informational writing

The Kindergarteners came back from February break with a continued eagerness and joy to learn. Following the telling, planning, and writing of true stories in January and February, I introduced the writing of how to books. The structure of how to writing often feels more developmentally appropriate for five and six year old authors.

Children spend most of each day hearing and following directions, but through their how to books they have the opportunity to give directions using pictures and words - there is power in writing a how to book!

First we listed what we already know about informational writing;

- the author writes about one thing they know a lot about
- there is lots of detail (pictures, labels, action marks)
- there is an ending!

Then I introduced the new kind of informational writing they would be doing - how to, or giving directions. The young writers excitedly explored a collection of how to examples, noticing important text features.

 

 

How to books have;

- directions
- numbered steps
- a picture with each step!




With ongoing exposure to various how to books and conversations about informational writing, the children worked together to plan and write a class how to book.

DM suggested we write a How To Be Kind book, because we all know a lot about kindness. IM offered that we should write a How To Make a Community book, because we all did that and we are experts in it. TJ thought we should write a How To Write Numbers book, because we do that every day.

A vote was essential. It was close, but How To Make a Community had the most votes, with How To Write Numbers coming in second! We planned the piece together on large chart paper and the children used white boards to record their numbered steps. Throughout their work we embraced sharing opportunities, noticing how you can show a direction in many different ways!

How To Make a Community

By - The Kindergarten

(a photo documentation of their work)

1. First you need children.

 

 

 

 

 

2. You need to be kind.

 

 

 

3. Then you can make friends.

 

 

 


4. You need to take care of yourself and then you have a community!

 

5. Now you can have fun and play together!