How to Write Non-Fiction for Early Elementary Students

Writing non-fiction for young children is not much different than writing fiction. Short, simple and to the point is the best approach. If you need to create non-fictional material for your young child or class to read, give this approach a try.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose an appropriate subject. History and biography are popular choices for many non-fiction texts, but you can also venture into science, nature or how-to texts.
2. Outline the basic elements that need to be addressed. Biographies, for example, should include information about where the person was born, what struggles they might have faced, education and influence.
3. Keep sentence to no more than eight words long. Do no use commas, if possible, to keep the sentence structure simple.
4. Use one- or two-syllable words. Children in this age group are just learning to read, so longer, multi-syllabic words will cause frustration and confusion.
5. Write three to four sentences per paragraph. Anything more than that becomes overwhelming. Young readers need to be able to digest information a little bit at a time.
6. Keep instructions simple. If writing a how-to piece, be certain that each step is outlined clearly and simply.

Tips & Warnings

• Engage your young readers by writing about topics that will interest them. Popular figures with interesting lives are a better choice than someone who lived three hundred years ago.
• Avoid controversial topics like race or religion, unless you are certain you can handle it in an objective, respectful manner. Likewise, avoid topics of current wars or catastrophes for this age group.