Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts in which they name what they are writing about and supply some information about the topic.
Over the next few days I’ll suggest some activities where children can have the opportunity to be engaged in “playful and challenging” nonfiction writing. These activities can be used for independent work or in a literacy center. Many would also be perfect to do with a partner.
Interview
Have children interview parents, friends, school personnel, etc.
*Ask their parents what it was like when they were in school. What games did they play? What was their favorite subject? What was their favorite book?
Write directions or a “how to” for, a sport, a game, a craft, or something they are good at.
Recipe
Write a recipe for a favorite food.
*Create a menu for a restaurant they would like to own.
Lists
Make lists of books they read, toys they own, what they can do instead of watching TV, things in their desk, etc.
Invitation
Write invitations to a class program or party.
Advice
Write suggestions on “how to be a good friend,” or “what to do when you get angry.”
Diary/Journal
Let children have a quiet time each day to write in a journal or diary.
Riddles & Knock Knocks
Let each child write a riddle or joke to add to a class book.
