Party Invitations

Motivating Students to Write Informatively

Stage of Literacy Development:

Stage 1: Beginning Literacy
Stage 2: Consolidation / Fluency

Ages:

5-8

Grade Range:

1st 2nd

Food Groups:

Primary:
Motivation for Literacy, Text Structures & Genres

Secondary: 
Writing Processes & Strategies

Activity Description

Preparation:

Prepare Types of Parties chart
1. Write the heading Types of Parties at the top of the piece of chart paper
Prepare Invitation Outline chart
1. Write the heading Come to our party at the top of another piece of chart paper
2. Below the heading list the following sub-headings
  - For, When, Where, Time, What kind of party
Gather writing materials
1. Each student will need 1 pencil and 1 piece of lined paper with an area or box to illustrate a picture
2. Each student will need access to markers or crayons

Implementation:

Introduce the activity by asking the students if they have ever received an invitation to a party
Discuss the meaning of invitations as well as the importance of informing the reader
Have the students brainstorm different types of parties and record ideas in a list on the Types of Parties chart
Choose a party from the list to model writing an invitation
1. You may wish to have students vote for their favorite party
Brainstorm and record ideas for each sub-heading on the Invitation Outline chart
Introduce independent task
1. Explain that the students will write their own invitations using the Invitation Outline chart as a guide
2. Tell students that they may select a party type of their choice
3. Have the students draw an illustration on their invitations
Have students complete their invitations independently
Invite students to share their invitations

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Allow student to illustrate a picture first and scribe the information for the student as he/she shares it orally
- Pre-teach the term "invitation" and show the student a variety of formal invitations
- Display a picture or symbol beside each sub-heading on the Invitation Outline chart

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Scribe for the student so that the ideas are the focus
- Allow the party invitation to be written using a typing program or speech-to-text software program
- Provide the student with an individual copy of the Invitation Outline

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Encourage students to share a variety of party types including cultural and family celebrations

Differentiated Instruction:

- Provide students with a variety of printed or store bought invitations for them to use as a reference

Related References

Culham, Ruth. (2005) 6+1 Traits of Writing: the Complete Guide for the Primary Grades. Scholastic, Inc., Oregon.

Activity Objective

The goal of Party Invitations: Motivating Students to Write Informatively is help students understand the structural features of a formal invitation and provide them with an opportunity to practice writing an informative text.

What You Need

Prep Time:

10 minutes
- Prepare Types of Parties chart
- Prepare Invitation Outline chart
- Gather writing materials

Task Time:

30-40 minutes
- Teacher introduces activity
- Teacher and students discuss invitations
- Teacher discusses informative writing
- Students brainstorm types of parties
- Teacher models writing an invitation
- Students write and share invitations

Materials Required:

Teacher:
- Chart paper
- Markers

Students:
- Lined paper
- Pencils
- Crayons or markers

What You Do

Teacher Role:

Direct instruction:
- while discussing informative writing

Facilitator:
- while students brainstorm types of parties

Modeling:
- while demonstrating how to write an invitation

Consultant:
- while students write invitations

Student Grouping:

Whole class:
- during introduction of activity, discussions, brainstorming session and modeling

Individual:
- when students write invitation

Assessment Ideas:

- Record anecdotal comments on the first draft of their invitations and provide students with descriptive feedback and next steps

- Use a checklist or tracking sheet to assess students understanding of the structural features of a formal invitation as well as their ability to inform the audience

Quick Tips

Activity Extensions:

- Plan an event or class party and write formal invitations to parents and family members or other classes

- Model and discuss other types of informative texts

- Provide invitation writing materials at the writing center for further practice

- Have the students write a story or report about their chosen party

Additional Comments:

- Allowing students to choose a type of party for their invitations fosters a motivation for literacy and promotes differentiated instruction.

- Encouraging students to illustrate a picture that reflects the type of party adds a visual component to the task. Including an illustration as part of the writing activity allows students to show their understanding through a different medium.

Other Adaptations/Modifications:

- Provide a quiet workspace for students disturbed by sound

- Print a copy of the Invitation Outline using larger font for students who have a visual impairment