Chapter 12
Nonfiction is a genre that I always struggle to teach because I never truly enjoy reading it, and I have seen this problem starting with my students. The criteria, from Delight to Wisdom, in the video, Evaluating Nonfiction, showed me the great aspects of a nonfiction text. I had always viewed nonfiction texts as being boring, having too much text and not having any “life” to it. I was clearly wrong, as I was very intrigued with the books that were being shown in the video. I not only was interested in some of these texts for myself, but I also began thinking how I can incorporate them into my lessons. I always strive to incorporate literacy in other subjects, and after viewing the fun and informative books from Steven Jenkins and Dawn Cusick, I know my second grade students would enjoy reading those books for a science lesson on animals. After seeing the video and learning about the criteria used to evaluate a nonfiction book, it is important for me to keep these in mind for not only the books I am currently reading, but also for when I am searching for books for my classroom/library.
Also added in this chapter were questions to ask students about nonfiction books, which would make for great book talk. Questions such as “which illustration do you wish you had done yourself?” or asking the students to “explain what you think the author did to research and write this book” may help change my students’ viewpoints for nonfiction books, and they can grab their attention to see how enjoyable nonfiction books can be.
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