Dear Hilary
Firstly, get the children to answer the question "What is Non-Fiction?" so they
identify the
characteristics of it and how it differs from fiction. Although our NF chart isn't
there yet, have a
look at http://www.palmdps.act.edu.au/resource_centre/booklook/focus_fiction.htm to
see what I mean.
Because I emphasise that NF are dip-and-delve books, length shouldn't be an issue
anyway.
Having done this, I had students work collaboratively on a poster called "The Cues
and Clues of
Non-Fiction"
After a brainstorming session, my students identified 30 different things (from the
title to topic
sentences) that assisted them in locating the information they need in a
non-fiction book. Each was
then given just one item to write a definition for, based on their identification
of the item in
three books. Two books were of their choice and interest, and one was randomly
assigned from the
top of a pile waiting to be shelved.
We then pooled all the definitions into a chart for everyone to share.
Next year (as our school year is almost over) I am going to get them to construct
pathfinders for a
topic of their choosing, in which they have to find, evaluate and annotate ten
different NF
resources including print and digital formats. (And I taught them about the Dewey
system along the
way, so there's an opportunity for collaboration for you.)
Barbara
Barbara Braxton
Teacher Librarian
Palmerston District Primary School
PALMERSTON ACT 2913
AUSTRALIA
T. 61 2 6205 6162
F. 61 2 6205 7242
E. barbara@iimetro.com.au
W. http://www.palmdps.act.edu.au
"Together we learn from each other."
Barbara
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