Writing Informative Texts: Exploring How-to Guides
Writing Informative Texts: Exploring How-to Guides Objective: Students will learn how to write an informative text by creating a simple how-to guide that includes clear steps and descriptive details, aligning with standard 6.W.3.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the purpose of informative writing and how it differs from stories or opinions.
- Identify the key parts of a how-to guide: introduction, steps, and conclusion.
- Write a clear and organized how-to guide with at least three steps and descriptive details.
Materials Needed
- Notebook or writing paper
- Pencil and eraser
- Example of a simple how-to guide (printed or digital)
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Timer or clock
Key Vocabulary
- Informative Text
- A type of writing that gives facts and information about a topic.
- How-to Guide
- A set of instructions that explains how to do something step-by-step.
- Details
- Pieces of information that help explain or describe something clearly.
Detailed Activities
Reading and Discussing a How-to Guide
- Read an example of a simple how-to guide together, such as ‘How to Make a Sandwich.’
- Discuss the purpose of the guide and identify the introduction, steps, and conclusion.
- Ask your child to explain why each step is important and how details help make the instructions clear.
Planning Your How-to Guide
- Help your child choose a simple task they know well (e.g., brushing teeth, planting a seed).
- Brainstorm and write down the steps needed to complete the task in order.
- Encourage your child to add descriptive details to each step to make the instructions easy to understand.
Writing and Illustrating the Guide
- Have your child write their how-to guide using their plan.
- Remind them to include an introduction that explains what the guide is about.
- After writing, let your child draw pictures to illustrate each step, adding color for clarity and interest.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Encourage your child to speak aloud their steps before writing to organize their thoughts clearly.
- Be patient and offer gentle guidance to help your child add details that make instructions easier to follow.
- Praise the effort and creativity your child shows in both writing and illustrating their how-to guide.
Assessment Questions
- What is the purpose of a how-to guide?
- Can you list the steps you included in your guide?
- How did you make your instructions clear and easy to follow?
- Why is it helpful to add details to each step?
Extension Ideas
- Create a how-to video where your child explains and demonstrates their guide aloud.
- Write a how-to guide for a different task and compare what details are needed.
- Invite a family member to try following the guide and give feedback on clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Encourage your child to write simple sentences for each step and focus on getting their ideas down first. You can help by asking questions that prompt more details.
Ask your child to imagine explaining the task to someone who has never done it before. Prompt them with questions like ‘What do you do first?’ or ‘What should you be careful about?’
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children may write steps out of order or miss important details.
- Some may confuse informative writing with storytelling or opinion writing.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Provide sentence starters or a graphic organizer for planning steps.
- Allow drawing or verbal explanations if writing is challenging.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage adding tips or warnings in their how-to guide.
- Have them write a longer guide with more detailed explanations and multiple sections.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend 10-15 minutes reading and discussing the example to build understanding.
- Allow 15 minutes for planning and brainstorming the child’s own guide.
- Use the remaining time for writing and illustrating, adjusting as needed for your child’s pace.
Standards
- 6.W.3 — Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly.
Printable Worksheet
Plan Your Own Lesson
Looking for a custom lesson plan? Try our Lesson Planning Generator — create standards-based plans for any topic, instantly!
Common Core Aligned Lesson Plans
Looking for another common core lesson? See all of the lesson plans here.
More Free Lesson Plans
We’re adding more every week! Check back soon or explore all our lesson plans here.
Leave a Reply