Investigate Nonfiction (The Reading/Writing Teacher's Companion)
#3 in The Reading/Writing Teacher'S Companion Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Investigate Nonfiction (The Reading/Writing Teacher's Companion) by Donald H. Graves is a comprehensive guide for educators that emphasizes the importance of nonfiction in literacy education. Graves provides strategies and insights on how to effectively teach nonfiction reading and writing in the classroom. He highlights the value of research, critical thinking, and the development of students' abilities to comprehend and produce informational texts. The book serves as a resource for teachers to foster a deeper understanding of nonfiction among their students, encouraging them to become inquisitive learners and skilled communicators in a world increasingly dominated by nonfiction texts.
Discussion points
What is one new fact you learned from this book that surprised you?
Can you explain how the author uses pictures and diagrams to support the text?
Why do you think it is important to check the facts in a nonfiction book?
How can we use the information from this book in our daily lives?
What are some questions you still have after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the facts in the book to their personal experiences or current events.
Ask your child to teach you something from the book, reinforcing their understanding and confidence.
Create a mini-research project where your child can find more information on one of the topics covered.
Discuss the importance of nonfiction books and how they help us understand the world.
Praise your child’s curiosity and encourage them to ask questions that extend beyond the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book delves into various aspects of nonfiction reading and writing techniques, encouraging children to question the reliability and source of the information.
Real-World Application: Children can use these critical thinking skills to analyze information presented to them in school or through media, making them discerning readers and informed individuals.
Example Lesson: Importance of Research
Explanation: Through investigating nonfiction texts, children learn the importance of thorough research and checking facts which is emphasized throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This instills a habit of diligence and accuracy when they undertake school projects or even when satisfying their own curiosity about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Expressing Opinions Based on Facts
Explanation: The book encourages children to form and express opinions that are backed up by facts, a skill taught via the reading and writing of nonfiction texts.
Real-World Application: This skill is crucial in writing persuasive essays in school and in making reasoned arguments in daily conversations.
Example Lesson: Understanding Different Perspectives
Explanation: It teaches the value of considering multiple viewpoints on a subject, enhancing comprehension and empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children in teamwork and collaborative situations in school, allowing them to work better in diverse groups.
Example Lesson: Enhancing Communication Skills
Explanation: The book aids in developing their vocabulary and structuring complex ideas clearly and coherently.
Real-World Application: Improved communication skills can lead to better interactions with peers and adults, and enhance their written and verbal expressions.