Lesson Plan for Year 4 English Class: Explanatory Writing

Overview

This 40-minute English language lesson plan is designed specifically for Year 4 students in New Zealand, catering to a class size of 18. It focuses on the skill of explanatory writing within the framework of the New Zealand Curriculum's English learning area, particularly targeting Level 2 standards.

Objective

Students will understand the structure and features of explanatory writing and will be able to draft a short explanatory text about a common natural phenomenon relevant to New Zealand.

Curriculum Links

• New Zealand Curriculum - English Learning Area: This lesson directly supports the "Writing" strand, aiming to enhance students' ability to organise and communicate ideas effectively.
  • Level 2 Achievement Objectives: English - Writing (NZ Curriculum)

Key Competencies:

• Using language, symbols, and texts
• Thinking
• Managing self

Resources

• Examples of explanatory texts (printed handouts)
• Laptops or tablets for research (if available)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Writing paper and pencils
• Access to the NZ Metservice website for real-time information on natural phenomena.

Lesson Structure

Welcome and Introduction [5 minutes]

1. Greeting and Outline Objectives: Briefly outline the day's learning goal to write a short explanatory text.
2. Introductory Question: "Can anyone tell me what explanatory writing is?" Discuss the purpose of explaining something clearly and logically.

Introduction to Explanatory Writing [10 minutes]

1. Definition and Explanation:
   • Explain that explanatory writing is used to explain how or why things happen.
   • It focuses on clarity, factual content, and logical order.
2. Examples:
   • Present examples of explanatory writing on natural phenomena like 'How does rain form?' or 'What causes a rainbow?'
   • Discuss the structure: Introduction, a detailed description using cause and effect, and conclusion.

Group Brainstorming Session [5 minutes]

1. Topic Selection:
   • Suggest several topics related to natural phenomena relevant to New Zealand, such as volcanic activity, earthquakes, or specific weather patterns.
   • Let students vote on a topic they find most interesting.
2. Brainstorming:
   • Once a topic is selected, lead a brainstorming session about what they already know about this phenomenon.

Guided Research [10 minutes]

1. Research:
   • Allow students to use classroom resources like laptops, tablets, or books to gather more information about the selected topic.
   • Encourage them to take notes on key points.
2. Fact Checking: Emphasize the importance of checking facts using reliable sources (introduce them to the NZ Metservice or Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand).

Writing Activity [10 minutes]

1. Drafting:
   • Ask students to start writing their explanatory texts using their notes.
   • Remind them to start with an introduction, follow with a body of factual and logical content, and conclude by summarising the information.
2. Peer Review:
   • Encourage students to swap drafts with a partner for quick feedback on clarity and factual accuracy.

Conclusion and Reflection [5 minutes]

1. Sharing:
   • Invite volunteers to share their writings with the class.
2. Feedback:
   • Provide constructive feedback focusing on the clear presentation of facts and the logical flow of information.
3. Reflection:
   • Ask students what they found most challenging and what they enjoyed about the lesson.

Assessment

Evaluate the students' explanatory texts based on clarity, factual accuracy, logical sequencing of content, and adherence to the format of explanatory writing.

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This detailed lesson plan should equip Year 4 students with the basic skills needed to undertake explanatory writing effectively, with a specific link back to relevant New Zealand curriculum standards and resources.