The Major Mistake I Made as a New TPT Seller
May 23, 2025
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As educators, one of our primary goals is to help students develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives, and informational writing is one of those essential skills. Whether students are writing reports, essays, or explanatory pieces, mastering the art of informational writing prepares them for success in various academic and real-world scenarios. But, as any teacher knows, getting students excited about writing can sometimes be a challenge.
In a world where distractions are endless, it’s important to make your informational writing lessons not only educational but engaging as well. So, how do you make your lessons stand out and captivate your students’ attention? Here are some key strategies to transform your informational writing lessons into something truly memorable.
Students are more likely to engage with writing assignments when they see the real-world applications of their work. In the case of informational writing, encourage students to explore topics that interest them, such as current events, technological innovations, or social issues. Have them interview community members, research real-life examples, or explore careers that rely on informational writing (such as journalism, law, or science).
By connecting writing assignments to real-world contexts, you not only make writing more meaningful but also demonstrate to students that informational writing isn’t just something they do for school—it’s a vital skill they will use throughout their lives.
Informational writing often involves organizing complex information in a clear and coherent way. One way to make your lessons stand out is by incorporating interactive and visual tools. Mind maps, graphic organizers, and digital tools like Google Docs or Canva can help students break down information and see how ideas connect. You can even introduce multimedia elements such as videos, images, or infographics to help students visualize their ideas and enhance the impact of their writing.
Incorporating technology allows students to engage with the material in new ways, making the learning experience both dynamic and fun.
One of the most effective ways to engage students in any lesson is by giving them some control over what they are learning. For informational writing, allow students to choose their own topics (within a certain framework). This helps foster ownership over their learning process and makes writing feel less like a task and more like a creative opportunity.
For instance, if you’re teaching about environmental issues, allow students to choose between topics such as climate change, renewable energy, or endangered species. Giving students the freedom to pick subjects they are passionate about will not only boost motivation but will also encourage them to delve deeper into their research.
Writing can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavor, but collaboration can breathe new life into the process. Encourage peer review sessions where students can give and receive feedback on their writing. Not only does this help them improve their work, but it also fosters a sense of community and shared learning in the classroom.
Additionally, pair students up or create small groups for collaborative projects. Working together allows them to brainstorm ideas, divide research tasks, and pool their strengths. Group work also helps students learn how to give constructive feedback and refine their writing based on others’ input.
Mentor texts are excellent tools for showing students how to craft strong informational writing. Provide examples of high-quality informational pieces from various genres—such as news articles, nonfiction books, or essays—to demonstrate effective writing strategies. Discuss the elements that make these pieces successful: clear organization, strong evidence, logical flow, and engaging language.
Encouraging students to analyze mentor texts will help them understand what goes into creating informative and compelling content, giving them a model to emulate in their own writing.
While informational writing is about presenting facts and details, that doesn’t mean it has to be dry or impersonal. Help students understand that they can bring their own voices and personalities into their writing. Encourage them to write with enthusiasm and curiosity, using language that is engaging while still remaining factual.
A great way to do this is by allowing students to add their own perspectives or experiences when writing about a topic. For example, if a student is writing about a historical event, they could explore how that event impacted their local community or compare it to modern-day events.
Feedback is a vital part of the writing process. Rather than waiting until the final draft to offer feedback, provide ongoing comments and suggestions throughout the process. Encourage students to reflect on their writing, evaluate their progress, and set goals for improvement. This process not only helps them refine their skills but also encourages a growth mindset.
Additionally, offer personalized feedback that highlights what each student is doing well, and give them specific guidance on how to improve. This builds confidence and motivates them to keep working at their craft.
Finally, celebrate your students’ hard work! Provide opportunities for them to share their writing with others—whether it’s through a classroom blog, a bulletin board display, or a writing showcase. Recognizing their efforts publicly not only boosts their confidence but also reinforces the importance of the work they’ve done.
Sharing their writing with an audience also helps students understand the value of informational writing as a form of communication, demonstrating that their words can make an impact.
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