Writing and Sharing Informative Texts
Writing and Sharing Informative Texts Objective: Students will learn to gather information on a topic and write an informative text that clearly communicates ideas and information using their own words.
Learning Objectives
- Identify key facts and details about a chosen topic through reading.
- Organize information logically to write an informative paragraph.
- Use clear language and own words to explain facts.
- Practice revising writing for clarity and completeness.
Materials Needed
- Notebook or lined paper
- Pencils or pens
- Books or printed articles on a chosen topic
- Highlighters or colored pencils
Key Vocabulary
- Informative Text
- A type of writing that explains facts about a topic to help the reader learn something new.
- Research
- The process of gathering information about a topic from books, articles, or other reliable sources.
- Summarize
- To tell the main ideas or most important information in your own words.
Detailed Activities
Research and Note-Taking
- Choose a simple topic of interest, such as animals, weather, or a favorite hobby.
- Read through one or two short articles or book pages about the topic.
- Highlight or underline important facts and details.
- Write down 3-5 key points in your own words in your notebook.
Writing an Informative Paragraph
- Review your notes and decide on the order to share the information clearly.
- Write a paragraph explaining what you learned about the topic, using your own words.
- Include an introduction sentence, 2-3 sentences with facts, and a closing sentence.
- Reread your paragraph and make sure it makes sense and includes important details.
Sharing and Revising
- Read your paragraph out loud to a family member or friend.
- Ask for feedback on what is clear and what could be better explained.
- Make any changes to improve the clarity or add missing details.
- Write or type a final version of your informative paragraph.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Encourage your child to choose a topic they are curious about to make research fun and engaging.
- Help your child find appropriate reading materials and support them in identifying important information.
- Praise their effort in using their own words and remind them that revising is a normal part of writing.
Assessment Questions
- Can your child explain the main idea of their informative paragraph?
- Does the writing include facts and details that support the topic?
- Is the information organized in a clear and logical way?
- Does your child use their own words to share information?
Extension Ideas
- Create a poster or drawing to accompany the informative paragraph.
- Research a second topic and compare the information learned.
- Practice writing a short informative report using more than one source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for age-appropriate books or websites with simple facts. Public libraries and educational websites are great places to start.
Encourage them to explain the facts out loud first, then write down what they say. Using their own voice helps make the writing unique and understandable.
For an 8-year-old, a paragraph of 4-6 sentences is appropriate. The focus is on clear ideas, not length.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Students may copy text directly instead of using their own words.
- Students might focus on too many details and lose the main idea.
- Some students may struggle with organizing their information logically.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Provide sentence starters or writing frames to guide their paragraph.
- Read materials together and discuss main points before writing.
- Allow shorter paragraphs focusing on one or two key facts.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage them to include examples or explanations for their facts.
- Have them use multiple sources and compare information.
- Challenge them to create a short presentation or teach someone about their topic.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 15 minutes on research and note-taking.
- Allocate 15 minutes for writing the first draft of the paragraph.
- Use the last 15 minutes for sharing, feedback, and revising.
Standards
- 8.W.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Printable Worksheet
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