Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
New
New
Year 3

Reading a section of the non-fiction book 'Rushing Rivers'

I can learn information about rivers by reading a non-fiction text.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 3

Reading a section of the non-fiction book 'Rushing Rivers'

I can learn information about rivers by reading a non-fiction text.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Non-fiction texts do not have to be read in order from the first to the last page.
  2. Using the features of a non-fiction text helps the reader to navigate the text effectively.
  3. Skimming and scanning for keywords helps the reader find and retrieve important information.
  4. Note-taking is an effective way to summarise the most important information and embed new knowledge.

Common misconception

Children may find it difficult to identify which words should be included in bullet-point notes.

Model non-examples, e.g., 'downhill' and ask which keyword might be missing. 'Flows downhill' summarises appropriately.

Keywords

  • Navigate - to find your way to something

  • Skimming - to read over a text quickly to get the main ideas and key points

  • Scanning - searching the text for specific information or keywords

  • Note-taking - writing down keywords or pieces of information out of full sentences

  • Summarise - to pull out the key information and ideas from the text

Ensure each child has a photocopy of the section 'From mountain to ocean' so that they can manipulate the text to deploy their reading strategies.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

Skip video

Loading...

Some of our videos, including non-English language videos, do not have captions.

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
True or False? You need to read a non-fiction book like 'Rushing Rivers' from the start to the end in order.
Correct Answer: False, false
Q2.
In a non-fiction text, which page outlines what is in the text with page numbers?
blurb
Correct answer: contents
glossary
index
front cover
Q3.
In a non-fiction text, which page provides keywords and their definitions?
index
contents
Correct answer: glossary
front cover
blurb
Q4.
In a non-fiction text, which page gives a list of words/topics and all of the pages they appear on?
contents
front cover
blurb
Correct answer: index
glossary
Q5.
Which of the following layout features are used in 'Rushing Rivers' to highlight important information?
headlines
Correct answer: facts
Correct answer: "spotlight" boxes
images
Q6.
What is the purpose of 'Rushing Rivers'?
to share opinions about rivers
Correct answer: to share facts about rivers
to tell a story about rivers

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What does it mean to navigate a text?
read it from start to finish
Correct answer: find your way to certain information
scan for keywords
Q2.
Match the vocabulary to the correct definition.
Correct Answer:skim,read over a text quickly to get the main ideas

read over a text quickly to get the main ideas

Correct Answer:scan,search the text for specific information or keywords

search the text for specific information or keywords

Correct Answer:note take,write down keywords or pieces of information

write down keywords or pieces of information

Q3.
Which of the following is an effective way to organise note taking?
paragraphs
Correct answer: bullet points
full sentences
Q4.
What is the name of the beginning of a river?
"mountain"
"mouth"
"ocean"
Correct answer: "source"
Q5.
What is the name for where the river meets the ocean?
stream
Correct answer: "mouth"
"source"
hill
Q6.
Complete the sentence. Rivers move from a mountain to the ocean.
Correct Answer: "downhill", "down hill"