ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Teaching Without Frills Informational Writing for Kids – Episode 2: Brainstorming & Choosing a Topic
Informational texts are books or articles that give us real facts about different subjects. Writers create these texts to help people learn new things. Today, we’re going to talk about how to choose a topic for an informational text. Let’s imagine we’re writing a book about tigers!
First, we need to think of some topics we know a lot about. This is called brainstorming. Here are some ideas I came up with: bikes, computers, money, and dogs. These are all things I know well and could write about.
Next, it’s important to think about who will read your writing. This group of people is called your audience. For example, if I’m writing for my younger brother, I might choose to teach him about dogs. But if I were writing for my mom, I wouldn’t pick dogs because she already knows a lot about them.
To choose the best topic, ask yourself a few questions: What do I know a lot about? What can I teach my audience? What am I really interested in? After thinking about these questions, I’ve decided to write about computers. I know a lot about them, and I think my classmates would like to learn more. Plus, I find computers really interesting, so I won’t get bored writing about them!
In the next episode, we’ll learn how to make a plan for our writing. Stay tuned for more fun and learning!
Topic Treasure Hunt: Go on a treasure hunt around your home or classroom to find objects or pictures that represent topics you know a lot about. Once you have gathered a few items, share them with a friend or family member and explain why each item could be a great topic for an informational text. Think about what you could teach others about each topic.
Audience Match-Up: Create a list of different people you know, like family members, friends, or teachers. Next to each person, write down a topic you think they would be interested in learning about. Discuss with a partner why you chose each topic for that person. This will help you understand how to choose topics based on your audience’s interests.
Interest Interview: Pair up with a classmate and take turns interviewing each other about your interests. Ask questions like “What do you like to learn about?” or “What is something you know a lot about?” After the interview, choose one topic your partner mentioned and think about how you could write an informational text about it. Share your ideas with the class.
**Informational Writing Episode 2: Choosing a Topic**
Informational texts present factual information that is always accurate. Authors create informational books to educate readers about specific subjects. The subject of this book is tigers.
First, I will brainstorm some topics that I am knowledgeable about. I have expertise in bikes, computers, money, and dogs. These are potential topics I can choose from.
Next, I need to consider my audience. Your audience is the group of people who will read your writing. For instance, if I’m writing for my younger brother, I might teach him about dogs. However, I wouldn’t write about dogs for my mom, as she is already well-informed on that topic.
Let’s reflect on a few questions: What do I know a lot about? What can I teach my audience? And what am I genuinely interested in?
I’ve decided to write about computers. I have a strong understanding of them, and since I’m writing for my classmates, I believe I can teach them a lot. Additionally, I enjoy the subject, so I know I won’t lose interest.
Stay tuned for episode 3, where I will outline my writing plan.
