π Understanding Explanatory Writing for 3rd Grade
Explanatory writing, also known as informational writing, aims to explain a topic clearly and logically. For 3rd graders, it's about building a foundation for strong communication skills. This guide offers a structured approach to assess their progress.
π Objectives
- π― Clarity: Students will be able to present information in a way that is easy to understand.
- ποΈ Organization: Students will organize their ideas logically.
- π£οΈ Voice: Students will use a clear and informative tone.
- β
Accuracy: Students will present facts and details correctly.
π Materials
- π Explanatory Writing Samples: Provide examples of good and not-so-good explanatory writing.
- βοΈ Pencils/Pens: For writing and revisions.
- π Notebooks/Paper: For drafting and final copies.
- π The Rubric (provided below): For assessment.
βοΈ Warm-up (5 minutes)
- π£οΈ Discussion: Begin with a brief class discussion about what it means to explain something well. Ask students for examples of times they've had to explain something.
- π§ Brainstorming: Have students brainstorm topics they know a lot about and could explain to someone else.
βοΈ Main Instruction
Step 1: Introduce the Rubric
- π Explain the Criteria: Go through each criterion on the rubric with the students. Make sure they understand what each term means (e.g., "clarity," "organization").
- π€ Collaborative Example: As a class, analyze a sample piece of explanatory writing using the rubric. Discuss what makes it strong or weak.
Step 2: Writing Time
- βοΈ Topic Selection: Students choose a topic they brainstormed during the warm-up.
- β³ Drafting: Students write a first draft of their explanation.
Step 3: Revision and Editing
- π― Peer Review: Students exchange papers with a partner and use the rubric to provide feedback.
- βοΈ Self-Revision: Students revise their own writing based on the peer feedback and the rubric.
- βοΈ Final Copy: Students write a final, polished copy of their explanation.
β Assessment
Use the rubric below to assess student writing.
| Category |
4 - Excellent |
3 - Good |
2 - Fair |
1 - Needs Improvement |
| Clarity |
π Explanation is very clear and easy to understand. Uses precise language. |
π Explanation is mostly clear and easy to understand. Language is generally precise. |
π€ Explanation is somewhat unclear and difficult to understand at times. Language could be more precise. |
π§ Explanation is unclear and difficult to understand. Language is imprecise. |
| Organization |
π Ideas are presented in a logical and well-organized order. |
π Ideas are mostly presented in a logical order. |
𧩠Ideas are somewhat disorganized and difficult to follow at times. |
π Ideas are disorganized and difficult to follow. |
| Voice |
π€ Maintains a consistent and informative tone throughout. |
π£οΈ Mostly maintains an informative tone. |
π’ Tone is inconsistent or not always informative. |
π Tone is inappropriate or lacking. |
| Accuracy |
β
All facts and details are accurate and correct. |
βοΈ Most facts and details are accurate. |
β οΈ Some facts and details are inaccurate. |
β Many facts and details are inaccurate. |