Writing Informational Paragraphs

Second and third graders are learning how to write informational paragraphs.

One of the third grade English/Language Arts standards is this:

3.W.8: Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.

Recently, third graders researched a species of butterfly online. They filled out a chart with its wing span, habitats, and a few other facts of interest.

They used this information to write informational paragraphs, practicing the ELA standards written here:

3.W.2.a  Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.

3.W.2.b  Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.

3.W.2.c  Use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, another, and, more, but) to connect ideas within categories of information.

3.W.2.d  Provide a concluding statement or section.

A first draft was written, and students edited it for capitalization, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Then a teacher checked it, and the student was ready to write a final copy! Each student added a drawing and a title, and they backed the page with a color of their choice.

Second grade students have a similar ELA standard: Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.

Similar to third grade, second grade students produced an introduction sentence for a topic, wrote down at least 3 facts to support and explain the topic, and then wrote a conclusion sentence.

Students first saw an example informational piece about a narwhal.  Then, they wrote about a well-known person. Later on, they got to write about a topic of their own choosing, and now they are writing one on their change maker’s challenges.

After writing, they edited and revised.  Take a look at some of their work!

writing on Alexander Graham Bell

writing about dragon fish

writing about Roblox

Ask your child what makes an informational writing piece!  See if they remember the parts of one!