Lesson One: Making Real-Life Connections and Introducing Expository Text

Students write steps to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich  Their writing is used to model the direction-writing process.   Using touchstone text, model expository text.  Establish an anchor chart and develop a definition of expository text. 

GRADE-LEVEL EXPECTATIONS

R3D  Read and follow simple directions to perform a task.

LESSON MATERIALS

§         Sources of Literature

o        The Popcorn Book by Tomie dePaola

§         Supplies

o        Writers notebooks

o        Writing folder

§         Handouts provided

o        PBJ Writing Directions worksheet

§         Words to know

o        exposition/expository writing

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Students reflect on the peanut butter and jelly writing.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

1.              Discuss student experiences with making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  Students pretend to explain to younger students how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.   Distribute the PBJ writing directions handout.

2.              After completing the assignment, students share their writing.  Using writing examples, model the process using “real” ingredients and supplies.  Explain that good directions are both precise and clear.

3.              Read The Popcorn Book as an example of expository text.

4.              Develop an anchor chart or web defining expository text.  Refer back to The Popcorn Book previously read aloud and highlight specific elements that represent a high quality expository text. 

5.              Using their writer’s notebooks, ask students to reflect on their PBJ writing activity.  Ask them what essential elements are necessary for quality expository writing?

6.              Teacher circulates and confers with students as they reflect on their writing.