Writing Informative Texts: Using Facts and Definitions
Writing Informative Texts: Using Facts and Definitions Objective: Students will learn to write informative texts that include facts, definitions, and details to clearly explain a topic, addressing Common Core standard 6.W.3b.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what an informative text is and its purpose.
- Learn how to include facts and definitions in writing to explain a topic.
- Practice writing a short informative paragraph using facts and definitions.
Materials Needed
- Notebook or writing paper
- Pencil or pen
- Example informative paragraph handout
- List of simple topics (e.g., animals, weather, holidays)
- Dictionary or online resource for definitions
Key Vocabulary
- Informative Text
- A type of writing that gives facts and information about a topic.
- Definition
- A statement that explains the meaning of a word or concept.
- Details
- Pieces of information that support or explain the main idea.
Detailed Activities
Introduction to Informative Writing
- Explain to the student that informative writing tells readers about a topic using facts and clear explanations.
- Read an example informative paragraph together, pointing out the facts and definitions used.
- Discuss why facts and definitions help readers understand the topic better.
Choosing a Topic and Gathering Facts
- Help the student choose a simple topic they are interested in from the provided list.
- Use a dictionary or online resource to find definitions related to the topic.
- List 3-4 facts about the topic together, encouraging the student to speak them aloud.
Writing the Informative Paragraph
- Guide the student to write 3-5 sentences about the chosen topic, including at least one definition and two facts.
- Encourage them to use clear language and check spelling as they write.
- Read the paragraph aloud together and make simple edits if needed.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- This lesson focuses on basic informative writing to build foundational skills in explaining topics clearly.
- Encourage your child to speak about their topic before writing to organize their thoughts.
- Be patient and supportive, helping with spelling and sentence ideas as needed.
Assessment Questions
- What is the purpose of an informative text?
- Can you give an example of a definition you wrote in your paragraph?
- What facts did you include to help explain your topic?
Extension Ideas
- Have the student create a small booklet with informative paragraphs about different topics.
- Practice finding definitions in a dictionary or online and writing sentences using those words.
- Encourage your child to explain their paragraph to another family member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Help by asking guiding questions about the topic or looking up simple facts together online or in books.
For a 6-year-old, 3-5 sentences are appropriate to keep the task manageable and build confidence.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Students may confuse informative writing with storytelling and include opinions instead of facts.
- Young learners might find it hard to include definitions and instead just list facts without explanation.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Provide sentence starters such as ‘A ___ is…’ or ‘One fact about ___ is…’.
- Work one-on-one to brainstorm facts before writing.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage adding more details or examples to their paragraphs.
- Ask them to include a short introduction and conclusion sentence.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend extra time on discussing examples and identifying facts and definitions if needed.
- Allow breaks between activities to maintain focus, especially for younger learners.
Standards
- 6.W.3b — Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly, including definitions and facts.
Printable Worksheet
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