Non Fiction November

Non-Fiction November was started by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups as a way to highlight the importance of information books and to promote reading non-fiction for pleasure. So this is an excellent opportunity for teachers to encourage pupils to read non-fiction and informational texts. It’ll also encourage those who already enjoy non-fiction to explore even more.

1. Create Themed Reading Corners

Set up a special area or transform the reading corner in your classroom to non-fiction books. Maybe you could even encourage some Reading Ambassadors to swap the non-fiction books every couple of days. 

2. Book Talks

Encourage pupils to share interesting facts they've learned from non-fiction books with their classmates throughout this month. Or to bring in non-fiction books that they have particularly enjoyed to recommend to others. 

3. Mini projects

Use non-fiction books as starting points for individual or group research projects. Encourage pupils to make these into booklets that can be displayed or shared with the class. These can also be used in a cross curricular way, not just in English lessons.

4. Cross-Curricular Connections

Link non-fiction reading to other subjects like science, history or art. For example, habitats in science or famous artists in art.

Resources for Teachers

There are so many fantastic resources to help you find great non-fiction books. Here are a few examples: 

• Reader Teacher Non-Fiction Reads for primary school aged pupils.

• The 2024 ideas booklet by The Federation of Children’s Book Groups. 

• LoveReading4Kids

Encouraging Discussion

The theme for the 2024 Non-Fiction November is Why Don’t You…? and is designed to start discussions around hobbies and leisure activities to encourage pupils to try something new. Pupils often enjoy talking about their hobbies, so maybe see what books you have in school around this topic. 

Final thoughts

By making the most of Non-Fiction November in your classroom, you might find that this month opens up a whole new area of reading for pleasure that some pupils hadn’t previously discovered.