"I just got the book in the mail yesterday. It is wonderful!!! The photos are fabulous. And even though the text is more advanced than second grade, it still makes a good read aloud book and can be used with so many more grade levels. It is wonderfully done. What is your next topic? Loved the glossary, et al."
Janet Jesse, retired teacher/consultant
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"For anyone who has ever been curious about the triops, this small gem offers a thoughtful, well-organized, and thorough introduction for any learner. Accompanying clearly written text that anticipates readers' questions are vivid photographs that offer the reader access to rich information. The authors also explain why the triops is of scientific interest and make real world connections between classroom study and a broader application for learning."
Barbara
Lehn, Award-winning author of "What is a Scientist"
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Dr. Pashley has written a paper entitled "Teaching Effectively with Non-Fiction" available for download here.
Click here to download a Nonfiction Book Scavenger Hunt form.
Additional resources specifically for Triops in the Classroom at The Triops Information Page.
Why use nonfiction books in the classroom?Children today must be familiar with nonfiction texts in order to be literate. Middle School and High School students are expected to be able to navigate textbooks, webpages and other informational material quickly, and with comprehension. Mastering informational text is the key to success as nonfiction passages form part of examinations in many subject areas.
However students of every grade level often struggle to understand a science book. Why? There are many reasons, including a focus on fiction genres in many elementary classrooms, and students’ lack of familiarity with the structures and conventions that are found in non-fiction texts. These help guide reading, by mapping out the information clearly. Teachers can help, by giving students a working knowledge of the structure and layout of non-fiction books. Even in the early grades, students can apply these skills, using non-fiction books to gather information on topics that they are studying in the classroom.
Experienced teachers know that integrating hands-on science activities with reading in the content area, reinforces comprehension of the concepts and content. Not only that, in today’s crowded classroom schedules, integration is the only way to survive!
A good non-fiction book should also be a model of good non-fiction writing. Unlike narrative, which students may use frequently, expository writing has to be clear, concise, organized and factually accurate. This is the reading and writing we do in everyday life as adults.
Beyond the teaching of language arts, nonfiction books are rich in content. They increase vocabulary and build knowledge. Many books have high interest topics for those students who struggle with reading and writing, or just prefer the nonfiction genre. They provide answers for curious students who have many questions about the world around them.
Features of a nonfiction book
Let us look at the layout of a typical nonfiction book. It may have some or all of these features. After teaching students this information, use the nonfiction book scavenger hunt that follows.
Table of Contents – a list of the main topics in the book, with the page number where that topic starts. The table of contents guides you the right section of the book.
Headings – are in a bigger font (size) than the text. They are usually different from the style of font used in the text, and may be a different color, so they stand out and are easy to read on the page.
Highlighted words – some words are in bold or italics. These vocabulary words may be important to know for the topic. They are usually found in the glossary too.
Glossary - defines (or explains) what unfamiliar words mean. Sometimes a glossary will show you how to pronounce the word.
Index – a list in alphabetical order of subjects, places, people or things that are found in the book. A page number beside the word makes it easy to find what you are looking for.
Labels – are writing on a picture, diagram or photo. Labels tell you what you are looking at. Often a line is drawn from the label to the part that you should notice.
Photograph – a picture taken by a camera. It shows you exactly what something looks like.
Drawing – a black and white, or colored picture that shows you the important features of the subject.
Diagram – a drawing that explains the subject.
Cut away – a drawing that shows you the inside of something.
Scale – this is like a ruler. It gives you an idea of how big the object is.
Close up – this is bigger than you would see with your eye. It shows you more details.
Map - an outline of the world, country or place that shows location