Standards for young students focus heavily on reading comprehension and understanding the basics of writing. Common Core has especially upped the ante on this one. Educators today dwell heavily on comprehension, especially when it comes to non-fiction.
First, of course, a student must be able to determine if what they are reading is Real or Fictional. Using a basic lesson idea from our curriculum, I took and expanded it to something large and hands-on.
The idea found in 1st Grade English Skills: Reading for Christian Students, provided 6 sentences (3 real and 3 fictional). While they suggested writing these on sentence strips and placing them on a word wall, I decided to make use of my large notebook paper.
If the sentence was real, the student was to place a card with the letter R next to the sentence. If the sentence was fictional, the student would place a card with the letter F next to the sentence. Again, I chose to take a slightly different direction and use pictures. Turning to Microsoft Word, I just happened to find 2 perfect pictures to use as markers.
One picture is of a real cricket. The other is of a fictitious cricket.
Using my handy Velcro, I created movable markers and a storage pocket out of construction paper. The entire thing is glued to a piece of poster board.
Voila! A perfect large visual and interactive way to discuss Real vs. Fictional!
This idea is simple and easily reproducible. Basic art supplies are all you need. Please feel free to use and incorporate into your lesson plans. Just remember, these 6 sentences are not my recreation, but that of 1st Grade English Skills: Reading for Christian Students.
Enjoy!