Fiction
Nonfiction
Text Features
Story Elements
Reading Do's
100

What does "fiction" mean?

"Fiction" means "not real," "fake," or "untrue."

100

What does "nonfiction" mean?

Nonfiction means "real" or "true."

100

What are "text features?"

"Text features" are content or information that add to or help you navigate the story or text, but are not part of the main "body" of information. 

100

What are "story elements?"

"Story elements" help you follow the story events and understand what is happening.

100

How do good readers figure out words?

Good readers look carefully at the sounds (and sound chunks,) stretch out the sounds, clap out or scoop the syllables, and use context clues and pictures to figure out words.

200

What is the "theme" in a fictional story?

The author's message or big idea.

200

What is the "main idea" of a nonfiction text?

The "main idea" is the central point or "big picture" - it's the most important idea in the text or section of text.

200

What are some examples of text features?

Examples of text features we have found and talked about include: table of contents, glossary, index, heading, photograph, illustration (drawing), caption, label, graph, table, map, diagram, bold (dark) print, italicized print, and fact box/sidebar.

200

What are some examples of "story elements?"

"Story elements" include the setting, characters, problem(s), solution(s), and theme. 

200

How do good readers check for understanding?

Good readers check for understanding by asking questions (before, during, and after reading), figuring out the meanings of unknown words, using text features and story elements, rereading, and making inferences.

300

Fictional stories are often based on what?

Fictional stories are usually based on experiences, real or imagined. 

300

"Nonfiction" texts are often based on what?

"Nonfiction" texts are based off real events, phenomena, or people and are told through facts.

300

Which text features add information?

Text features that add information include photographs, illustrations (drawings), captions, labels, graphs, tables, maps, diagrams, and fact boxes/sidebars.

300

What is the "plot" of a fictional story?

The "plot" is the heart of the story - it includes the problem, solution, and story events that happen in between as characters try to solve conflicts with themselves and others.
300

How do good readers read fluently?

Good readers read fluently by reading with appropriate speed, accuracy, and expression (such as distinguishing between dialogue and narrative, bold versus plain text, etc.).

400

Fiction is usually subjective - what does that mean?

"Subjective" means information based on personal opinions, feelings, experiences, or points of view.

400

Nonfiction is usually "objective" - what does that mean?

"Objective" means that information is factual and based on real observations, measurements, or events.

400

Which text features help you find information?

Text features that help you find information include the table of contents, glossary, index, headings, bold (dark) print, and italicized print

400

What is the "setting?"

The setting includes the time AND place of a story - the when and where.

400
How do we become "good readers?"
We become "good readers" by practicing our reading regularly, reading many different kinds of books, and talking about what we have read.
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