Information Writing - An Idea from Mr. Myers

With the new CCSS there is a strong emphasis in informational reading and writing. Yesterday, as I spent time with Mr. Myer's and his Advanced Readers, I noticed a great idea that I think would be adaptable for many of you.

Tony and his students were working on creating posters for the 2nd Grade Team Friendship Bracelet Sale.  This money will be used to buy a Christmas dinner(s) for a family in need.  Tony took this opportunity with his students to do information writing through these posters.

First, the group created a rubric.  They used this PBS Website to help them.  Interestingly enough, this website is about teaching kids how to not be fooled by advertisements by understanding how they are built.  So, they are learning to "read" informational texts.

But then, they turned these very same ideas into advertisements for something good.  They used a basic rubric to design their posters.

Mr. Myer's adds the date and time to his model poster.

Then, the kids created their draft posters, making sure that each of their elements was included.

Lastly, they put their posters together.  What a great way to introduce kids to the idea of read and writing nonfiction.  Actually, this is beginning persuasive writing.  Since many of you have food drives and other charitable events coming up, I thought Tony's ideas might spark some learning targets you'd never considered.