Informational Writing: Yes, Your Students Can Love It!

My kids LOVE to write, especially informational writing. When I say love, I mean love. The usual “come to the carpet for Writing Workshop” is usually met with groans, not because it’s time for writing, but because my kids just want to write. They know it’s time for a mini-lesson, and they just want to write. Narrative writing, informational writing, opinion writing… they love it all!

I don’t tell you this to brag or to pat myself on the back. I am blessed to have kids who love to write. And I still have students who struggle and need extra support to write. But they LOVE to spend time jotting down new notes and stories in their journals. I want to share my successes with you so that you can be successful too!

Here are some simple tips to get them writing and LOVING to write!

TIP #1: Allow students to bring in their own notebooks.

I love to write, and I love to pick out a fun new journal that I love when I run out of room in my journal. Because I get to pick a journal that brings joy to me, I am able to write more (and better) because I love my journal. For students who don’t (or can’t) bring their own notebook or journal, I buy some cheap composition notebooks and then give the students time to craft. A little construction paper, glue, and buttons come together to make a design that kids can stand behind.

TIP #2: Let them pick their own informational writing topics.

In my class, we call this our Passion Topic(s). Informational text can be tough, and I am well aware that eventually, students will have to learn to write about things they don’t have a choice on. However, to help build foundational skills in my 4th grade classroom, having a choice in a topic is critical to getting my students to love my writing block. I do set parameters (for example, we write historical informational texts, and I let them choose anything that has some connection to Ohio). Even a choice between three different topics is still a choice!

TIP #3: Write in color.

I was guilty of saying that my students had to write using pencil only, as it was “the academic way”. However, pens are fun (hello flair pens!) and make writing awesome.

TIP #4: Get Creative with Graphic Organizers.

Graphic organizers are like the superheroes of organizing your thoughts! They help kids map out their ideas before they dive into informational writing. Try introducing fun tools like Venn diagrams, T-charts, and mind maps. Each one can help plan different parts of an informational piece. For example, a mind map is awesome for brainstorming and sorting ideas about a topic, while a T-chart rocks for comparing and contrasting things. Using these visual aids makes writing way easier and helps keep their ideas in order, so readers can follow along without getting lost.

TIP #5: Host Peer Review Parties

Who says editing can’t be fun? Turn peer reviews into a party! When students share their informational writing work with classmates, they get valuable feedback and fresh ideas. Teach them how to give feedback that’s kind, specific, and super helpful. Focus on things like making sure the information is clear, accurate, and complete. Encourage kids to ask questions and suggest cool improvements. This not only helps the writer polish their piece but also gives the reviewers a chance to sharpen their own editing skills. Plus, it creates a supportive classroom vibe where everyone learns from each other and grows as writers together.

With just a few minor tweaks, you can easily turn a writing workshop – especially your informational writing text unit – into something amazing!

Check out these other great ideas to spark a love of learning in your upper elementary students!