Research Supporting the Read, Reflect…Connect Nonfiction Educational Resources

       Reading nonfiction presents unique challenges for students, as texts include photographs, charts, headings, bold print, captions, and indexes—elements that require skills beyond traditional fiction reading (RI.2.5–RI.5.5). Research shows that students comprehend and retain more information when they actively engage with the text, take notes, and make connections to prior knowledge (Graham & Perin, 2007). The RRC workbook guides students through this process, prompting them to record facts, reflect on ideas, and build connections across texts, themselves, and the world. By writing down key information, students strengthen comprehension, reinforce memory, and create a framework for future learning (Keene & Zimmermann, 1997).

Structured modeling is critical to student success. Fisher and Frey (2008) emphasize that students benefit from guided practice, where teachers demonstrate strategies such as Venn diagrams, compare-and-contrast activities, and mind maps before students work independently. These scaffolded approaches help students organize information visually or linearly, accommodating diverse learning styles and fostering independence. By moving from modeled lessons to small-group practice and independent application, students develop both confidence and critical thinking skills, while aligning with Common Core standards for reading and writing (RI.2.1–RI.5.8; W.2.2–W.5.2).