Teaching Non-Fiction and Real World Connections

Using non-fiction in the classroom is a great tool to increase engagement and expose students to a wide variety of current issues and events that extend beyond the traditional fiction taught in most English classes.

This week’s Twitter chat was focused on using non-fiction texts to help students make real-world connections. Teachers shared their best ideas for making this a regular process in the English Language Arts classroom.

Q1: How do you use non-fiction texts and media in your classroom?

We use non-fiction texts to complement fiction texts. We’re reading Tangerine=articles on muck fires & sinkholes a must.
There’s always at least one nonfiction activity or assessment in every lit unit. We also do AoW and have NF-only units.
Article of the Week is a weekly non-fiction writing assignment that helps expose students to more non-fiction writing on a regular basis.

Q2: What is your favorite resource for finding nonfiction texts that are timely and apply to teens?

Fave places to find NF are NewsELA, @KellyGToGo AoW, https://t.co/TBl9MSLVFo daily article.
My favorite resource for finding non-fiction texts is @Newsela Otherwise I google themes.
Also trying to beef up NF in my classroom library & use excerpts as they relate to topics
NewsELA all the way!!
I start with the primary source or the closest thing to it – an author’s website, for example. Then CNN, BBC, etc.
I also like to cover current events using these websites.

Q3: What short/long term benefits do you find from using nonfiction materials related to current events and real life issues?

As much as I hope students read literature when older, they will mostly read NF so they should be prepped.
As @davestuartjr says, students need to know stuff. Reading NF helps them to increase their knowledge base.
Anytime I can relate school to real life, engagement increases exponentially!
Current events aren’t always as popular unless it’s controversial.
My middle school students are struggling with fake news and rumors, so the more time we spend on current events, the better!

Q4: How do you handle sensitive topics in the nonfiction materials you use in the classroom?

Mostly trying to match the right NF book to the right reader and intercept a middle school student who isn’t ready for it.
Even more important for us to address the sensitive topics so students get accurate info & safe place to ask Qs.
I try to focus on the facts and leave out the emotions. That can be hard but is worth trying.
I give students a “you’re mature enough to handle this” pep talk & that usually does the trick
I’m remembering a heated discussion about fairness ala The Giver… where we had to think from the character’s perspective.
Lots of success using restorative justice-type circles when discussing topics like racial profiling.

Q5: Describe your favorite lesson or unit that incorporates nonfiction material related to a current event or real life issue.

I’m obsessed w/teaching propaganda & rhetoric to help students filter biased sources.
Fave NF unit last yr was intro-ing rhetorical analysis. Started w/ commercials, then moved to excerpts, then whole text.
I like to read short biographies related to a theme – like a famous person who shows perseverance. (Walt Disney)
Then you can say “Let’s be like____ as we do this…”
Ethos Pathos Logos ftw!
We also had a lot of fun last yr. planning an imaginary vacay for our pine cone pets using non-fiction travel guides!