American author and journalist Tom Wolfe once said, “The problem with fiction is that it has to be plausible. That’s not true with non-fiction”. This is a great argument for suggesting that our children read more non-fiction, especially if you have a reluctant reader.
Much of our focus on reading in school, especially reading for pleasure, is on fiction, which is not a bad thing as fiction stories draw readers into amazing worlds with fantastic beasts and relatable characters. However, for some children learning to read, this sense of wonder at a story does not exist or at the very least is not so strong. This is where the argument for non-fiction comes in.
The universe is an infinitely crazy, bewildering and beautiful place, where often the truth is stranger than fiction. From zombie starfish to carnivorous plants there’s plenty of content out there to make you think ‘you couldn’t make this up’!
Sometimes, the need for a reluctant reader to know more keeps them going back to non-fiction, even when tackling books of facts that are designed for much older readers. It is arguably easier to persevere with a non-fiction book than with a fiction or chapter book, because the layout and graphics are more accessible. The rhythm and excitement of a story can be lost in the plodding pace that sometimes comes with learning to read. However, in non-fiction, pace isn’t as important and the reader can digest things at their own speed. The need to know is a strong motivator and, somehow, the fact that a child knows that the things they are reading about actually exist in the world, makes the effort of reading or the very least flicking through the pictures, worth the work. Usborne books do a great range of ‘animal fact’ books for the early reader.
Knowledge is power in this world and good non-fiction is so empowering. When we understand science, we are less likely to fall prey to superstition. When we understand history, we can begin to shape our own future and understand our origins. When we learn how things work, we can fix them. When we feel we know things about the world around us, we can be confident in our opinions. Reading non-fiction for pleasure can give every child the tools they need to better understand the world we live in. Fostering a love of informative reading at an early age prepares children for adult life, encourages questioning and critical thinking and builds a functional, adult vocabulary.
TOP TIP
Always have a couple of really good non-fiction books, texts or magazines lying around in the places children spend most time; in the car, by the bed, in the loo, by the bath and encourage them to flick through in spare moments.
