During the last few weeks, first-grade students at Briarcliff Elementary School have been studying nonfiction reading and writing as part of the Common Core curriculum. In addition to reading a wide variety of nonfiction books about sea life, insects, planets and Arctic animals, they have also been learning about nonfiction text features such as introductions, diagrams, glossaries and indexes.

“Students are participating in writer's workshops where they learn to organize information and write with a teaching voice,” said Briarcliff Elementary first-grade teacher Linda Burke, noting the young authors have written books on topics such as sports and animals. “We have focused on how to independently and confidently write an introduction, diagram, directions, glossary and conclusion. Students are also learning to illustrate their books and complete diagrams with captions.”