5 Key Benefits of Non-Fiction in Education

Over recent years we have seen a noticeable rise in the inclusion of non-fiction in the curriculum as researchers globally recognise the increased value of these books as a gateway to learning.

Non-fiction makes information accessible to children who perhaps don’t readily go to books as a leisure activity. Children who are simply curious about the world come to non-fiction to find answers, facts and knowledge about everything, and this, in turn, helps create new readers and new learners.

Traditionally fiction tends to be a popular part of the education pathway, but the importance of non-fiction should not be overlooked as a key tool for developing students achievements, especially when they are introduced in the early years.

Non-fiction brings alive subjects in a truly unique way with a wonderful combination of words and images, engaging and stimulating children at all ages and abilities; enticing and capturing attention in a way that fiction often cannot. Non-fiction intrigues curious minds and improves reading skills simultaneously. Publishers recognise this and are aware that not every child is an attentive reader and can provide a hands-on approach to learning with non-fiction, such as with fun experiments or activities that can be done in the classroom or at home, taking learning to a whole new level.

Ground-breaking computer-generated images, state of the art photography, illustrations and easy-to-read layouts are used to ensure non-fiction books can captivate even the most reluctant learner. Gone are the days of non-fiction heavy text-based books, the ‘infographic’ approach allows children to learn contextually, even if they cannot grasp the written message, the images illustrate the key points and bring the subject to life. An aspect which is particularly useful when teaching a student in their second language. Images also help make topics relevant, relating any subject to daily life and making more complex ideas and events accessible.

Children want to understand what is happening around them and are incredibly engaged in many local and global issues. In today’s ever-increasing technological age the accessibility of immediate information is universal. The internet is a mass repository of information and misinformation, and immediacy does not always guarantee the reliability, especially in this era of data manipulation and ‘fake news’. The use of non-fiction in classrooms and school libraries provides engaging curated content from a trusted and well-researched authority source.

By cultivating an inspiring collection of books in your classroom library, it may unlock not only a passion in your students that surpasses the boundaries of the school curriculum but inspire a future career. With non-fiction covering a vast array of subjects and genres, a world of possibilities and adventures is opened to young and curious minds. We are facing bigger problems universally than history has ever seen, from over-population to climate change and are in more need than ever for new solutions and ideas to be discovered. So much of this responsibility will lie on the shoulders of our younger generations and there is an opportunity to inspire an exciting future that could truly make a difference.

Today’s world can be tough as students are expected to excel and progress to further education just to remain competitive. Supporting students facing an unprecedented career length and international competition, it is essential that we encourage a passion for reading at an early age and provide them with every advantage. By engaging children in a topic that they love, whether it be dinosaurs or space, non-fiction can provide children with an opportunity to succeed and start a lifelong love of learning.