• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Having Fun First

Helping you to creatively reach all your unique learners

Subscribe

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • Shop Website
    • Teachers Pay Teachers
    • Amazon Storefront
  • FREEBIE
  • Curriculum
  • Contact

on April 28, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Tools for Teaching Informational Writing

Hi there friends,
As I am sure you have too, I have been thinking about the end of the year stretch and what that entails. Spring is one of my favorite seasons in teaching because you realize how far your kids have come since the beginning. They are just capable of so much more especially in their writing. As a result of this new skill set, we transition into more research projects in the spring. With that in mind, I’m sharing with you some tools and resources for teaching informational writing.

teaching informational writing

Getting Organized

Research projects always seem to offer students a sense of independence and pride, which I absolutely love. Over the years I have studied a variety of research topics with my students such as the different habitats, inventions and inventors, and a plethora of animals including ocean animals, endangered animals, dinosaurs, and nocturnal creatures. (You can find links to several of my research projects at the end of this post!)

With all writing projects, I believe that organization is extremely important. Being organized helps students to complete work, reduces stress, helps to maintain focus, makes it easier to collaborate and all these positive components increase confidence.

We all know that one size does not fit all even when it comes to organization, therefore I always have a variety of graphic organizers ready for each lesson. There is such a wide range of writing abilities within our classrooms, so kids will clearly need different supports. My goal is that they create a writing piece that they feel confident in, and it hits the targets specific to the genre. If we focus on that as our goal, it doesn’t matter that each child’s path to success may look different. I am all about building confidence and with research, organization is key in achieving that.

Before the writing begins…

Specifically with animal research, when writing we go through each topic heading one at a time, but before we get our pencils out to write, we obviously must complete the research.

When we begin a research project, I always pass out the text resources to students. I have them relax around the room exploring their books and articles on their specific topic. This helps students to become better acquainted with their topic and it builds the excitement to research more.

Taking Notes

The next time we meet, I gather students to go over the research project expectations including how and why we take efficient notes. I model taking notes on a specific header, for example, habitat. I will pass out my animal report information organizer note-taking sheets which are included in my Informational Writing Unit, and assign students to ONLY take notes on that specific header/topic for the first session so I can make sure students are taking their time, and not feeling pressured. This also allows for informal observations and assurance that students understand the procedures with confidence.

animal report note-taking for teaching informational writing

Research Tools for Teaching Informational Writing

Two things I use to help support successful research are detailed, printed note-taking materials that include all topic headers (which also make an excellent reference material when preparing rough drafts) and I pass out color-coded sticky notes assigned to each header for students to use as a visual when exploring the different text. (For example, pink sticky notes are for habitat facts.)

note-taking materials for teaching informational writing
sticky notes for teaching informational writing

This year I decided to take the sticky note support a step further by creating printable research sticky notes with the different headings. I created sticky notes with simple headers and sticky notes with the headers and supporting questions. I am hoping with this detail in place that we can reach and support an even wider range of writers.

Why did I incorporate the sticky notes? It may seem like a lot of additional work, but in fact, they cut down on distractions, increasing focus and independence of your young researchers. At first, the excitement can be overwhelming, leaving students wanting to learn and share every fun fact they find. This is one way the sticky notes will support our writers. Students can simply place a specific note on a random fact, then focus back on the topic at hand without worrying they won’t be able to find that off-topic information later.

Get Writing!

With this solid, organized foundation of research, students will be ready to start writing. This is when I utilize my informative genre graphic organizers and informational writing templates which help students to transfer and transform their notes into their own creative representations of their newly learned information.

Additional Thoughts

As you read through this process you may be thinking this sounds like it would take a long time. Yes, it does take longer to go through this thorough process, but I would rather have 3 solid research projects completed than a dozen mediocre reports. When we guide our students through a process with support it will take longer, but the benefits are priceless. You will create creative, confident, and proud young writers.

Excited to get started with teaching informational writing?

You can jump right into teaching informational writing with my Informational Writing Templates and my Informative Explanatory Writing Unit.

Report Templates for Teaching Informational Writing
Teaching Informational Writing Unit

I’m so excited for you to use these resources with your nuggets that I’m giving you my sticky note research tool for FREE!

Free Research Sticky Notes for Teaching Informational Writing

Download your copy of these FREE research sticky notes today and check out these additional research report resources:

  • Dinosaurs
  • Space
  • Noctural & Diurnal Animals
  • Endangered Animals
  • Ice Age Animals
  • Desert Animals

Or read more about my research projects in my previous blog post about Tide Pools & Ocean Animals.

Teaching writing is one of my passions and through my experiences and collaborations with other phenomenal educators I have gained confidence in supporting many different levels of writers. I am always happy to support other educators on this journey so please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions on how to support your writers.

Kacie Brown Having Fun First signature

Filed Under: FREEBIE, Writing Tagged With: informational writing, informative writing, research projects

Previous Post: « Buzzing with Excitement for Insects Reading Comprehension & Author’s Purpose Activities
Next Post: Space Reading Comprehension Activities »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Shop the Site

Visit the Shop


Shop Featured Materials + Resources

Shop Amazon

Subscribe

Sign up to gain access to valuable free resources, encouraging tips and sale alerts.

Find it Fast

Read by Category

Popular Posts

6 Activities for STEM and Reading Comprehension
Activities for Autism Awareness Month & Teaching Special Needs Acceptance
Resources for Planning a Beach Field Trip
Virtual Earth Day Activities, Earth Day Read Alouds, & More!
5 Reading Comprehension Activities for Context Clues
Space Reading Comprehension Activities
Simple Steps on How to Implement STEM in Your Classroom
Compare and Contrast Reading Passages from Fairy Tales
Getting Started with Sketch Notes in the Classroom
Teaching Text Evidence with the book "Blizzard"

Grab My Button

Grab My Button

Subscribe

Sign up to gain access to valuable free resources, encouraging tips and sale alerts.

Footer

Latest on Facebook

Latest on Instagram

Brown’s work vs. mine this week. Mason had Flu A Brown’s work vs. mine this week. Mason had Flu A and Wyatt had a horrible spell of migraines this week. 😣 I may need a vacation 😆 Luckily the boys were super sweet and thankfuk for super mom. Ha. I guess Dave did some stuff too. 💪 👨‍🚒
This anti-bullying and kindness-themed reading com This anti-bullying and kindness-themed reading comprehension and writing bundle is designed to help students analyze morals and lessons in stories while reinforcing essential comprehension strategies. Through six different mentor texts, students will explore sequencing, text connections, asking and answering questions, story elements, character analysis, problem and solution, and more. Perfect for social-emotional learning, kindness, and anti-bullying lessons!

Books included in this bundle are:
- “The Proudest Blue”
- “Each Kindness”
- “Bully Beans”
- “Weird”, “Dare”, “Tough” (3 Book Bundle)

What’s included:
- A unique craft
- Writing prompts
- Graphic organizers
- Story element posters
- Anchor chart headers
- Focused worksheets to deepen comprehension
- Book talk questions
- Parent connection materials
- Morning work or fast finisher activities
- Mini lessons
- Lesson plan ideas and more!

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to get this amazing bundle!✨✨ OR COMMENT “KINDNESS” and I’ll send you the link!✨✨ 

#AntiBullying #KindnessMatters #SocialEmotionalLearning #ReadingComprehension #BookCompanion #GuidedReading #CharacterAnalysis #TeacherResources #TpTResources #LiteracyActivities #SELActivities #TeacherLife
Spread kindness in your classroom with this FREE k Spread kindness in your classroom with this FREE kindness activity! This resource includes a fun coloring sheet and a word search featuring words of compassion and inspiring quotes about being kind. Perfect for promoting social-emotional learning and building a positive classroom environment. 

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to download this FREE Kindness Activity!✨✨ OR COMMENT "KINDNESS" and I’ll send you the link!✨✨ 

#KindnessMatters #FreeClassroomActivity #SELresources #CompassionInClassroom #TeacherFreebies #KindnessActivities #TeachersOfInstagram #TpTFreebies #PositiveClassroom #SocialEmotionalLearning
Wyatt and I scored a day together while Mason is a Wyatt and I scored a day together while Mason is at University of Toledo Honor Band. Bonus we discovered a yummy coffee shop! @siptoledo
Teach your students about kindness, empathy, and i Teach your students about kindness, empathy, and inclusion with this engaging reading comprehension and writing unit for *Each Kindness* by Jacqueline Woodson. This guided reading unit focuses on anti-bullying, kindness, and social-emotional learning, featuring over 15 comprehension strategies with an emphasis on lessons and morals. The interactive ripple effect craft helps reinforce these important messages in a fun and meaningful way. Perfect for small or whole group instruction, this unit is ideal for Anti-Bullying Month, Unity Day, and daily social skills practice.

This comprehensive book companion unit includes:
- A unique craft
- Writing prompts
- Graphic organizers
- Story element posters
- Anchor chart headers
- Focused worksheets to deepen understanding of the story elements
- Book talk questions
- Parent connection materials
- Morning work or fast finisher activities
- Mini-lessons
- Lesson plan ideas and more!

Comprehension skills covered:
➙ Schema 
➙ Making Predictions 
➙ Text Evidence 
➙ Character, Setting, Plot 
➙ Retell 
➙ Author's Purpose 
➙ Character Analysis 
➙ Lesson & Moral 
➙ Text Connections 
➙ Key Events 
➙ Problem and Solution 

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to get this anti-bullying & kindness resource!✨✨ OR COMMENT “ANTI BULLYING” and I’ll send you the link!✨✨

#AntiBullying #KindnessMatters #SocialEmotionalLearning #TeachersOfInstagram #TpTResources #CharacterEducation #ReadingComprehension #TeacherLife #SocialSkills #Empathy #Inclusion #LiteracyActivities #LiteracyResources
Dive into this Antarctic penguin-themed reading co Dive into this Antarctic penguin-themed reading comprehension and writing bundle! This engaging unit includes 5 nonfiction passages that focus on text features like glossaries, bold print words, and more. It’s perfect for practicing nonfiction reading strategies such as identifying the main idea, finding text evidence, asking and answering questions, and activating schema.

Each passage is packed with helpful text features, including:
- Diagrams
- Labels
- Captions
- Glossary
- Index
- Table of contents

Topics covered include:
- Appearance
- Food
- Habitat
- Life cycle
- Predators
- Special adaptations
- Interesting facts

The bundle also includes:
- Nonfiction reader for each animal
- A unique craft
- Writing prompts
- Graphic organizers
- Story element posters
- Anchor chart headers
- Focused worksheets to deepen comprehension
- Book talk questions
- Parent connection materials
- Lesson plan ideas and more!

This easy-to-implement, penguin-themed unit will make learning fun and memorable. It’s perfect for guided reading groups and will help your students develop key nonfiction reading skills! 🐧

✨✨CLICK the Link in Bio to grab your penguin reading bundle!✨✨ OR COMMENT "PENGUINS" and I’ll send you the link!✨✨

#PenguinThemed #NonfictionReading #ReadingComprehension #GuidedReading #TextFeatures #TeacherResources #PenguinFun #LiteracyActivities #TpTResources #TeachingWithPenguins #TeacherLife

Stay Connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Latest on Pinterest

Copyright © 2025 · BRANDING + WEBSITE DESIGN BY LAUGH EAT LEARN