Non-Fiction Writing: Information Books
To develop the ability to write non-fiction text, including facts, labels, and simple explanations.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Writes simple facts
- Uses labels and captions
- Understands non-fiction conventions
- Researches from a text with support
Materials
- Non-fiction reference books
- Blank information book templates
- Fact-recording frames
- Computer/tablet for research
Instructions
Choose a topic arising naturally from current interests or topics: animals, minibeasts, space, weather. Begin with a shared research session: 'We want to make an information book about sharks. What do we already know? What do we want to find out?'
Model the research process: look in a non-fiction book, find the relevant section, read the fact, put the book away, write the fact in your own words. 'I don't copy — I find out, then I write what I learned.' This is the foundational research skill.
Teach non-fiction conventions: 'Information books have titles, headings, captions, and facts. They use present tense: 'Sharks live in the ocean.' Not 'Once upon a time a shark lived.' They use accurate vocabulary: 'fin' not 'thing on the back'.'
Support children to write their own sections: 'You found out that sharks have 300 teeth. Write that as a fact. 'Sharks have 300 teeth.' That's a fantastic fact!' The simple declarative sentence is the building block of non-fiction.
Children illustrate their books with labelled diagrams: 'Draw your shark and label the fin, the tail, the teeth, the eye. Labels are words that name parts of a picture.' This applies writing skills in a new context.
Share completed information books with younger children or display for parents. 'Year One came to learn about sharks from your books!' This authentic audience raises the quality and meaning of the writing.