Introduction to Informative Writing

Kristina Daggett

Iowa State University

Lesson Title: Introduction to Informative Writing

Level/Subject:  English 150 HC

Date:  9/10/09

Objectives (SWBAT):

  • Self evaluate the work they did on their Sharing Experiences Essay
  • Turn in Sharing Experiences Essay
  • Practice writing to inform in pairs
  • Work in small groups and to create an exploratory Step-Forward, Step-Back Activity

Materials Needed:

For Teacher:

  • Laptop
  • CMGH Book

For Students:

  • Stapled: Sharing Experiences Narrative, Audience Review Sheets filled out by classmates, blank copy of Sharing Experiences Grading Rubric
  • Laptop (if they have one and can bring it to class)
  • CMGH book

Before Class:

  • Open all files on computer that I will need for class
  • Hand out cards with students names on them
  • Look at leftovers to see who is absent and note on lesson plan
  • Have students turn in cards

Introduction:  

  1. Outline today’s class aloud and project itinerary from Moodle site  

Procedure: 

  1. Open books to pp. 80-81 and individually answer in notebook Reflecting on Your Learning Goals (20-30 minutes)
  2. In pairs, write an informative letter to a previous teacher explaining last Thursday’s Step-Forward, Step-Back Activity (project activity on board to jog students memory)  (15 minutes)
  3. Have pairs share with class strategies they used to inform in their letter (5 minutes)
  4. Writing to Explore: Group Activity (15 minutes) 
    • Divide students into groups of four based on where they live on campus
    • Explain how the Step-Forward, Step-Back Activity can be manipulated to address other topics (Ex. Choosing between going to ISU and U of I)
    • Have groups brainstorm topics for their own Step-Forward, Step-Back Activity
    • Create a training manual for that activity
  5. Read Ames Tribune Article (If link does not work then google "School Funding 101: The basics on where money comes from and where it goes") and Associated Press article
  6. Discuss articles  (Rest of class)

Closure:

  1. Go over HW and what to bring for Thursday’s class:
  • Homework:  Read p82-91 and 118-127 in Concise McGraw Hill
  • Bring:  CMGH book
Brief Commentary on Introduction to Informative Writing Lesson
Subpages (1): Brief Commentary on Introduction to Informative Writing Lesson