Characters

• Character development is an important component of narrative nonfiction. All the facts of the true story or event are explained in terms of characters. Elementary school children should be able to identify these characters and track their progress or journey throughout the story by the end of their lesson. The teachers may demonstrate this concept while they read some books to the children. Children may, then, read a narrative nonfiction independently to test their understanding.
  
  

Plot

• Children should also be able to identify the main plot of the story. A narrative nonfiction presents true facts in form of a series of events which form the main plot of the story. Children will learn important concepts while they try to understand the troubles and conflicts that the main characters of the text go through to achieve their final goals. All the events culminate in an achievement or disaster at the end of the story. The teacher may, again, demonstrate these concepts and also let the children read a narrative nonfiction text by themselves.
  
  

Facts

• The teacher should also help the children understand the true facts and events explained in the text. Telling students that these are often hidden in the main plot but are factually correct may help them learn important scientific or historical concepts in an entertaining way. This is especially effective for elementary school children as many of them may not find non=fiction books interesting.
  
  

Milestones

• Most elementary school teachers set up small milestones that help them judge the student’s understanding and progress. The children must be able to differentiate between expository and narrative nonfiction. They should also appreciate all the components of narrative nonfiction. The teacher may use questioning before, during and after the reading session to expand the comprehension.
  
  

Additional Tips

• It's important to build the reading stamina of the children before introducing the components of narrative nonfiction. Many children will be at a lower nonfiction reading level than the fiction reading level. Hence, make sure that nonfiction is always a part of the child’s independent reading activity. Form small groups and partnerships. This will encourage the kids and promote better understanding of narrative nonfiction.