LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Adventures in nonfiction: A guided inquiry journey

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=183

A lesson plan for grades K–2 English Language Arts

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The activities in this ReadWriteThink lesson provide a foundation for using nonfiction resources for developing and answering questions about gathered information. Using a wide variety of nonfiction literature, students learn to sort and categorize books to begin the information-gathering process. Then, working with partners and groups, using pictures and text, students are guided through the process of gathering information, asking clarifying questions, and then enhancing the information with additional details. This is a high-interest foundation builder for using nonfiction literature in research as well as for pleasure reading.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 1

  • Goal 2: The learner will develop and apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.01: Read aloud independently with fluency and comprehension any text that is appropriately designed for emergent readers.
    • Objective 2.02: Demonstrate familiarity with a variety of texts (storybooks, short chapter books, newspapers, telephone books, and everyday print such as signs and labels, poems, word plays using alliteration and rhyme, skits and short plays).
    • Objective 2.03: Read and comprehend both fiction and nonfiction text appropriate for grade one using:
      • prior knowledge.
      • summary.
      • questions.
      • graphic organizers.
  • Goal 4: The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts.
    • Objective 4.04: Extend skills in using oral and written language:
      • clarifying purposes for engaging in communication.
      • using clear and precise language to paraphrase messages.
      • engaging in more extended oral discussions.
      • producing written products.
      • completing graphic organizers.

Grade 2

  • Goal 2: The learner will develop and apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.01: Read and comprehend both narrative and expository text appropriate for grade two by:
      • determining purpose (reader's and author's).
      • making predictions.
      • asking questions.
      • locating information for specific reasons/purposes.
      • recognizing and applying text structure.
      • comprehending and evaluating author's decisions and word choice.
      • determining fact and opinion.
      • recognizing and comprehending figurative language.
      • making inferences and drawing conclusions.
    • Objective 2.02: Use text for a variety of functions, including literary, informational, and practical.
    • Objective 2.03: Read expository materials for answers to specific questions.
  • Goal 4: The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts.
    • Objective 4.04: Use oral communication to identify, organize, and analyze information.

Kindergarten

  • Goal 2: The learner will develop and apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.02: Demonstrate familiarity with a variety of types of books and selections (e.g., picture books, caption books, short informational texts, nursery rhymes, word plays/finger plays, puppet plays, reenactments of familiar stories).
    • Objective 2.03: Use preparation strategies to activate prior knowledge and experience before and during the reading of a text.