Nonfiction authors include numbers, data, stats to provide readers with accurate, evidence-based information.
Use Journey North News for mentor text activities:
1. Find the math.
Look for evidence of math in the text, photos, maps, charts, tables, and graphs of a news update. Examine how the numbers and math terms are used to present and support important and accurate information. Sort into categories: quantifies, compares, measures, orders, etc.
2. Do the math. Write the math.
Go deep by studying what maps, graphs, and charts reveal by writing fact sentences. Challenge yourself to use the language of math: difference, range, average, estimates, ratio, fraction, percent, etc.
3. Note creative techniques that make numbers and stats work in nonfiction writing.
Pay attention to how writers present numbers and stats in ways that help readers understand complex information. How do they make the math interesting and not overwhelming? What graphic design techniques can help illuminate numbers and stats on maps, charts, and tables?
4. Provide guided practice with journal pages.
Collect the journal pages with numbers and stats. Make a math wall that showcases how numbers and stats are embedded into nonfiction writing.
Numbers and Stats
Try it! Journal Activity:
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