The document discusses using narrative nonfiction to scaffold learning for diverse students. It describes how the presenters - Alyson, Cynthia, and Lisa - each came to recognize the value of nonfiction through their own journeys. They discuss criteria for evaluating nonfiction, different nonfiction formats and writing styles, and strategies for incorporating more nonfiction into classroom instruction across subjects. The presenters aim to help change perceptions of nonfiction and illustrate how it can build students' background knowledge and motivate reading.

1. Narrative Nonfiction As a Door To
Scaffolding Learning For Students
from Diverse Backgrounds
Alyson Beecher, Chair
Cynthia Alaniz, Lisa Morris-Wilkey
National Council of Teachers of English
November 22, 2014

2. Alyson’s Nonfiction Journey
In 2010, I realized that I needed to learn
more about children’s nonfiction.

3. Cynthia’s Nonfiction Journey
In 2011, as a 4th grade teacher, I began to
search for more quality nonfiction.

4. Lisa’s Nonfiction Journey
In 2008, I began working as
a K-5 school librarian. While
I was familiar with popular
read-alouds, I was far less
with narrative nonfiction
titles. Time to learn!

5. NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for
Excellence in Nonfiction in Grades K-8
Accuracy of Information
- both text and illustrative material
- appropriate documentation
-avoidance of anthropomorphism
-distinction between fact and theory
-balanced treatment

6. Orbis Pictus Criteria
Organization of Content
- Contribute to clarity & accessibility?
Potential to Enrichment K-8 Curriculum
Style of Writing
-engaging
-distinctive in its use of language

7. Orbis Pictus Criteria
Style of Illustration
-engaging, informative & complements
the text
Book Design
-appropriate based on the topic/subject
-with respect to different age groups
for which topic maybe be appropriate

8. Teacher Reactions to Nonfiction
Reactions we see
from teachers when
we mention
nonfiction.
We want to change
teachers’ perceptions
of nonfiction.

9. Narrative Nonfiction as a Gateway
Can narrative nonfiction
help us crossover to the
world of nonfiction?

10. Nonfiction Formats
Short Form - Picture Books
Long Form - Full Length Books

11. Narrative or Literary Nonfiction

12. Defining Nonfiction
● accurate and factual
● based on real people, places, events
● includes biographies, essays, opinions,
articles, memoirs
● concept books, procedural texts,
reference materials
● addresses history, science, the arts

13. Importance of Nonfiction
Nonfiction helps develop background
knowledge (Marzano, 2000)
Has the potential to motivate more reading
as students can read about their interests
(Caswell & Duke, 1998).

14. Importance of Nonfiction
The final argument, and perhaps the most important
one, is that the addition of informational text to
classrooms adds to the possibilities of young children
learning about the world around them - building
content knowledge that can influence their future
sense-making of texts and also build their knowledge
of world. (Maloch and Bomer, 2013)

15. Turn and talk:
“So here is my modest proposition--that
narrative is the deep structure of all good
writing. All good writing.” - Thomas
Newkirk, 2012.
Agree or disagree? Why or why not?

16. Understanding Nonfiction Writing
Styles
Narrative
Expository
Persuasive

17. Nonfiction Writing Styles- Narrative
Brothers at Bat by Audrey
Vernick (Clarion, 2012)
Purpose:
Reads like a story

18. Nonfiction Writing Styles - Expository
Feathers: Not Just for Flying
by Melissa Stewart
(Charlesbridge, 2013)
Purpose:
Explain
Describe
Inform

19. Nonfiction Writing Styles - Persuasive
Wheels of Change by Sue Macy
(National Geographic, 2011)
Purpose:
Influence or change a
person’s thoughts and
opinions on a topic

20. Nonfiction Writing Structures
Cause & Effect
Problem and Solution
Question and Answer
Compare and Contrast
Description
Sequence or Time Order
Using Examples (Exemplification)
Combination of the Above

21. Structure Communicates Meaning
Cause and Effect

22. Structure Communicates Meaning
Problem and Solution

23. Structure Communicates Meaning
Question and Answer

24. Structure Communicates Meaning
Compare and Contrast

25. Structure Communicates Meaning
Description

26. Structure Communicates Meaning
Sequence or Time
Order

27. Structure Communicates Meaning
Using Examples

28. Use of Nonfiction Writing Styles &
Structure in the Classroom
● Interactive Read Alouds with Nonfiction
● Using Nonfiction as Mentor Text for Writing
● Nonfiction for Building Vocabulary for ELLs
● Teaching Research Skills - Primary & Secondary
Sources

29. Classroom Application
● conferring with readers
● book discussion groups
● projects based on interests:
example: Genius Hour
● scavenger hunts

30. Using Nonfiction Across the Curriculum
history
math
science
art
music
social
studies

31. Classroom Application: Art

32. Classroom Application: Science

33. Classroom Application: History/Social
Studies

34. Classroom Application: Math

35. Classroom Application: Music & Dance

36. Pairing Nonfiction With Fiction

37. School librarians Supporting Classroom
Teachers
● Bundling books:
Example: The One and Only Ivan with Ivan: The
Remarkable True Story of the Shopping
Mall Gorilla
● Displaying books: Covers out!

38. Librarians supporting teachers
● Offering alternatives to favorites
● Creating “Resource Lists” or pathfinders
● Promoting books via newsletter (Smore)
● Book Talking at faculty meetings

39. Connecting Students with Authors
Skype AND/OR author
visits:
● Author visit with Phil
Bildner

40. Book Gap Challenge: Nonfiction
Is this one of your book gaps?
Have you seen the new nonfiction that is
available? (more engaging and dynamic)
Where do you start?

41. Nonfiction
Picture
Book
Biographies

42. More Nonfiction
Picture Book
Biographies

43. Short Form Nonfiction

44. Scientist in
the Field
Series

45. Long Form Nonfiction

46. Websites & Blogs
Celebrate Science (Melissa Stewart) - http://celebratescience.blogspot.com/
The Nonfiction Detectives - http://www.nonfictiondetectives.com/
The Uncommon Corps - http://nonfictionandthecommoncore.blogspot.com/
The Classroom Bookshelf - http://www.classroombookshelf.blogspot.com/
Kid Lit Frenzy/Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge -
http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/
Scientists in the Field - http://www.sciencemeetsadventure.com/
There’s a Book For That Blog - http://thereisabookforthat.com/

47. Award Lists for Nonfiction
AAAS/Subaru Prizes for Excellence in Science Books
http://www.sbfonline.com/Subaru/Pages/2014Finalists.aspx
ALA Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/sibertmedal/sibertpast/s
ibertmedalpast
CRA Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
http://www.californiareads.org/display.asp?p=awards_eureka

48. Award Lists for Nonfiction
Cook Prize for STEM Picture Book
http://bankstreet.edu/center-childrens-literature/cook-prize/
Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices List
http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/books/choices.asp
Cybils Nonfiction for Young Adult
http://www.cybils.com/2013/12/2013-finalists-young-adult-non-fiction.html
Cybils Nonfiction: Elementary & Middle Grade
http://www.cybils.com/2013/12/2013-finalists-middle-grade-non-fiction.html

49. Award Lists for Nonfiction
NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
http://www.ncte.org/awards/orbispictus
NCSS - Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
http://www.socialstudies.org/notable
NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12
http://www.nsta.org/publications/ostb/
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/nonfiction

50. Questions & Answers

51. Presentation Online
http://slidesha.re/1zM0NFg

52. References
Caswell, N.J. and Duke, N.K. (1998) Nonfiction as a catalyst for literacy development. Language
Arts, 75 (108-117).
Goodwin, B. and Miller, K. (2013) Research Says/Nonfiction Promotes Student Success. Educational
Leadership, 70 (80-82)
Maloch, B. and Bomer, R. (2013) Informational Texts and the Common Core State Standards: What
are we talking about, anyway? Language Arts, 90 (205-213).
Moehlman, J. (2013). Helping students navigate nonfiction text: Paving the way toward
understanding. Science Scope, 36(5).
Newkirk, T. (2012). How we really comprehend nonfiction. Educational Leadership, 69(6), 28-32.
Retrieved Nov. 17, 2014 from http://www.ncte.org/standards/ncte-ira
Robb, L. *2002) Multiple texts: multiple opportunities for teaching and learning. Voices from the
Middle. 9(4), 68-73.

53. Contact Us
Cynthia Alaniz, Elementary Teacher-Librarian, Coppell Independent
School District, TX
email: cynalaniz@gmail.com Twitter: @utalaniz
Alyson Beecher, Literacy Specialist, Pasadena Unified School District,
CA
email: beecher.alyson@gmail.com Twitter: @alybee930
Lisa Morris-Wilkey, Librarian, Casa Grande Union High School, AZ
email: lisamorriswilkey@gmail.com Twitter: @LMWArizona