Writing Informational Essays

Lesson Overview

Duration: 45 minutes
Grade Level: 6th Grade
Subject: English Language Arts
Curriculum Area: Writing Standards - Common Core ELA-Literacy.W.6.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly.

Objectives

• Students will understand the structure of an informational essay.
• Students will identify and organize key components for writing an effective informational essay.
• Students will learn to develop a strong thesis statement.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper and markers
• Sample informational essays (printed handouts)
• Graphic organizers (for brainstorming)
• Notebooks and pens/pencils

Lesson Outline

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Hook: Start with a short, engaging video or story that presents factual information on a topic relatable to students (e.g., the life cycle of a butterfly, changes in seasons).

2. Discussion: Ask students to share one fact they learned from the video or story. Write these on the board to show how facts can be organized.

3. Objective Sharing: Explain to the students that today they will learn how to write an informational essay using facts and ideas about a topic.

Direct Instruction (15 minutes)

1. Explain the Structure:

   • Introduction: Present the topic and include a thesis statement.
   • Body Paragraphs: Provide facts and details that support the thesis. Each paragraph should cover a single point.
   • Conclusion: Summarize the information and restate the thesis in a new way.

2. Thesis Statement: Explain the role of the thesis statement. It should clearly state the main point or argument of the essay.

3. Example Analysis: Distribute sample essays. Have students identify the thesis statement, topic sentences, and supporting details.

4. Create a Class Essay Together:

   • Choose a simple topic (e.g., "The Importance of Recycling").
   • As a class, brainstorm ideas and facts about the topic.
   • Write a thesis statement together and organize two potential body paragraphs on the board.

Guided Practice (10 minutes)

1. Group Activity: Divide students into small groups. Give each group a topic related to their science curriculum (e.g., "Life in the Rainforest").

2. Graphic Organizers: Provide graphic organizers for students to outline their thesis and main points. Encourage them to note down factual details from their science lessons.

3. Monitor and Support: Walk around the classroom to answer questions and provide feedback as students work in groups.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Review & Share: Ask each group to share one point from their outline with the class.

2. Recap Key Points: Reiterate the importance of a clear thesis statement and structured paragraphs.

3. Homework Assignment: Ask students to come up with a thesis statement and collect at least three facts about a topic of their choice for the next lesson.

Extension Activities

• Research Task: Challenge students to research their chosen topic further using books or online resources at home. This could tie in with digital literacy skills.
• Peer Review Setup: Prepare for next lesson where students will exchange outlines with peers to give and receive feedback.

Assessment

• Formative: Monitor students' participation during group activities and their ability to identify key components in sample essays.
• Homework will be reviewed in the next lesson to assess understanding of thesis statements and fact collection.

By the end of the lesson, students will have a foundational understanding of writing informational essays and preparing effective thesis statements. This lesson is a stepping stone in the two-week journey towards mastering informational writing.