Why is Non-Fiction Important?

In today’s New York Times, an article entitled “The Times and the Common Core Standards” included some very interesting statistics regarding the importance of reading and understanding informational text in order to succeed in the academic world. According to the article, as a student progresses throughout his or her educational career, reading should include more and more non-fiction reading. The article summarizes, “While English classes will still include healthy amounts of fiction, the standards say that students should be reading more nonfiction texts as they get older, to prepare them for the kinds of material they will read in college and careers. In the fourth grade, students should be reading about the same amount from “literary” and “informational” texts, according to the standards; in the eighth grade, 45 percent should be literary and 55 percent informational, and by 12th grade, the split should be 30/70” (Schulten). As our library staff looks for ways to assist teachers and students in these areas, we have not only added a required non-fiction element to the A.R. goal, but also, have increased the amount of informational text that we use in the research process with students as young as 2nd grade while making sure that we read an equal amount of non-fiction and fiction during our early learner’s reading times. Additionally, we require all 1st graders to check out one non-fiction book each week. As we study the research and look for ways to put the findings into practice, we are seeing our students’ vocabulary and understanding of technical information increasing.


Schulten, K. “The Times and the Common Core Standards: Reading Strategies for Informational Text.” New York Times.

Literary Magazine

The library staff is currently accepting entries for the first ECS Literary Magazine.  A letter was sent to parents and teachers of students in 2nd through 8th grades.  We are seeking superior writing of prose and poetry, as well as artwork, and photography done by our students.  Entries are being accepted through March 1. If enough entries are submitted, the magazine will be published in the spring. 

Helpful Information

For the past year and a half, I have been compiling a wikispace with valuable research steps and links for projects.  I have passed this information along in the past, but wanted to remind you of this valuable tool.  The space can be accessed at www.ecsresearch.wikispaces.com.  Please consider using the steps in the Big 6 provided as a guide to teaching research and using the links as well.  Let me know if you have questions. 

Library T-Shirts

Orders are being taken for the newest library t-shirts.  Sign ups are in the workroom at the East Campus.  The shirts are pictured below.

Common Core: How's that Working for You?

There's a whole lot of informational text being decifered in the media center, and it's not just by 8th graders.  First grade students will begin a unit on non-fiction reading strategies using our ever popular dog series beginning this week.  Second grade students have been reading, discussing, and pulling apart solar system books in order to find facts that they will include in their fantasy stories about space, third grade students are currently finishing up their Evansville history unit by perusing a website that details the terms of each of Evansville's mayors. 4th graders are beginning a volcano unit where they will research volcanoes and develop lesson plans for Kindergarten and 1st grade students. 5th graders are beginning a research teaching unit on ecosystems, 6th graders will begin a space unit in January; 7th graders are doing research on Victorian England and how it affected the writing of Charles Dickens, and 8th graders just finished partner texts that showed the development of themes in the writing of J.R.R. Tolkien.  You don't have to read between the lines to understand that our media center is being used alot to help our students understand the research process while delving into informational text.  Come by sometimes; you might learn something.