Before I had decided to intentionally
focus on using nonfiction texts in the
classroom, one active and inquisitive
boy had done everything possible to
avoid sitting on the rug with a book
during independent reading time.
Finally, after some pleading on my part,
he would get a book and go through
the motions. During this period of
time, however, I noticed him pouring
over the nonfiction books with an
excitement and interest he had never
before expressed. He especially loved
any book about trains. He had visited
many railroad stations and could make
interesting connections to the content
and photographs in the books.