Writing informational texts - taking students by storm.

This activity was made for a 6th grade group in Puerto Rico, using the unit and standards established by the Department of Education. 

In-class work

In Puerto Rico, Unit 6.2 includes the study of informational texts. It also includes the study of hurricanes. For this lesson, I would begin by reading an informational text about hurricanes. Through this article, we would examine the characteristics that this type of writing should have. 

Homework: involving the family

As homework, I would ask the students to watch a couple of informative videos about hurricanes in order for them to really understand the basic information related to them, like what they are and how they're formed. Once they have done this, they will interview their family members about their experiences with hurricanes, writing down their anecdotes. They will have to bring these to class on the next day.

Follow-up activity

Now that the students have a basic understanding of hurricanes and various personal anecdotes, they will proceed to use what they know about writing informational texts to write their own informational article. The article will be focused on the topic of hurricanes. It will not only include the factual information they have learned, but also quotes from the testimonies they received. 

Purpose

The purpose of this activity is to teach students about the topic of hurricanes and informational writing. Through this activity, they will practice their reading, writing, speaking, language, and listening in English. They will use technology to their advantage and involve their caregivers in their learning process.

Materials recommended

Short reflection to begin the class: Video about helping others cope with crisis (YouTube: NYC Children Helping Others Cope with Crisis, 1min 32sec).

Article: “Natural Disaster Report: Hurricane Threatens Haiti, Indonesian Volcano Erupts”. An article focused on your own geographical location is fine, but I wanted to integrate some geography apart from science.

Informative videos: National Geographic’s “Hurricanes 101” (YouTube, 2 minutes, 51 seconds), Insurance Bureau of Canada’s “Emergency Preparedness: Hurricanes” (YouTube, 5 minutes, 19 seconds).