In Texas, our 4th graders take STAAR writing, in which they are required to write based upon an expository/ persuasive prompt. This is what I've used for the past two years to help my students build these skills. Expository writing is more sequential based, while narrative writing is telling a story.
This is an entire year's worth of journal writing, including a mixture of expository and personal narrative prompts. Here's how it can be used to benefit all students, grades 2-5:
Send home the entire packet with the cover sheet and appropriate pages (separated by narrative and expository).This packet includes a narrative and expository checklist of expectations. Students read the prompt, choose and complete the graphic organizer page for homework.
Students will use the planning preparation page to begin writing their paper. Some younger writers may find it difficult to come up with the introduction when writing. Having them think of the reasons and details will give them the ability to compose the content needed for the introduction and conclusion.
Time to edit and revise. Complete the checklist at the bottom of the page that says, ‘Once written, go back and’ Highlight the nouns in yellow and the adjectives in blue. Then have the students circle the verbs.Students will review the nouns and add adjectives to them to create a more descriptive sentence. Review the adjectives that were highlighted to ensure they paint a picture in the mind of your readers. Change them if needed. Look at the circled verbs. Change ‘boring’ verbs to ‘dazzling’ verbs.
Students will write their rough draft using their edited paper from Wednesday and finish off the checklist of expectations for either the narrative or expository prompt. They will also finish the reflections page, identifying their strengths and developmental areas in writing this paper. Turn it in on Friday for the teacher to review. A final draft may be written and published, if desired.
There are a total of 38 prompts, 19 expository and 19 narrative. Each weekly homework packet contains a prompt coversheet, a graphic organizer, a planning preparation page, and a rough draft page. The final writing page is included, too, but not with the weekly homework packet. Each week contains a small number in the right hand corner if you'd like to go in order. Pages can be printed in grayscale or black and white to saved colored ink.
I hope you and your students enjoy this as much as my students do.