Nonfiction book Critiques
Experts urge early childhood educators to use information packaged in a “story” as a major approach in all curricular areas. They propose that a basic characteristic of young children’s intellectual capacity is their delight and “sense–making” of stories, consequently, a prime learning and remembering mode. More and more teachers are attempting a literature based program. Some teachers worry that nonfiction materials may be slighted and excluded even though many nonfiction books are offered in story form.
Nonfiction books make factual statements about animals, objects people, and so forth, and differ from narrative stories in a number of ways. Not all facts presented may be accurate or true so teachers must screen them carefully.Young children may list many nonfiction books among their favorites. The exclusive use of stories might be a barrier to literacy.Locate two nonfiction picture books for young children. (The books may not be books from any of t he modules or books discussed in the text.)Respond to the following for EACH book:
1.Cite title, author, publisher, and publication date
2.List three factual statements found in each book
3.Verify each of the factual statements. Are they accurate? How do you know? (Do not just say you know it is true. Research it. Tell me where you learned it is accurate. Cite the source.)
4.Are there inaccurate statements in the books? How do you know?(Tell me how you know.)