P.2 — What do you think these pages will be about? (Some deserts of the world) How do you know that? (Yes, you saw the subtitle in bold print at the top of page two.)

When doing your picture walk, did anyone notice the words that were on the pictures? We call those labels. Often times when we are reading nonfiction, we may not know what is shown in the pictures. It helps us to understand what we are reading when pictures in nonfiction texts are labeled.

When reading nonfiction text it is very important to be consciously thinking about what we are reading. A great way to do this is to ask questions while you are reading.

Using sticky notes, ask yourself an “I wonder...” question and write it down. Place it on the page you are reading. Let’s share our “I wonder” questions. Also, using sticky notes write an “I never knew...” thought. These questions and thoughts help solidify our reading of nonfiction texts.

Nonfiction text can be more difficult and rigorous to read. There tends to be a lot of information within a page or paragraph. Backing up and rereading is a wonderful strategy to use when reading nonfiction text.

Model this strategy while reading the text. Stop at the end of a page and say “What did I just read? I’m not sure. I’m going to go back and reread.” Rereading text is what good readers do to make sure they have understood what they have read.

Nonfiction texts often require us to slow down our reading rate. If we read too fast, we might miss meaning in the information rich text of nonfiction books and articles.

Model a slower reading rate by reading the first pages aloud at the appropriate pace. Emphasize the bold print.

Nonfiction text can often be full of pictures, illustrations, and diagrams. Learning to pay close attention to these text features is an important reading strategy. The author had a purpose when they put that particular picture, illustration, or diagram in their text.

P.12. There is a picture of a Saguaro Cactus and a Mesquite Tree. Look at the roots. What is the difference between the shallow roots and the taproots? What does that tell us about the Saguaro and the Mesquite?