Lessons & Units :: Genre Kindergarten Unit

Lesson 4: Distinguishing Fiction and Nonfiction

Lesson Plan

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type | 160L

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type
Learning Goal
Identify the difference between fiction and nonfiction.
Duration
Approximately 50 minutes
Necessary Materials
Provided: Independent Practice Worksheet
Not Provided: Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin, See How They Grow: Calf (DK Publishing), fiction and nonfiction books from classroom library

  • Teacher Modeling

    will show the covers of Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin and See How They Grow: Calf (DK Publishing). I will explain that both of these books are about cows but one is fiction and one is nonfiction. I will model using the covers of the books to think about whether the pictures are real or make-believe. I will do a picture walk of each book, sharing my thoughts about the pictures and whether I think each book is fiction or nonfiction, based on the pictures.

  • Think Check

    Ask: "How do I know whether a book is fiction or nonfiction?" Students should respond that you look at the pictures and determine if they are real or make-believe pictures.

  • Guided Practice

    will read each of the books and discuss whether the text gives us information or whether it is a story from the author’s imagination. We will discuss which book is fiction and which nonfiction and our reasoning.

  • Independent Practice

    will look at the covers and do a picture walk of several (fiction and nonfiction) books with your group. You will identify one book that is fiction and one book that is nonfiction and explain your reasoning. (Independent Practice Worksheet is provided.)

    TIP: The Independent Practice can be done in small groups and managed throughout the day. For example, you may decide to give each group 10 minutes in the class library to identify a fiction and nonfiction book. This can be done during a transition time or when other work is completed.

Build Student Vocabulary electric

Tier 2 Word: electric
Contextualize the word as it is used in the story The cows wrote that the barn is very cold at night, and they would like some electric blankets.
Explain the meaning student-friendly definition) Electricity is the energy that powers machines. Something that is electric uses electricity. Electric blankets are blankets that use power to get warm. They are plugged into the wall, where they get their charge.
Students repeat the word Say the word electric with me: electric.
Teacher gives examples of the word in other contexts Something electric works by electricity. The lights in this classroom are electric. Computers are electric. A toaster and an electric coffeepot run by electricity. They need to be plugged into an electric outlet to work.
Students provide examples Can you think of something else that is electric? Tell me about it by saying, “A ____________ is electric.”
Students repeat the word again. What word are we talking about? electric
Additional Vocabulary Words furious, problem

Build Student Background Knowledge

Pause at page 2 of Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type. Ask students what the "Click, Clack" sound is in the story. Explain that it is the sound of a typewriter. A typewriter is a machine used to write. Typewriters are not used very much in today's world, because we use computers to write, play games, and collect information. Share a photograph of a real typewriter and a real computer.

Texts & Materials

Standards Alignment

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