Fiction vs. Non-Fiction

What is the difference between the genres- Fiction and Non-fiction?

Fiction texts tell STORIES. They typically include characters, settings, conflicts (problems), and solutions.

Non-fiction texts provide FACTS and INFORMATION. They typically have a topic, main ideas, and supporting details.


Why is knowing the difference between the genres important?

1. Our state and district curriculum clearly differentiates between the two genres. Teachers have designated FICTION STANDARDS AND OBJECTIVES and NON-FICTION STANDARDS AND OBJECTIVES.
2. If a student picks up a text and can regognize the genre (fiction or non-fiction), they can prepare for that type of reading. They can think about author's purpose and the text structure. Mentally, it will help the student organize their thinking about the text.  The student can also predict the types of questions that will be asked if they are tested on the book (or text).
3. As a parent who wants to help support classroom work, it's important to tailor discussion questions at home that MATCH the genre.

So...the big question is....what types of questions go along with fiction? What types go with non-fiction? What are some questions I can ask my child at home?
 
Fiction Question Stems:

Within the Text:

·        What happened at the beginning, middle, end?

·        What was the character’s problem in the story?

·        What did the character do to try and solve the problem? Did it work?

 

Beyond the Text:

·        How do you think the character feels about…? Why was the character feeling…?

·        What does this book remind you of? Have you ever had an experience like the character?

·        Did the character change by the end of the book? Explain.

 

About the Text:

·        How did the writer show what the characters were like? What words did the author use?

·        What was the important lesson in this book? Can you identify the author's theme?

Non-Fiction Question Stems:

Within the Text:

·       What are some of the important things that you learned about?

·       What are some of the facts about this topic that you already knew?

 

Beyond the Text:

·       Discuss what you think was the most important idea (main idea) in this book.

·       How is __________ similar to _____?

·       How is __________ different than _________?

·       Does this book have a table of contents/ glossary/ index? How could we use ___ to find the information we need?

·       Look at the heading on page…What does this heading tell you about the information in this section?

 

About the Text:

·       Why do you think the writer included certain photographs or drawings in this book?  

·       In addition to the writing in the book, what else did the author include to teach us information? (maps, diagrams, labels, captions, etc).

·       Look at the glossary at the back of the book. What kind of information does this give you?

·       Why do you think the author wants us to learn about this topic?

 

Remember what I always say- home is home. School is school. Ask these types of questions in a conversational way. Make it seem casual and fun, not like a quiz.

 

Training students to distinguish between these two genres AND distinguishing between the TYPES of QUESTIONS that are asked about each genre create critical analyzers of text...which is what we ultimately want! :) Have fun and read on!

Motivating Kids to Read

Dear NLES Families,

We are in our last week of Reading Month. This month always culminates with the AR Challenge sponsored by Mrs. Asire in the library. We like all the children to take and pass (with an 85% or higher) one AR test (on their level) in the month of February. If 100% of the students succeed, the whole school is awarded a night of free homework. Pretty cool?

Another fun and important activity this week ties to our theme of KINDNESS. We are hosting a book drive. Please send in gently used books. These books can be ANY LEVEL (children  and adult). We will be donating these books to area hospital waiting rooms, local-preschools, and food banks. We are happy to help you "clean off the bookshelf" and make someone's day all in one!

Here's a list I found recently. It describes 20 things to do in the home to encourage reading. Take a few moments and browse. Maybe there are 1-2 ways that strike your fancy!

20 Ways to Encourage Reading

Source:

http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/articles/motivating-kids-to-read.htm


1. Scout for things your children might like to read. Use their interests and hobbies as starting points.

2. Leave all sorts of reading materials including books, magazines, and colorful catalogs in conspicuous places around your home.

3. Notice what attracts your children's attention, even if they only look at the pictures. Then build on that interest; read a short selection aloud, or simply bring home more information on the same subject.

4. Let your children see you reading for pleasure in your spare time.

5. Take your children to the library regularly. Explore the children's section together. Ask a librarian to suggest books and magazines your children might enjoy.

6. Present reading as an activity with a purpose—a way to gather useful information for, say, making paper airplanes, identifying a doll or stamp in your child's collection, or planning a family trip.

7. Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters. Older children enjoy showing off their skills to an admiring audience.

8. Play games that are reading-related. Check your closet for spelling games played with letter tiles or dice, or board games that require players to read spaces, cards, and directions.

9. Perhaps over dinner, while you're running errands, or in another informal setting, share your reactions to things you read, and encourage your children to do likewise.

10. Set aside a regular time for reading in your family, independent of schoolwork—the 20 minutes before lights out, just after dinner, or whatever fits into your household schedule. As little as 10 minutes of free reading a day can help improve your child's skills and habits.

11. Read aloud to your child, especially a child who is discouraged by his or her own poor reading skills. The pleasure of listening to you read, rather than struggling alone, may restore your child's initial enthusiasm for books and reading.

12. Encourage your child to read aloud to you an exciting passage in a book, an interesting tidbit in the newspaper, or a joke in a joke book. When children read aloud, don't feel they have to get every word right. Even good readers skip or mispronounce words now and then.

13. On gift-giving occasions, give books and magazines based on your child's current interests.

14. Set aside a special place for children to keep their own books.

15. Introduce the bookmark. Remind your youngster that you don't have to finish a book in one sitting; you can stop after a few pages, or a chapter, and pick up where you left off at another time. Don't try to persuade your child to finish a book he or she doesn't like. Recommend putting the book aside and trying another.

16. Treat your children to an evening of laughter and entertainment featuring books! Many children (parents, too) regard reading as a serious activity. A joke book, a story told in riddles, or a funny passage read aloud can reveal another side of reading.

17. Extend your child's positive reading experiences. For example, if your youngster enjoyed a book about dinosaurs, follow up with a visit to a natural history museum.

18. Offer other special incentives to encourage your child's reading. Allow your youngster to stay up an extra 15 minutes to finish a chapter; promise to take your child to see a movie after he or she has finished the book on which it was based; relieve your child of a regular chore to free up time for reading.

19. Limit your children's television viewing in an effort to make time for other activities, such as reading. But never use TV as a reward for reading, or a punishment for not reading.

20. Not all reading takes place between the covers of a book. What about menus, road signs, food labels, and sheet music? Take advantage of countless spur-of-the-moment opportunities for reading during the course of your family's busy day.

Source: RIF Parent Guide Brochure.

"I found it online!": Does that make it true?

I laughed out loud when I found this image on the internet (look on the sidebar of the blog). When I saw this, I thought—this is perfect to share with the students and families!

I asked the students these questions:

 

·         WHY do I think this image and message is so funny?

·         Can this quote and author possibly be true? Why or Why Not?

·         Is the message is a GOOD message? Why or why not?

·         How can I trust that information in my research is RELIABLE and TRUE?

 

 

NLES Literacy Tip of the Day:

Encourage your children to be "skeptical" and "critical" of the information they find in the world, especially on the Internet.  We want children to be interested in learning and researching, but we want them to think about things such as "reliable sources" and "validity". We don't want children to trust EVERYTHING they see on the internet or hear on TV. Our goal is to create critical thinkers and questioners!!

 

 

Leisure Time!

Dear NLES Families,

 

During Reading Month, I write the students a daily email. Their teacher reads the email with them on the Smartboard. Every day, the email includes something for the children to ponder, Reading Month announcements, and a video featuring a special guest. The special guest recommends a book to read.

 

The following is the "point to ponder" from Thursday's email. Take a moment to look at the data represented and answer the questions yourself. If you have a moment, ask your child to give you feedback on their opinions of the data in the chart.

 

Thursday's email excerpt:   

 

Dear RAMS,  

I  found this pie chart (posted in the sidebar of the blog) that was published in the Washington Post. The Washington Post is a very popular newspaper published in Washington DC.  It describes what most Americans (including children) do in their leisure time (free time).

 

Take a few moments and ask yourself these questions…

·         What is the most surprising thing you notice about this pie chart?

·         What concerns you the most about this information?

·         What are some POSITIVE pieces of information in this chart?

·         What will our nation be like in 20 years if this is true and it continues?

·         How can you make some changes in your own life to change the course of this information?

·         How would you like to see this pie chart change? Why are those changes important to the future of our country?

 

 

NLES Literacy Tip of the Day- In honor of Valentine's Weekend...I challenge you to change the course of this data. Take more time to "curl up and read with loved ones".

 

Have  a BEAUTIFUL three day weekend. Stay warm!

Fluency: What is it? How can we practice at home?

Fluency

“Fluency is defined as the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. In order to understand what they read, children must be able to read fluently whether they are reading aloud or silently. When reading aloud, fluent readers read in phrases and add intonation appropriately. Their reading is smooth and has expression.

Children who do not read with fluency sound choppy and awkward. Those students may have difficulty with decoding skills or they may just need more practice with speed and smoothness in reading. Fluency is also important for motivation; children who find reading laborious tend not to want read! As readers head into upper elementary grades, fluency becomes increasingly important. The volume of reading required in the upper elementary years escalates dramatically. Students whose reading is slow or labored will have trouble meeting the reading demands of their grade level.”

                                                                         -taken from readingrockets.org

 

What can I do at home to promote fluency and have some fun?

 

Have your child practice their fluent reading using the VIDEO or VOICE RECORD feature of an iPad, tablet, or computer. Say to the child (for example), “Let’s keep a portfolio (digital scrapbook) of how GREAT you read! Practice reading this book again and again in your best voice and when you have a version you LOVE, we will save it!!”

 

This way, your child gets PRACTICE and you get a piece of HISTORY! Imagine looking back 15 years from now. It will be so special and sweet to hear your elementary aged child read that great Dr. Seuss book!  It can also a great gift for a grandparent or deployed parent. Imagine the smile on their face when they can hear that sweet voice reading!

 

This collection of oral readings can also serve as a great reflection tool for your child. They can listen to their readings over and over again. They will probably remark on their own improvement.

Making Words- Home Challenge

Dear NLES Families,

Let’s make some words! “Making Words” is a fun way to practice spelling, work with word families, and play with words!  My challenge for you at home is to hold a “Making Words” challenge with your family. Which family member can make the most (real) words out of the letter tiles? Can anyone use all 9 letter tiles to make the MYSTERY WORD?

 (Use this opportunity with younger children to coach them through the activity. You can discuss word families and rhyming! )

 

Here are some basic instructions for “Making Words”:

1. Print a copy of the “Making Words Game Card” and the “Letter Tiles”. Cut the letter tiles on the lines.  (Game Card and Tiles are on the side panel of the blog.)

2. Arrange the letter tiles to see how many 2, 3, 4, or 5 letter or even longer words you can make. Write the words in the correct column. When you finish, use all the letters to make the "mystery word."

 

If you and your child enjoy this activity- simply Google “Making Words” on the Internet. There are MANY other game boards to download, ideas to make at home, or electronic versions to play. Have fun!!

***I will reveal the MYSTERY WORD of this particular game board in Friday’s message.

Have you been to the Joint-Use Library?

I had a meeting recently at the newest Virginia Beach Public Library location. I was floored by the beauty, the magnitude, the atmosphere, and the feeling of this GRAND building. It was incredible. It got me thinking, why haven't I been here yet?

I was a little bit under the impression that it was only for college students, but I was wrong! It is, as the name suggests, a "Joint-Use Library". It is open to the public, just like all the other VB Public Library locations. It has a BEAUTIFUL children's section. You can check out books with your library card. You can reserve (for free) STATE of the ART study and meeting spaces. I could have grabbed my laptop and novel and spent all day there. I love a space that makes me feel tranquil, calm, AND productive! It's located on the outskirts of the TCC campus closest to Rosemont Road.

 

My literacy tip of the day is to, quite simply, check this place out when you get a chance. If you already have, you know what I am talking about! If you don't have a family library card currently, this is the perfect opportunity to get one.

-Mrs. Horsley

 

Joint-Use Library (TCC/City of VB Joint-Use Library)
1700 College Crescent
TCC Campus, Building L
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
(757) 822-7800

Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday Closed.

Reading a Map

A map is what we call a "feature of non-fiction". Other features of non-fiction include headings, captions, diagrams, tables, charts, bold print, tables of contents, and glossaries. Essentially what these FEATURES do for the reader is to help the reader better understand the information.

As you are reading non-fiction books with your child, try to point these features out to your child and ask, "How do these features help us (as readers) understand the information? and "Why do you think the author chose to use these features in this way?"

Your at-home literacy challenge today is to find a map to discuss. Yes! Reading and understanding a map falls under "LITERACY"!

What kind of maps could you use?

• map of a theme park
• GPS in the car
• map of the school
• locate your home on a Mapquest map
• map of the mall
• world map or globe
• maybe even a real road map.....

Any map will do!!

What kinds of questions should we discuss?

1. What is the map showing?
2. What physical features (natural features- bodies of water, mountains, etc.) are present on the map?
3. What man-made features are present on the map?
4. Who created this map? What do you think is the map's purpose?
5. Is there anything missing from this map that you would add?
6. What TITLE would you give this map?
7. If I wanted to get from Point A to Point B on this map, which direction would I head?

Having your child act as the "navigator" once in a while is a powerful role and will enhance their abilities as a MAP READER, a very important skill!

This activity can be tailored to the young or old. Remember- have fun with it!

IPT- What is it? How can I help?

Dear NLES Families,

One important task that all Virginia Beach fourth graders complete is called the IPT (Integrated Performance Task). It's a task designed to assess our North Landing students in Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Written Expression. Although it is the fourth graders who officially perform this big task, it is something we can be preparing students for in the years prior.

Essentially, the task requires students to do the following:

1. Read a set of informational articles.
2. Form an opinion about a specific topic.
3. Back the opinion up with evidence from the articles.
4. Express their opinion and evidence through writing.

PHEW! This is not a simple feat. BUT- it is something we can be asking students to think about from a very early age. Asking children to FORM opinions and BACK UP with evidence is something even children in the kindergarten and first grade can do.

If we can get children in this "groove" of thinking, we can prepare them to be our critical thinkers of tomorrow!

So...how can you practice this at home?

1. Present your child with two choices.
2. Ask your child to identify the better choice (their opinion).
3. Encourage your child to provide multiple reasons for forming that opinion (backing it up with evidence).

Here are just a few examples:

• Place two boxes of cereal in front of your child. Ask, "Which one of these is a better, healthier option for breakfast this morning?" Child needs to form an opinion and then back it up with actual words and evidence from the box and label.

• At Busch Gardens, ask your child, "I want to ride the scariest ride here first. What should I ride?" Child needs to form an opinion and then back it up with actual words and evidence from the park map or facts about the rides.

• Read two story books with your child. Ask, "Which story would be better to teach a lesson on kindness?" Child needs to form an opinion and then back it up with actual words and evidence from things that happened in the story.

The BIG thing is that the answer "just because" doesn't cut it. We want children to back their thoughts and opinions up with REAL evidence.

Have fun with this. Remember, keep it natural and conversation-like. School is school. Home is home.

Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend.

Searching on the Internet....

Google. Bing. Yahoo. There are plenty of search engines out there. Believe it or not, it is REALLY important that our 21st century children are able to efficiently and effectively search for information on these types of sites. YES, this task even shows up on the SOL tests (Grades 3-5).

Tip of the Day: Start practicing Internet searches with your child. Discuss the KEYWORDS to type into the "search bar" that will generate the most specific answer.

For example: I want to see what times the Paddington Bear movie is playing at Strawbridge this weekend. If I just type in "Paddington Bear", I will get over a million results. Most of them will not have the EXACT information I want. A better set of words to type in would be "Paddington Bear movie Regal Cinemas Strawbridge Saturday February 7". I am much more likely to uncover the desired information.

It's 2015. Most of us use these search engines daily. Start asking your child to help you search for things.

Examples of ideas to search at home:

• What will the weather be like in Disney World next week?
• Is Ocean Breeze open this weekend? What time does it close?
• Who are the third grade teachers at North Landing ES?
• When is the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book being released?
• Does Panera have crab and corn chowder as a soup option today?
• What are the dates of Virginia Beach's Spring Break this year?

Like always, this activity can be tailored to the young and old. If your child is too young to type in the words, just have them sit with you and think aloud as you search.

I always recommend, as a safety tip, to monitor Internet use with children. The Internet is a glorious place full of information, but can also be very dangerous.

Have fun searching!

My Favorite Type of Functional Text- RECIPES!

Working in the kitchen with your child can be fun and academically rewarding! I challenge you to pull out your favorite recipe this week with your child. You can take the opportunity to practice reading functional text, discuss some important math concepts, and spend some quality time making a yummy dish or treat!

Year after year, I see recipes show up on SOL tests as the example of functional text. Practicing with recipes can help your child in the classroom and in the kitchen. (Wink, Wink) This type of activity can be done with older and younger students, just tailor your conversations to their level.


What kind of "literacy talk" can I have with a recipe?

As you are creating your culinary masterpiece, ask these types of questions:

• What is the title of this recipe? Could we rename it anything else?
• How is this recipe organized? (Ingredients first, then steps??)
• Why do you think the author of this recipe organized it this way?
• Should we read through the whole recipe before we get started? Why or Why not?
• What would happen if the author left out an ingredient or a step/direction by accident?
• The steps are in SEQUENTIAL order. What does that mean? Why would the author do this?
• Could we write our own recipe for a favorite family dish?

Also, make sure to ask literal questions about the recipe, such as.... What step comes after melting the butter? What do I mix with the sugar? How much milk do I add? How many people will this casserole serve?

The trick is to make this questioning natural and conversation-like. School is school. Home is home. :)

Hmmmm....all this recipe talk has made me hungry. What will I make for dinner tonight?

Let's Look at Functional Text

Fucntional text is the "everyday" print that readers come in contact with. Functional text typically provides information and helps us as readers. It can come in many forms, but some examples are fliers, phamplets, recipes, menus, and directions.
There is usually a piece of functional text on the SOL test (Grades 3-5) for students to work with and it is important for us as teachers and parents to expose our children to multiple examples of functional text. Discuss functional text using some of these question stems...

• What is this?
• Example response: "A soup can label"
• What kind of information is it giving us?
• Example response: "The brand, what type of soup, how much is in the can, the nutritional information, the ingredients"
• Why is this information important?
• Why do you think the information is organized this way?

Ask some specific literal questions that encourage the child to locate information. In the case of the soup can, possibly ask...

• What flavor is this soup? How do you know? (Always encourage children to prove with text evidence.)
• What is the first ingredient listed?
• How many grams of fat does this soup have?
• If I have questions about this soup, is there a phone number I can call?

The BIG THING is that children are engaging with the printed material. We also want children to realize that TEXT is all around us and does not JUST appear inside books.

You can try out this exercise with the younger and the older students, just tailor your questions appropriately. Practice this exercise often.

• If you are at a restaurant, use the menu.
• If you are on the computer looking up a movie time, have your child do the searching.
• If you are at church, use the bulletin.
• If you are in the grocery store line, use a product from your cart.
• If you are in the car, use the dashboard panel of your car.
• If you find a flier on your doorstep, use that.

There is functional text everywhere!

Have a GREAT Tuesday. Thanks for checking in!
Mrs. Horsley

Happy Reading Month!

YAY! It's North Landing Reading Month!

Our theme this year piggybacks off of our schoolwide kindness initiative. It is "Great Reads- Pay Them Forward."

Your child will be bringing home a special Reading Month packet (it's on yellow paper) today. Please take a few moments to review the calendar and special events with your child.

Every school day during Reading Month, we will…

· have special guests with their book recommendations live on video. These special guests will be recommending their favorite reads to the students of North Landing. A special card will be posted by each recommended book in the library so that students may easily find them!

· be working hard to meet the NLES AR Challenge Goal! The goal is for every student in the building to take and pass (with an 85% or higher) an AR test! If 100% of our students make the goal, everyone gets a HW pass!

· be hosting MIB (Men in Books) volunteers in the building. Super cool dudes from the community are volunteering to come in and read with our students. If you are a super cool dude and you are interested, we can still add you to the mix!  Contact Mrs. Horsley— anne.horsley@vbschools.com.

· be sending daily literacy tips home to families through text messages and email. If you are interested and have not signed up, please send Mrs. Horsley an email—— anne.horsley@vbschools.com.

 

The FEATURED event this week is to have students complete the "Reading Kindness Chain Link" at home and return to school. Please encourage your child to recommend a favorite book to others on this slip. They will hang in the hall for everyone to see and read. We want to see how long our chain can get!