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How to Teach Informational Writing

Struggling with how to teach informational writing?

Read this post to get some tips on how to teach informational writing to elementary students in a fun and interactive way. Plus, grab several resources to help amp up your informational writing units!

how to teach informational writing - informative - information report writing tips

What is Informational Writing?

To better understand how to teach informational writing, let’s figure out what it is.

Informational writing is factual and aims to inform or explain something to the reader.

Students can have trouble with informational writing pieces because they may feel that they don’t know enough information about a subject to write a whole paper about it. Or at that moment, they can’t think of something to share about. Don’t worry; I have ways to encourage those reluctant writers.

5 Tips to Encourage Students During Informational Writing Units

1. Use Mentor texts

Mentor texts are so important to show students what a great piece of informational writing looks like. I think you can use them in all grades! Even older students will enjoy a picture book now and then; it is a great way to share good writing pieces.

Another benefit of using mentor texts is that students can see all the formats that informational pieces can be written in and all the subjects that can be written about! Students may not have much background knowledge, and sharing books is an excellent way to broaden that horizon.

2. Let Them Pick the Subject

You might think that having your students write about a topic that is being discussed in another subject is a great way to relate writing to your students but don’t do it. Let your students pick their own topics!

Just because you are learning about forces of motion in science doesn’t mean everyone is excited and ready to write a paper about it. Students will be more likely to write quality pieces if they are excited to learn about it.

3. Teach Students How To Research

One important factor in writing informational pieces is learning how to research topics. Students will need to know how to look for accurate information. Also, where to find information; a trip to the computer lab and library would be a great start.

I like to teach students to use books first when researching. They are the safer option than a computer with internet access. Also, you can give each student a book about their subject, and it will have a lot of information about the subject.

4. practice Writing together

I like to write an informational piece together so students can see all the steps I take to get a good piece! I want them to understand that a solid piece of informative writing takes time and many steps.

Show them the drafting process and revising process too. Students must understand that it may take several tries to get a quality informational writing piece. I also like to show them that no one writes a perfect essay on the first try. It is okay to make revisions and changes.

5. Celebrate

After all your students’ hard work, celebrate their wonderful informational writing works!

I like to have a sharing day, where the students get to share their work with their classmates. Inviting other important people from the school is also nice. Then, I like to hang their work around the room or in the hallway. Tell them how proud you are of their hard work, and they may be more likely to write for you next time!

Resources to Teach Informational Writing

Now that you have tips to help you; grab some resources to improve your writing time!

kindergarten informational writing prompts
1st grade informational writing prompts
2nd grade informational writing prompts
3rd grade informational writing prompts

Want to try a freebie first? Grab it from the free resource library here!

Free Informational Writing Prompt informative writing worksheet information report penguin facts

I hope this post was helpful in explaining informational writing and that you got a few tips to help make teaching them a little easier! Comment below and tell me what tips you have for teaching about writing informational works.

Have a terrific day,

P.S. If you need some Informational Writing Prompts for kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, or fifth grade, check out my post here!

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Hi, my name is Alex! I love creating fun, colorful, and engaging resources for the early years. I’ve taught 3rd and 1st grade and I’m passionate about creating interactive activities that engage all learners Read More…

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If you’re looking for a cute writing craft, thes If you’re looking for a cute writing craft, these snow globe narrative writing prompts are perfect for bulletin boards and writing centers! ❄️ 

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Cute craft idea for December! (If you’re allowed Cute craft idea for December! (If you’re allowed to do Christmas themed activities in your school).

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Share an emoji below -

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If you have an email list, here’s a few ideas fo If you have an email list, here’s a few ideas for you!

• Share a freebie 🎉

It could be something that’s already in your TPT store, trust me your email list probably doesn’t know about it! It could be a sample of a paid resource that you want more sales from. The options are endless! Just don’t send too many freebies.

• Share your long-form content 💻

If you have a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel, send some of your content! It can be new or you can repurpose old things, I highly doubt your list will have seen it/remember it!

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Think about what you are an expert in and share some value with your audience. This could be a classroom hack, teaching tip for a certain subject area, or advice for teachers in your niche!

• Share a paid resource 💰

Got a new resource in your store? Or perhaps a bundle or seasonal item that you think your audience would love right now? Be sure to send it their way so that your email list can be profitable!

Double tap if you found this post helpful! 💗

Remember, if you want to learn more about email marketing, check out my course! It’s still open 🙂

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Wait…you can make money by offering something fo Wait…you can make money by offering something for free?!

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I sometimes think that freebies get a real bad rap. When actually, they have a lot of potential and can have a really powerful impact on increasing our sales. 

Be sure to tune in to learn more about this! 🎙 

Tell me below, are you a freebie fan or not? Open to hearing your thoughts! 🙂

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I’ve heard so many heartbreaking stories of sell I’ve heard so many heartbreaking stories of sellers who have had their Facebook and Instagram accounts hacked. 🥲

They have lost tens of thousands of followers and years of hard work. This is something that will never happen with your email list! 

And if you do get hacked on social media, you’ll feel a lot better if you have an email list. You’ll be able to send an email and ask people to follow you on your new account!

Email can be wonderful in the sense that it’s something you truly own and it’s really secure. You’re not relying on renting someone else’s platform in anyway.

My email marketing course for TPT sellers, terrific email, is still open! Check it out through the link in my bio 🙂

Tell me below, have you ever been hacked? Have you heard of anyone this has happened to?

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