Comprehension: Non-Fiction
To develop information retrieval and non-fiction comprehension skills through structured non-fiction reading.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Uses contents page to find information
- Identifies non-fiction text features
- Retrieves facts from texts
- Distinguishes fiction from non-fiction
Materials
- Age-appropriate non-fiction books
- Information retrieval worksheets
- Magnifying glasses
- Question cards
Instructions
Introduce non-fiction as different from stories: 'This book is NOT a story — it's an INFORMATION book. It tells us TRUE FACTS about minibeasts. It's organised differently from a story.'
Teach text features: 'This is the CONTENTS page — it tells us what's in the book. This is a HEADING — it tells us what this section is about. This is a CAPTION — it tells us about the photo.'
Model information retrieval: 'I want to find out about ladybirds. Where do I look? The contents page! It says ladybirds are on page 8. Let's turn to page 8!' Make the search process explicit.
Ask fact-finding questions: 'How many legs does a spider have? Let's find out! Where in the book would we look? The spider section! Here — it says eight legs. We found the answer!'
Compare fiction and non-fiction: read a fiction book about minibeasts ('The Very Hungry Caterpillar') and a non-fiction book about caterpillars. 'How are they different? What can we learn from each one?'
Create class non-fiction books: 'Let's make an information book about OUR school! We need a contents page, headings for each section, photos with captions...' Children experience authoring non-fiction.