Overview of the Unit:

This unit builds upon the skills students have learned as writers of information in 2nd grade. It is centered on a particular type of information writing--a structured, written-to-teach, expert-based project. During the unit you will teach students a handful of qualities of strong informational writing. Students will learn to write introductions, organize information, and include text features that help their readers. Students will also be taught many different ways to elaborate on their topics through the use of facts, definitions, and other important details, but also through the use of descriptions and anecdotes. Initially, students will be guided through the writing process, with guidance from teachers. There is an extensive amount of time spent teaching students various strategies for “planning, revising, and editing”. By the end of the unit, students will be pushed toward independence and transference.

In Bend One: Students will be writing texts that aim to teach others about topics on which the students have expertise, you will position students to write with authority, for real audiences, by inviting them to actually do some teaching on their topics. Students also learn how powerful a table of contents can be as a tool for structuring an expository piece. Students will be taught the power of rehearsing various structures with a partner before drafting. They will learn the importance of structure in the early drafting process.

In Bend Two: the emphasize will be on drafting and revising. Students will revise by learning concrete strategies and using those strategies to lift the level of all the work they have done to date. They will draw upon strategies taught in prior grades, but then learn newer, more complex revision strategies such as using grammar with meaning and tapping research for elaboration.

In Bend Three: guides students through preparing for publication. You will emphasize the importance of being aware of one’s audience, keeping in mind: using text features, fact checking, and being aware of grammar and conventions.

In Bend Four: students will work more independently, transferring all they have learned about writing information texts to teach others about a topic they’ve been studying in school. Students will be encouraged to write this final information piece in the form of a speech, brochure, article, or guidebook.