Standard: 1.W.2 – Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
Grade level: Grade 1
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on teaching students to write informative/explanatory texts. It is important because it lays the foundation for clear and effective communication of information, which is essential for academic success and everyday life. Before tackling this standard, students should be comfortable with basic sentence construction and understand the concept of a topic. They should also be able to write simple sentences that follow a logical sequence.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to write more detailed and structured informative texts, incorporating multiple paragraphs and more complex information.
Common Misconception 1
Some students may confuse informative writing with storytelling. This misconception arises because many young students are more familiar with narrative writing.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, provide clear examples of both narrative and informative texts. Engage students in activities that involve sorting and identifying different types of texts.
Common Misconception 2
Another common misconception is that informative writing is just a list of facts. Students might not understand the importance of organizing information.
Intervention 2
Use graphic organizers to help students plan their writing. Teach them how to group related facts and sequence them logically, and model writing that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have basic sentence structure knowledge, understand the concept of a topic, and be able to write simple sentences with a beginning, middle, and end.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will develop the ability to write more detailed and structured informative texts, including the use of multiple paragraphs and more complex facts.
Instructional Activities
- Have students write a short report about their favorite animal, including at least three facts and a concluding sentence.
- Guide students in creating a ‘how-to’ guide for a simple task, such as brushing their teeth, ensuring they include steps and a closing statement.
- Conduct a simple science experiment and have students document the process and results in a structured format.
- Ask students to write a descriptive paragraph about a family member or friend, including specific details and a concluding sentence.
