Nonfiction Studies Strategies

Leyla Bravo, 5th Grade Nonfiction Studies

KIPP Infinity Charter School
Agenda
n Hi! 
n Nonfiction Studies? What is it?
n Bryce and why nonfiction studies?
n What is prioritized?
n Diamond and Making it Happen
n Sample Lesson
n Resources
n Using what you have already made
n Key Takeaways
n Question and Answer
n

n
Our Aims
n To identify the components of
an effective nonfiction
studies classroom by going
through a sample lesson
from do now to share
n To revamp a traditional
science/ social studies aim
into a nonfiction lesson
 What is…
Nonfiction Studies?
n A literacy class based around
thematic units


n Priority is teaching children how to

read, write and research
independently


n Content is covered through thematic

units and spiraled in Do Nows and
HW
A Word from Bryce
n Bryce and Tornadoes
What needs to be
taught?
n Reading Strategies
n Writing Strategies
n Nonfiction Text Features
n Nonfiction Text Structures
n Research Strategies
n Presentation Strategies
 How do I fit it all in?
n Grades 5-6 Nonfiction Studies
n Grades 7-8 Science and Social
Studies
n Sample Long Term Plan
n Sample Unit Plan (Native Americans)
n Sample Daily Lesson Format
Grades 5-8
n Nonfiction Studies happens in
5th and 6th Grade at KIPP
Infinity
n Students are then usually to
tackle textbooks and content
areas because they have the
literacy tools to do so
Over the Year: Baby
Steps
n Over the year, teaching
reading, writing and
research skills can be
scaffolded (see long term
plan)
n Each unit teaches a specific
reading, writing or research
strategy and spirals other
strategies
n As the year goes on, units
Over a Unit: It Takes
Time to Save Time
n The first reading, research and
writing cycle can take up to
10 weeks
n Students learn primarily the
skills necessary to maneuver
all types of texts such as
textbooks, trade books,
magazines and newspapers.
n See sample Unit Plan: Native
Americans
 Day to Day
n Do Now: Spiral Content
n Vocabulary: Teaches important
background information and content
n Mini Lesson: Reading, Writing, or
Research Strategy
n Independent Practice: Always reading
on their level. If reading from a
common text, on a level most of the
class can read.
n Share: Good place to get ideas on
other lessons that need to be taught
Day to Day:
A Word from Diamond

Shortcut to Diamond and her Interactive Notebook Weather.lnk

A Tour of the
Classroom

Shortcut to Tour of the Class.lnk

Agenda
n Hi! 
n Nonfiction Studies? What is it?
n Bryce and why nonfiction studies?
n What is prioritized?
n Diamond and Making it Happen
n Sample Lesson
n Resources
n Using what you have already made
n Key Takeaways
n Question and Answer
n

n
Technical Terms