Young children often need help narrowing down their ideas for writing. Encourage them to focus on a recent unit they have studied. For example, say they recently have studied mammals. Start by having students brainstorm a list of mammals. Then in partners or small groups they should come up with a list of questions they think should be answered in their report. Now that they have planned for their research, they should choose the mammal they feel most confident writing about.
How-to writing gives students the opportunity to use sequential transition words, such as "first," "next" and "finally." Have each student write the directions for how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. When they finish, they should pass it to another student. Using the ingredients provided, each student must construct a sandwich precisely following the directions stated, not how they would do it on their own. This helps students understand the importance of including all steps and details, and not assuming that their readers have prior knowledge of the subject.
Students should select the two objects they wish to compare and contrast. On a piece of paper, they should draw two circles to create a Venn diagram. Above each circle, have them paste a picture from a magazine or the Internet of each object. Use the visual to fill in the diagram with how the items are the same and how they are different. The students can refer to the graphic organizers as they write to keep their essays on track.
Instead of having students write a standard report on a place, have them pretend to be travel agents and prepare a vacation brochure by folding a large piece of construction paper into a tri-fold. Explain that they should include information that will teach visitors about the destination: transportation, weather, places to stay and activities. Information should be organized and appealing to the reader. Include photos of the destination printed from the Internet with informative captions underneath.