Activity Description

Preparation:

1. Gather materials for students to use to create anchor charts

Implementation:

1. Discuss the four basic forms of writing with the students, expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive
2. Introduce the idea of creating anchor charts
   1. Emphasize the importance of having references in the classroom, like anchor charts to support learning
3. Introduce the Frayer Model
4. Explain how the main term is at the center of the poster and characteristics and definitions surround the central term
   1. Provide students with examples highlighting the Frayer Model
   2. Keep these examples posted as students create their own
5. Divide the students into groups
   1. You may have predetermined groups or have the students choose who they would like to work with
   2. Have each group choose one of the forms of writing
   3. Have students create anchor charts for each form of writing
6. Move around the room supporting students as they work
7. Display anchor charts in the classroom

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Display pictures or symbols beside each writing form
- Prior to the activity pre-teach or review new terms  including each of the four basic forms of writing

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Include many visual representations of the displayed information
- Repeat instructions to each group as they begin to complete their poster

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Use a variety of texts to demonstrate each form of writing

Differentiated Instruction:

- Encourage varied responses during the discussion
- Use heterogeneous and mixed ability groupings

Related References

The Frayer Model: http://wvde.state.wv.us/strategybank/FrayerModel.html

Tower, C. (2003). Genre development and elementary students informational writing: A review of the literature. Reading Research and Instruction, 42 (4), 14-39.