After reading The Mitten by Jan Brett, scholars discuss the author's purpose. Small groups compare and contrast a book written to entertain and a book to inform, then create a T-Chart detailing the characteristics of each. Learners choose to write an informative or entertaining piece in response to a picture writing prompt. To show what they know, pupils examine texts to identify the author's purpose.

Concepts

author's purpose, reading, nonfiction, nonfiction texts, reading nonfiction, fiction, fictional narratives, Writing, Writing Prompts

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Instructional Ideas

• Visit the school library and direct participants to pick out books about bears to use for comparing and contrasting

Classroom Considerations

• Requires projection if playing the video version of the story
• The writing prompt looks best copied in color
• Scholars need books, specifically about bears

Pros

• Allows participants to choose which writing style to use for the assignment
• Offers teacher's notes, suggestions, and modification ideas

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.2.6 W.2.4