Differences between fiction and non-fiction texts
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare fiction and non-fiction texts.
Key learning points
- Fiction books are made up by the author and non-fiction books provide information based on facts.
- Fiction books have fictional characters and places and non-fiction books provide information about real subjects.
- Fiction books often have illustrations and non-fiction books often have photographs or diagrams of real things.
- Fiction books usually follow a story structure and non-fiction books are usually organised by topic or subject.
- Fiction books often have a moral and non-fiction books are designed to provide information and teach new things.
Keywords
Fiction - made up stories with characters, places and adventures which did not happen in real life
Non-fiction - real information or events
Fact - something that is known to be true or proved
Feature - special characteristics that belong to a text
Comparison - similarities and differences between two things
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to name the features of a non-fiction text (contents, glossary, caption etc.)
This content will continue to be covered as the children move through school. The key learning here is understanding the difference between fiction and non-fiction. Continue to model the language and point out the differences for the children.
Teacher tip
Have available lots of examples of fiction and non-fiction texts known to the children so they can practically compare. Provide children with the features you want them to sort into a Venn diagram for Task C. In Task B, children could do this verbally or through drawings depending on writing skills.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the 2018 Alanna Max edition of 'Lulu Gets a Cat' by Anna McQuinn.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do story books often have in them?
Q2.Which of these are characters from the story 'Little Red Riding Hood'?
Q3.What do we call the name of a book?
Q4.What are the hand-drawn or painted pictures in a story book called?
Q5.Put these key parts of a story in the order they usually go in.
Q6.What type of text is 'Lulu Gets a Cat'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match these keywords to their definitions.
made up stories which did not happen in real life
real information or events
something that is known to be true or proved
Q2.Identify the key features of a non-fiction text.
Q3.Identify the key features of a fiction text.
Q4.What do both fiction and non-fiction texts always have?
Q5.Which of these are non-fiction texts?
Q6.What is a heading?
To help you plan your 1 English lesson on: Differences between fiction and non-fiction texts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 English lesson on: Differences between fiction and non-fiction texts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 English lessons from the Looking after pets: reading and writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.