Fiction vs nonfiction

3rd grade
The "Big Idea"
Understanding that there is a difference between fiction and nonfiction and that there are features
in nonfiction books that help identify them as such.
Focus Question:
What are some of the features of nonfiction books?
Learning objectives:
Students will:
Identify characteristics of fiction and nonfiction
Distinguish between examples of fiction from nonfiction books.
Common Core Learning Standards - ELA:
RI.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to
the text as the basis for the answers.
CC.3.R.I.5 Craft and Structure: Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars,
hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.
AASL standards:
1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g., textual, visual, media,
digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning.
Materials: plastic eggs with topical papers inside (see attachment), 40 pre-selected fiction and
nonfiction books separated into 5 sets of 4 fiction and 4 nonfiction placed one set each on 5
tables. Pencils, printed scavenger hunt sheets, Working Dogs, and 101 Dalmatians
Preparation: put topics into eggs and place around the room. Keep pencils and handouts in a
handy location, pull Working Dogs, and 101 Dalmatians
Procedure:
Anticipatory set: Students come in and take their place on the rug. Using two books: Working
Dogs, and 101 Dalmatians, brainstorm with students what makes one a nonfiction and the other
fiction. Students may need guidance, but complete a T-chart with the following information.
Features of fiction include:
is a story (has beginning, middle, end)
is make believe
has characters
illustrations, drawings, paintings

Features of nonfiction include:

Table of contents
True facts
Photographs
Headings
Captions

Step 1
Organize students onto groups using plastic Easter eggs. Each egg has a picture of a topic that is
represented by a book at one of the tables. Each table has 4 fiction and 4 nonfiction books.
Step 2
Instruct students to separate the books into two piles, one for fiction, one for nonfiction. Answer
questions and give guidance when needed. Pass out worksheets and have students complete
them as they sort.
Step 3
Ask each student groups to select one fiction and one nonfiction as exemplars of their type.
Student groups will share, one group at a time, how they determined which one was fiction or
nonfiction.
Step 4
Collect worksheets, allow students to check out books.

Closure:
As student check out books, ask them if their book is fiction or nonfiction.
Assessments:
Worksheets are assessed.

Book features scavenger hunt

Team members:
!
!
__________________________________________________________
!!

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Put a check mark next to the things you find

Table of contents (In the front of the book, it tells what is inside)
Photograph (not drawings or illustrations)
Heading (Bold words that identify topics)
Caption (words describing a picture)
Glossary (gives definitions of words)
Index (at the end of the book, it helps you find things)

Book features scavenger hunt

Team members:
!
!
__________________________________________________________
!!

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Put a check mark next to the things you find

Table of contents (In the front of the book, it tells what is inside)
Photograph (not drawings or illustrations)
Heading (Bold words that identify topics)
Caption (words describing a picture)
Glossary (gives definitions of words)
Index (at the end of the book, it helps you find things)

BAT

BEETLE

DOLPHIN

ELEPHANT

HONEYBEE

HORSE

OIL

STATUE OF LIBERTY

GIANT PANDA

VOLCANO

BONES

FEATHER

MEERKAT

SEAL

WHITE HOUSE

CRAB

GIRAFFE

MONKEY

SHARK

WORM