Non-fiction teaching resources

Non-fiction refers to texts based on facts, real events, people, or information, rather than imaginative storytelling. In an educational context, non-fiction encompasses a broad range of materials including biographies, news articles, reports, instructions, explanations, and reference books. Teaching with non-fiction resources is vital for developing pupils’ literacy skills, particularly in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to distinguish between fact and opinion.

Non-fiction is a key component of the English curriculum across primary and secondary education in the UK. It helps pupils understand how information is organised, such as through headings, subheadings, bullet points, captions, and glossaries. Exposure to non-fiction texts also supports cross-curricular learning by enabling pupils to access information in subjects such as science, history, geography, and citizenship.

Teachers use non-fiction resources to:

• Teach pupils how to locate and retrieve information efficiently.
• Model and practise summarising and synthesising information.
• Develop skills in evaluating sources for reliability and bias.
• Encourage writing for real purposes, such as creating reports or instructions.
• Build subject knowledge and vocabulary across the curriculum.

Non-fiction materials can be differentiated for a wide range of reading abilities and interests, supporting both whole-class instruction and independent study. By engaging with non-fiction texts, pupils learn essential skills for academic achievement and lifelong learning, such as researching, note-taking, and presenting information clearly. Incorporating non-fiction into lessons helps pupils make connections between classroom learning and the wider world, fostering curiosity and informed citizenship.