nonfiction.

Read the first story with the discussion guide. Allow students opportunities to point out fictional details and point some out yourself.

Say: After reading that story, how would you describe fiction now?

Movement break.

Step 2: Nonfiction Read Aloud Read the second story with the discussion guide. Allow students opportunities to point out details of nonfiction and point some out yourself. Example, “I notice this is a photograph of a real place. I notice this is a fact” Step 3: Student Discussion Say: After reading that story, how would you describe nonfiction now? How is that different from fiction? Pair students and provide sentence stems to guide conversation. For example:

●​ In the book ____________, I noticed ______________. This shows _______________. ●​ A difference I noticed is ______________________. ●​ Fiction is different from nonfiction because ____________________.

Review “I can” statements and ask students for thumbs up or thumbs down if they think they mastered today’s learning. Remind students where they can find fiction and nonfiction books. Challenge them to choose one of both. Dismiss for circulation. READER’S ADVISORY, CIRCULATION PROCEDURES & DISMISSAL As you check out books to students, ask a few of them if they chose a fiction or nonfiction book, and how they know if it is fiction or nonfiction.

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