Becoming Experts: Non-Fiction Read Alouds

Reading non-fiction texts and using non-fiction text features can be challenging for first graders who typically do not yet understand the concept of a fact, or a truth, versus fiction. Read aloud texts for non-fiction units must be prime examples of a non-fiction text that can be easily differentiated from fiction. Additionally, the ideal read aloud text for a non-fiction unit would have excellent and obvious examples of non-fiction text features, such as: table of contents, photographs, diagrams, labels, glossary, and index. Once students have gained a better grasp of what it means to be "non-fiction," it is time to introduce non-fiction texts that are not so obvious, and not as easily differentiated from fiction. The following books have been successful read alouds in my classroom during a non-fiction unit:

1. Horned Dinosaurs, by Jon Lessem
2. The Emperor's Egg, by Martin Jenkins
3. Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, by Nikki Grimes

The above mentioned books allow students to become "experts" who can teach others about this newly discovered topic. While reading it is important to model good non-fiction reading, and using non-fiction text features to assist in acquiring new information. Additionally, it is highly important to model how good readers record and remember facts as they read, in an organized and useful manner. First grade readers become quickly excited as they become "experts" who can "teach" others about a topic they feel confident about.

Please use the following suggestions for implementing the books about in your classroom during a non-fiction reading unit:

"Horned Dinosaurs" by Jon Lessem: 

Summary: Horned Dinosaurs is a perfect example of a non-fiction text that encompasses all basic non-fiction text features. These easily found examples in the book include labeled sections for: Table of Contents, Photographs, captions, diagrams, labels, glossary, and index. The text is just complicated enough for students to feel that they are learning complicated material that they can access, yet through simple words and clear examples. The text can be read in any order, or can easily be read by selecting a few sections to use during a read aloud. This is an excellent first non-fiction book to use for a read aloud when introducing non-fiction.
Purpose: To introduce non-fiction text features and learn new information about one topic.

Teaching Points:

•  Readers will preview a non-fiction text, and think about what they might learn while reading.  
• . Readers will use non-fiction text features to help them gather information as they read: Table of Contents and Photographs
• Readers will use non-fiction text features to help them gather information as they read: Table of Contents, Photographs, Captions  
•   Readers will use non-fiction text features to help them gather information as they read: glossary and index

Turn and Talk/Accountable Talk Questions: 

1. What makes this book non-fiction? How can you tell? 
2. How did horned dinosaurs protect their babies? Where did you learn that in the text?
3. What did horned dinosaurs eat, and how did they get it? How do you know? Where in the book ddi you learn that?
4. How can we figure out what page the "Dinosaur Babies" section starts on? Where in the book can you find the table of contents?
5. I don't know what that word means, it is tricky. The word is in bold, what does that tell us? Where can we find out the meaning of the word?
   

Extension Activities: Readers teach others about horned dinosaurs by filling out "Did You Know?" cards, or creating a "Did You Know?" poster as a group.


"The Emperor's Egg" by Martin Jenkins

Summary:This illustrated non-fiction book teaches young readers about Emperor Penguins in Antarctica in a story like manner. Through the pages the reader comes to understand the strife that father Emperor Penguins go through as they nurture an egg, and then hopefully a baby penguin until the return of it's mother. Written in a compelling and engaging manner, Emperor Penguins gives students a deep understanding of life for the Emperor Penguin living in the coldest region of the earth.

Purpose: Learning and teaching new information and facts. 

Teaching Points: 

1. Readers will become familiar with the practice of listening to a read aloud for the purpose of learning new information.   

2. Readers will articulate what makes The Emperor’s Egg a nonfiction book, and why readers choose to read nonfiction books. Readers will continue to identify newly learned information, or “facts.” 

3. Readers will explain and articulate how to find a just right nonfiction book. Readers will continue to record newly learned information about the emperor penguin. 

4. Readers will consider what they already know about a topic before reading. Readers activate their schemas to prepare for new information.  

 

Turn and Talk/Accountable Talk Questions:  

1. How do you think the father emperor penguins feel when the mothers waddle off toward the sea? 

2. Do you think that the mothers are leaving to be mean? Or do you think there is an important reason for them doing this? 

3. Do you know of any other animals that eat tiny animals called krill? 

4. How do you predict that the father penguin might keep his egg from getting cold when he is forced to sit on the ice?! Use the picture as a clue.

5. Why do you think having lots of feathers and fat under their skill helps them to stay warm in the cold weather?

6. Why would snuggling together help keep them warm? Have you ever done that?

7. How do you think the father penguin feels now that the chick has finally hatched?! Why?

8. What new information have we learned about emperor penguins? Remember, we read nonfiction books to learn new information. What can we add to our bubble map?

Extension Activities: Readers work as a team to create a fact poster about Emperor Penguins. OR, readers create diary entries from the perspective of the father emperor penguin, explaining what life is like.


Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, by Nikki Grimes

Summary: Nikki  Grimes creates a beautiful and accurate picture of Obama's childhood, leading up to his presidency. Through poetic words and pictures, students are introduced to Barry, who wants desperately to help those around him in need. Barry plays basketball, and misses his father who lives in Africa. This non-fiction picture book shows readers that Barack Obama was a kid just like everyone else, who wanted to make a difference and through hard work, did.
Purpose: To introduce students to a biography, allowing them to become experts on a person.

Teaching Point: Readers become experts on important people by reading biographies that teach us true information about a person. 
Turn and Talk/Accountable Talk Questions:  
1. How do you think Barry felt when he spoke with his dad on the phone?
2. How do you think it made Barry feel that he had a different skin color from his mom?
3. What would you do if you were Barry, seeing the homeless people on the streets?
4. Can you make any text to self connections with this story?
5. What have you learned about Barack Obama by reading this book?  What can you teach others?

Extension Activities: Readers create "All About Obama" mini-posters to teach others about what their president was like as a  child.