Objectives CCSS Writing W.3.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. W.3.2a: Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension. W.3.2b: Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic. W.3.2d: Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented. Materials Needed Jackie Robinson reading passage Jackie Robinson Fact Sheet graphic organizer Whiteboard, overhead projector, document camera or interactive whiteboard Informative passages and graphic organizers (“Chocolate Town,” “Praying Mantis” and “Why Can’t You Tickle Yourself?”) Fact cards and writing assignment prompts (“Scientists at Work,” “Natural U.S. Landmarks,” “The Olympic® Games” and “Going West”) Introduction Note: This lesson plan can be completed in more than one day. Explain to students that authors of informative/explanatory texts write to convey specific facts or ideas about a person, topic or event. State that you will read aloud an example of this type of writing using the Jackie Robinson passage. Have students read along with you. As a class, list the key pieces of information to determine the facts that the author wants the reader to know about the topic. Explain that deconstructing a passage in this way helps them become better writers. This process will assist them in thinking about how to use a list of facts to create an interesting paragraph or passage about a given topic.
