Writing Informative Texts: How-To Writing
Writing Informative Texts: How-To Writing Objective: Students will be able to write informative texts that clearly introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement, addressing standard 3.W.4.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the main topic of an informative text.
- Use facts and details to explain the topic clearly.
- Write a concluding sentence that summarizes the information.
Materials Needed
- Paper or writing journal
- Pencil
- Examples of simple how-to texts (e.g., How to Brush Your Teeth)
- Picture cards or objects for brainstorming
Key Vocabulary
- Informative Text
- A type of writing that gives facts and information about a topic.
- Topic
- The subject or main idea of a piece of writing.
- Concluding Statement
- A sentence at the end that wraps up the information.
Detailed Activities
Understanding Informative Texts
- Read an example how-to text aloud with your child.
- Discuss the main topic and the facts included.
- Point out the introduction and concluding statement.
Brainstorming a Topic
- Help your child choose a simple how-to topic they know well (e.g., How to Make a Sandwich).
- Use picture cards or objects to list steps or facts about the topic.
- Write down the ideas together.
Writing the Informative Text
- Guide your child to write a short introduction naming the topic.
- Help them write sentences that explain the steps or facts about the topic.
- Assist in writing a concluding sentence that wraps up the topic.
- Review the writing together and praise their effort.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Encourage your child to think about topics they enjoy and know well for writing.
- Keep the writing session positive and supportive; focus on ideas more than spelling or grammar at this stage.
- Use examples and discussion to build understanding before writing.
Assessment Questions
- What is the main topic of your writing?
- Can you tell me one fact or step you included in your text?
- How did you end your writing? What does your concluding sentence say?
Extension Ideas
- Create a drawing or diagram to go along with the how-to writing.
- Write another how-to text on a different topic and compare the two.
- Read more how-to books or texts together to see different examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Encourage them to say their ideas aloud first and write down key words; you can help put these into sentences.
It can be just a few sentences that clearly explain the topic and steps; quality is more important than length.
Yes, but try to let them write as much as they can independently to build confidence.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children may repeat the topic instead of providing facts or details.
- Some may write a list instead of full sentences explaining the topic.
- Students might forget to include a concluding statement.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Allow drawing or verbal explanations instead of writing full sentences.
- Provide sentence starters or fill-in-the-blank templates.
- Work in small, manageable steps with frequent praise.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage adding more detailed facts or examples.
- Have them include labels or captions for drawings.
- Challenge them to write informative texts on more complex topics.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend the first 10 minutes on reading and discussing examples.
- Use 15 minutes for brainstorming and organizing ideas.
- Spend the last 20 minutes writing and reviewing the informative text.
Standards
- 3.W.4 — Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Printable Worksheet
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