WO+January+25,+2009

Monday, January 25, 2009 //This lesson had been adapted from Caulkins, __Non-fiction Writing__//, //It is called "Incorporating Features of How-To Writing" found on pages 29-39.//

The following sites provided some examples of how to texts with "helpers": http://kidshealth.org/kid/recipes/index.html

Learning Target: //I can help readers follow directions by using "helpers."


 * Opening:**// Today when you continue writing your How To Books, I want to show you there are little things we can do to help readers read and follow directions.


 * Whole Class Activity:** Show students some examples of how to books (magic tricks, recipe books, etc.) On the projector or by passing around the example of one recipe, point out the following things (as you point it out make an anchor chart to show findings):

-With the students notice the title (the title will have a how to or will name the thing being taught). //"The title helps the reader predict what they are going to learn."//

-Now let students explore some hard copies of how to books in a circle. Let them notice other helpers and then come together to share out. You want students to notice the following and then chart it on your anchor chart, an example of the chart is below:

1. A title that says this will be a How-To book 2. A list of things we'll need 3. Pictures that teach us what to do 4. Numbers for each step
 * How To Helpers

Student Practice:** "Today I know some of you are revising your Ho-To books and others are starting new ones. Remember that when you write a How-To book, it;s smart to check it by trying it out on a readers. Somebody should be able to follow your directions easily and without any confusion. So today you are starting a new How-To book or you are working on one you already started. But you want to make sure that you use these helpers no matter what step you are on."