π What are Explanatory and Narrative Reports?
In fourth grade, you'll learn about two main types of reports: explanatory and narrative. Think of them as different ways to share information. An explanatory report is all about facts and explaining something clearly. A narrative report tells a story or recounts an event.
π― Objectives
- π§ Students will be able to define explanatory and narrative reports.
- βοΈ Students will be able to identify the key features of each type of report.
- π Students will be able to differentiate between explanatory and narrative reports through examples.
- π Students will be able to write a short paragraph of each type of report based on the same topic.
π Materials
- π Handout with definitions and examples of explanatory and narrative reports.
- βοΈ Writing paper and pencils.
- π» Access to the internet (optional, for research).
βοΈ Warm-up (5 mins)
Ask students: βWhat is a report?β Discuss different types of reports they may have encountered (e.g., news report, book report).
βοΈ Main Instruction
1. Introduction (10 mins):
- π£οΈ Explain the difference between explaining and telling a story.
- π Give simple examples: "Explaining how an apple grows" vs. "Telling a story about picking apples at an orchard."
2. Explanatory Reports (20 mins):
- π Define explanatory reports: These reports explain a topic using facts and evidence.
- π‘ Key features: Clear topic sentence, facts, examples, logical order, conclusion.
- π Example: An explanatory report about the Amazon rainforest might describe its location, climate, plants, and animals.
3. Narrative Reports (20 mins):
- π Define narrative reports: These reports tell a story or recount an event, often from a specific point of view.
- ποΈ Key features: Characters, setting, plot (beginning, middle, end), descriptive language, personal experiences.
- ποΈ Example: A narrative report about a field trip to a farm might describe the bus ride, the animals seen, and the student's feelings about the trip.
4. Comparing and Contrasting (15 mins):
- π Use a Venn diagram to visually compare and contrast the two types of reports.
- π Discuss how both types of reports can be about the same topic but presented differently.
Example Comparison: The Life Cycle of a Butterfly
| Explanatory Report |
Narrative Report |
| Explains the four stages of a butterfly's life: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. |
Tells a story about a caterpillar named Carl who goes through the transformation into a butterfly. |
| Focuses on scientific facts and processes. |
Focuses on Carl's experiences and feelings during the transformation. |
π Assessment
Activity: From Fact to Story (20 mins)
- βοΈ Provide students with a topic (e.g., "The Water Cycle").
- π§βπ« Ask them to write a short explanatory paragraph about the topic.
- π Then, ask them to write a short narrative paragraph about the same topic, perhaps from the perspective of a raindrop.
- π£οΈ Have students share their paragraphs and discuss the differences.
β
Checklist for Teachers:
- βοΈ Did you clearly define explanatory and narrative reports?
- βοΈ Did you provide sufficient examples to illustrate the differences?
- βοΈ Did you give students an opportunity to practice writing both types of reports?
- βοΈ Did you use visuals (like a Venn diagram) to enhance understanding?