Inside: Are you looking to expand your reading units beyond the typical “boxed curriculum”? Are you ready to give your students something fresh and new? Learn how to incorporate nonfiction unit studies in your reading block today!
Nonfiction Unit Studies to the Rescue
Nonfiction unit studies aren’t some glamourous new “shiny object syndrome”. They’re a way to add a huge spark back to your teaching! Sadly, textbooks can often limit our ability as teachers to teach beyond a snippet of text. Students are tired of the same stories and worksheets. Honestly, so are teachers! There’s only so much you can do to spice up a consumable workbook! Not to mention that the depth and complexity are usually lacking in the reading passages. Most of the time, they will skim across a topic, and then POOF, the knowledge is gone!
What if I told you that you could engage students and dive in deep with a topic?
The #1 thing that I like most about unit studies is that I can teach multiple subjects within a specific topic. Also, I find it easy to incorporate writing, research, handwriting, and geography…you name it! The benefits are endless!
Benefits of Nonfiction Unit Studies
Unit studies don’t just have to be for in-class learners. Unit studies for homeschooled students can be just as beneficial, if not more so. Parents can take advantage of a more flexible schedule to extend learning to outdoor experiments, local library events, or even integrate creative art projects. Regardless of where your learner is attending school, the benefits outweigh a workbook page any day!
- Authentic learning with reading passages based on real experiences
- Engaging subject matter
- Sparks curiosity
- Flexible with all learning styles
- Creative projects
- Time Saver (multiple subjects at a time)
- Multiple avenues of information (digital or print materials)
- Small groups and GT extensions
“Curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney
Let’s not squelch that curiosity with endless worksheets, laborious reading assignments, or a one-size-fits-all approach. Students will fall in love with learning in new and exciting ways once they know they can. You have the power to permit them to be creative!
Nonfiction Unit Study Ideas
I’ve always loved setting aside time for unit studies with my 4th-grade students. This routine became our fun time together to learn a new topic. It was also the moment that I had them in the palm of my hand with storytelling. They loved listening to my travels…getting swept away in my stories of the cultures, customs, animals, or even silly flight details. It didn’t matter what it was. They were able to leave the four walls of our classroom and let their imaginations soar freely. After seeing their learning explode, I had to figure out how to bring this same energy to 1st-3rd grade students! I utilized all of the best practices from my upper-grade nonfiction passages and put a primary spin on them. I fell in love with these destinations all over again, now seeing the words come alive in new ways for this age group.
Level Up Your Nonfiction Unit Studies with these 7 Components
1. Nonfiction Passage
Your students will enjoy reading an original passage with a twist based on animals from around the world. They’re not your average animal passages! These are topics like trekking to see gorillas in Uganda, and holding a koala in Brisbane will excite your readers like never before!
2. Comprehension Questions
These questions are straightforward, and students can return to the text to find their answers. Students will gain confidence in their comprehension abilities with each passage!
3. Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
Think of these as cloze reading and comprehension in one! Students will be able to use their logical reasoning and inferential skills to answer these questions independently.
4. Picture Support
Students will enjoy seeing pictures of the passages to help them understand the story. These are great for a unit launch, ELL support, or writing prompts. Best of all, these pictures from my travels and students can experience them from the author’s perspective.
∗Answer Keys
You know I wouldn’t leave you hanging on this one! I’ve provided you with the answer keys for the Comprehension Fill-in-the-Blank Questions.
Unit Study Bonuses for an EXTRA Level Up
5. Sequencing Graphic Organizers
I think your students will enjoy using these sequencing graphic organizers with nonfiction text. Fiction texts typically rely on sequencing, but my students have learned crossover skills related to expository text and writing. They use the sequencing graphic organizers to identify what happens first, next, and last. Then they notice how when they write an expository composition, they can use those as transition words (such as: “My first reason why Halloween is my favorite holiday.”). Little micro-learning moments pop up all of the time! The graphic organizers come in a variety of formats and can be used with any text (also sold separately).
6. Journal Writing Paper
Unit studies naturally lend themselves to writing and research! Why not take full advantage of that and let your students explore a topic in more depth? Remember: work smarter, not harder! The journal writing paper comes in a variety of formats and line widths.
7. Word Searches and More
I couldn’t help myself! These pages just seemed like a great way to sprinkle in a few additional skills. There are three different leveled word search options. Also, the word search allows students to practice alphabetical order. They’ll be using the same words used in the word search. There’s also a place for them to draw a picture! Of course, you know I’ve included answer keys as well! My favorite ways to use these are:
- Morning Work
- Centers
- Early Finishers
- Fun Friday Activities
- Brain Challenges
- Individual Incentives (“grade” it with a scented sticker or marker, hand out a ticket for completion, etc.)
I hope your students enjoy learning about different topics with the unit studies! They’ve been a game-changer with my students, and some of them have even told me that it doesn’t feel like they’re “doing work”! I smile on the inside knowing that I’ve done my job…letting their creativity soar and releasing them from the monotonous boredom of workbooks.
My boredom has also disappeared! Win-win!
Are you excited to give this a try? Grab these nonfiction unit studies in my store today!
Rooting you on with trying out unit studies in your classroom or with your homeschooled children!
Explore. Travel. Read. Repeat.
