Complex Cognitive Processes

For this assignment, I will be a school media specialist teaching Kindergartners the difference between fiction and non-fiction. 

• To facilitate positive transfer I will start with a few fairytales that all the children are familiar with like Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella.  It will be easier for the children to understand that these books are fiction, because they already understand that giants aren't real and pumpkins cannot change into carriages.
• For near transfer I will chose a social studies textbook that they use in class.  Because they are familiar with facts in these books, it will be easier for them to grasp the concept of non-fiction material representing factual information.
• To facilitate far transfer, I will show them an illustrated book about fire safety and ask them whether it is fiction or non-fiction.  They will have to make the connection that non-fiction books can be more than just textbooks.  In fact, they can be about a variety of topics and be delivered in different formats.
• Lastly, to prevent negative transfer, I will introduce some fictional books that are more realistic so the children don't assume that fiction is just fairytales.