Non-Fiction a Non-Issue?
Non-Fiction Focus is Changing the Way Students Read Literature.
Oct 27, 2009
With today's ever changing standards in educational curriculum, non-fiction literature and informational pieces are making their way into lesson plans and becoming a staple in teaching expectations. Non-fiction is no longer confined to the core subjects of history or science classrooms as new textbooks highlight informational reading passages to strengthen student comprehension of the skills needed to do well in subjects such as math and English. Students often view this type of reading as tedious or unimportant, neglecting the idea that non-fiction is their life; it's what they live every day making it far from a "non-issue".
From Fictional to Factual
However, the word "non-fiction" tends to trigger a classroom full of rolling eyes followed by droopy eyelids as teachers attempt to engage student interest for essays or informational text provided by the textbook. Non-fiction doesn't boast the entertaining concepts of vampires or magic, but it can bring more to the table that many may realize. The question plaguing the classroom is: How can teachers get their students interested in reading more than fantastical fiction? The answer: Connect it!
Most fictional authors base their stories on real ideas. Vampires and shape shifters, the major focus of the Twilight Saga (Meyers, 2005) can springboard into non-fiction reading selections that will interest students and keep them yearning for more. Vampires are not something that Meyers herself created overnight and the research available on the concept of real vampires lends itself to folklore and understanding Native American tribal traditions (The Quiluete Nation is a major component in the novels and is a real tribe in La Push, Washington), as well as other beliefs throughout the world. There's your non-fiction connection!
Regaining Relevance
Non-fiction reading selections don't have to be confined to essays or just reading passages in text books. Ideas that can bring the non-fiction reading to life and hold the students' interest simply take a little finagling on the educators behalf. Seabiscuit, An American Legend (Hillenbrand, 2003) is a novel taught in many school districts throughout the country. This excellent piece of non-fiction American Literature in and of itself is an informational piece of hope during a time of great depression in the United States.
Having students read articles about the horse and/or watch films (PBS.org) can spark an interest in the real story of a racehorse that turned the world around. All of the intertwining pieces are non-fiction elements that meet the new rigorous standards states are now requiring in the reading curriculum for classrooms around the nation.
Informational Text as Illuminating Text
How about informational text? The value of following regimented literature such as reading a computer programming manual or technical directions about the use of a compass is highly underestimated. Students might find an analysis of the school's dress code or rules and regulations far more fascinating and relevant than technical directions, but they are in essence reading the same concept - a manual provided to them with instructions on how to accomplish a task; the task now being a successful student.
Both non-fiction and informational text assists students in understanding many facets of literature that are far from mundane. The reading genre also provides students opportunities to evaluate an author's purpose, tone, style, and perspective; elements fundamental in the reading of less factual material. Don't discount a fascinating focus on non-fiction because it is certainly not a non-issue in our current educational climate.
References
Hillenbrand, Laura. Seabiscuit an American Legend. New York: Ballantine Books, 2002.
Meyer, Stephanie. Twilight Saga. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2005.
"WGBH American Experience - Seabiscuit." PBS.com. 27 Oct. 2009.
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