Using a Stimulus - Independent Writing

Tuning In

• Explain to the students that they are now going to plan and write an informative text independently.

Teacher Instruction

• Select one of the 5 Informative Writing Stimulus Sheets that best suits the focus content of the unit, e.g., The Animal World. Project the stimulus on the board and read through it as a class. Explain to the students that they will be writing an informative text based on this stimulus.
• Remind the students to apply their knowledge of informative text structure, language, and features when writing their text. Encourage the students to refer to their copy of their report writing checklist throughout the writing process.
• Teachers may wish for students to formally plan or research the topic of the text before writing begins (depending on computer availability and internet access). If this is the case, provide the students with a copy of one of the Information Text Graphic Organizers or the Note-Taking Graphic Organizer. Remind the students that they will be using bullet points for their notes and will be translating all information into their own words when writing their text.

Guided/Independent Learning

• Monitor and support the students as they write their informative texts. Teachers may wish to set a time limit for writing, or they may allow the students to take as much time as they need to complete the task. Ensure that the students know exactly how much time they have and provide regular reminders of how much time is remaining.

Wrapping Up

• Once students have finished writing their informative texts, encourage them to proofread and edit their work.
• Teachers may wish to collect this piece of writing and use it to assess the student's understanding of the unit objectives. The Assessment Rubric - Informative Writing may be a helpful tool for teachers during this process.