Instant Nonfiction
Writing Frames
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
by Rhonda Graff
N e w Y o r k • T o r o nt o • L o n d o n • A u c k lan d • S y d n e Y
m e x i c o c i ty • n e w d e l h i • h o n g k o n g • B UE N O S A IRE S
To my mother and father & Craig and Daniel with love
A special thank you to Liza Charlesworth, Gina Shaw,
and Jason Robinson for all their guidance and support Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
—R.G.
Scholastic Inc. grants teachers permission to photocopy the designated reproducible pages for classroom
use. No other part of the publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any way or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
without written permission of the publisher. For information, write to Scholastic Inc.,
524 Broadway, New York, NY 10012.
Cover and design by Jason Robinson
ISBN: 978-0-545-22416-1
Copyright © 2011 by Rhonda Graff
All rights reserved. Published by Scholastic Inc.
Printed in the U.S.A.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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16 15 14 13 12 11
Contents
INTRODUCTION................................. 4
How to Use This Book....................... 4
Helpful Hints...................................... 4
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
In Each Unit.................................... 5
Teacher Page for
Current Event Frame....................... 42
Current Event Report.................43–48
APPENDIX......................................... 49
Cover Page...................................... 50
Meeting the Standards.......... 6
Labeled Diagram and Caption........ 51
WRITING FRAMES........................... 7
Fascinating Facts............................. 52
Teacher Page for
Animal Writing Frame....................... 8
Glossary........................................... 53
Bibliography..................................... 54
Animal Report...............................9–12
Venn Diagram.................................. 55
Teacher Page for
Autobiography Frame..................... 13
Sequence......................................... 56
Autobiography Report...............14–19
Teacher Page for
Biography Frame............................. 20
Biography Report.......................21–26
Teacher Page for Primary
Source Interview Questions............ 27
Interview Questions for Primary
Source Biography/Adult.............28–29
Interview Questions for Primary
Source Biography/Student.........30–32
Teacher Page for
“How to” Frame.............................. 33
“How to” Report........................34–41
About the Author............................ 57
T Chart............................................. 58
Dedication Page.............................. 59
Table of Contents............................ 60
Three-Column Chart........................ 61
Two-Box Chart................................. 62
Notes................................................ 63
About the Author............................ 64
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Introduction
Welcome to Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames! This book is designed to help
students organize and plan a research paper or a nonfiction report. There are six
topics presented, plus an Appendix. The Appendix is a valuable tool to use when
planning these assignments because it allows you to customize and differentiate the
assignments based on your needs and your students’ abilities.
All reproducibles in this book are presented as frames for the children to fill in.
These frames serve as guides to help children stay focused and organize their
thoughts while gathering information and writing about a nonfiction topic. The frames
provide structure, but allow the children to complete their writing in their own words.
Each section has an icon. The icons are presented to visually assist students regarding
what to write about in each section. Be sure to review the Appendix to choose
supplemental handouts for each report based on students’ needs and interests.
How to Use This Book
To start, peruse this resource and choose one of the presented topics. Then decide
which pages need to be included in each child’s report. Some students can complete
the entire booklet, and you may want to include an illustration page, a glossary page,
and a bibliography page from the Appendix. For another student, you may only want
to include a beginning page from the booklet together with an illustration page and a
bibliography page from the Appendix. You can customize what you feel is best for the
given assignment and the given student. The Teacher Pages provide more specific
information about the reproducibles throughout the book.
Helpful Hints
It will be helpful to model one section at a time so children will understand how to
gather and write information about their given topics. Be sure to go step by step so
they understand what is expected and how they can personalize their work. Be sure to
model note-taking for the children so they understand how to gather information.
Introduce the use of key words so the children don’t copy word for word from a
resource. Some students may use the frames as a place to gather notes and
information as a pre-writing activity, if needed.
Children enjoy learning about nonfiction topics. This book will help them write
about varied nonfiction subjects.
4
IN EACH UNIT
For each frame, you’ll find:
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
An indication of what
genre of writing the
frames will be used for
Ready-to-reproduce
booklets/reports
Pre-writing background
information for the teacher to
share with the students,
including discussion starters
and hints for possible resources
A place for the title and
author of each booklet
Autobiography Report
Teacher Page
Autobiography Frame
Procedure
1
Discussthetermautobiographywithstudents.
Encouragechildrentobrainstorm“ME.”Allow
studentstosharebrainstormingforfurtheridea
generation.
2
Gatherresources.Havechildrencreatealistof
questionstobringhomesincetheymaynot
remembereventsfromwhentheywereyounger.
Pointoutthatthisinformationisconsidereda
resource.
10 Friends:Manychildrenenjoywritingabout
friends.Discusspossibilities.Friendsmayinclude
peers,relatives,orpets.Therearetwo
illustration/photoboxeswithcaptionlines.The
iconoffriendsholdinghandsisusedhere.
11 Hobbies and Interests:Childrenenjoy
onthelineprovided.
manyafter-schoolactivitiesthattheyoftenmay
notsharewithclassmatesandteachers.This
sectionisaperfectplacetosharepersonal
talents,interests,hobbies,andfavoriteactivities.
Theassortmentofhobbiesisusedasanicon.
Studentsshouldwritetheirnameonthis
line.
5 Picture:Studentscanplaceaphotograph(with
parents’permission)ordrawapictureof
themselvesinthisbox.
12 Closing:Herethechildrencanrestatetheir
________________________________________________________________­___
13 A Timeline of My Life:Childrencanusethis
frametochoosefourkeyeventsintheirlife.They
willrecordthedateandeventonthelinesatthe
left.Thentheycanillustratetheeventinthe
providedbox.Ifyouwouldliketohavethe
studentsincludemorekeyevents,provide
multiplecopiesofthispagetoeachchild.
7 When I Was a Baby:Informationmay
includeplaceofbirth,birthweight,andsize.
Childrenmaywishtoaddfirstwords,favorite
toysorstories,oraspecialbabymemory.Inthe
illustrationbox,childrenmaywanttopastea
babyphoto(withparents’permission).Havethe
childrenwriteacaptiononthelinesbelowthe
box.Thebottleiconisavisualreminderofbaby
days.
By
purposeforwritingandincludesomethingof
interestandarelatedgeneralstatement.The
conclusionshouldbeconcise.Thecloseddoor
iconrepresentstheend.
6 Introduction:Explaintochildrenthatan
interestingopeningwillencouragepeopleto
readthepaper.Theopendooriconisawayof
gettingpeopleto“walkthrough”thedoorand
enterintotheworldofthereport.Theopening
shouldbeinterestingandinformative.
_______________________________________________________________
Whatmakesthemspecial?Encouragechildrento
providedetails.Bydoingso,theaudiencewill
learnmore.Notetheillustration/photoboxat
thebottomofthepage.Theiconofheartand
houseismeanttorecallfamily.
3 Title:Studentscantitletheirworkatanytime
4 By:
Title
9 Family:Havechildrenidentifyfamilymembers.
14 Appendix considerations for the
8 School Days:Somechildrenmayhave
memoriesfromthepreviousyearortwo.Other
childrenmayhavepre-schoolmemories.Itis
alwayshelpfultobrainstormtogetherasaclass
tohelpchildrenrecalltheirpastexperiences.It
mayhelpsparkamemory!Thepaperandpencil
iconisavisualreminderofschool.
Autobiography Frame:
•coverpage
•tableofcontents
•dedicationpage
•labeleddiagramandcaption
•fascinatingfacts
IntroductionGetyourreader'sattentionwith
somethinginteresting.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
•sequencecircle
•tchart
•glossary
•bibliography
___________________________________________________________________________________
13
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames ✷ ScholasticTeachingResources
Appendix* considerations
for the teacher to use to
differentiate each report
Step-by-step suggestions/
guidance for all sections of
the writing frame booklets,
from the introduction to the
conclusion
Icons to help students
make connections to
the different sections of
the paper
Plenty of room for
related illustrations
Writing prompts in each
section to help guide
students
*Appendix: Additional pages to insert into the reports to
differentiate and better reach the varied needs of the students
5
Meeting the Standards
These writing frames will help you meet these essential primary-grade
writing standards:
✷Prewriting: Uses prewriting strategies to plan written work
✷Drafting and Revising: Uses strategies to draft and publish written work
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
✷Editing and Publishing: Uses strategies to edit and publish written work
✷Writes for different purposes (e.g., to entertain, inform, communicate, etc.)
✷Gathers and uses information for research purposes
Source: Mid-continent Regional Education Laboratory (McREL), an organization that
collects and synthesizes national and state K–12 standards.
6
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Writing Frames
ort
“How to" Rep
Title
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er’s attention.
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Introduction
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Resources
tic Teaching
Graff, Scholas
© 2011 by Rhonda
on Writing Frames
Instant Nonficti
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Instant Nonficti
on Writing Frames
© 2011 by Rhonda
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7
Teacher Page
Animal Writing Frame
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Procedure
1
Have students choose an animal of interest or
assign an animal to each student or group of
students.
2
Gather resources. Include books, magazines, and
websites.
3 Title: Students can title their work at any time
on the line provided.
4 By: Students should write their name or the
names of the group members on this line.
5 Picture: Students can cut out or draw a picture
of the animal they will be writing about.
6 Introduction: Explain to children that an
interesting opening will encourage people to
read the report. The open door icon is a way of
getting people to “walk through” the door and
enter into the world of the report. The opening
should be interesting and informative.
7 Appearance: Have children describe the
physical characteristics of the animal. The mirror
icon will help children remember to think about a
description of the animal.
8 Behavior/Characteristics: Encourage
children to think about special qualities the
animal possesses. These may include adaptations
such as a polar bear’s white fur or a giraffe’s long
neck, or behaviors such as hibernation or
migration. It may also include ways of movement,
communication, how they treat their young, or
the animal’s social interactions. The icon with
three circles plus a triangle shows similar shapes
and one that is different to remind students to
think about some common and unique
characteristics.
9 Habitat: Children will need to learn this
important vocabulary word. Hold a discussion of
various habitats. Have children identify the
habitat and describe it. The house icon will help
them understand the meaning of the word.
10 Diet: Children can identify the animal’s diet.
Consider introducing vocabulary words such as
carnivore, herbivore, and omnivore. The tablesetting icon is a reminder to think about food.
11 More Interesting Facts: This section allows
children to include something special that didn’t
fit into any of the set topics presented. Remind
them to stay focused and not to include too
many additional points. The megaphone icon
represents the sharing of information.
12 Closing: Here the children can restate their
purpose for writing and include something of
interest and a related general statement. The
conclusion should be concise. The closed door
icon represents the end.
13 Appendix considerations for the
Animal Writing Frame:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
cover page (first page of the Appendix)
about the author
dedication page
table of contents
labeled diagram and caption
Venn diagram
fascinating facts
T chart
glossary
bibliography
8
Animal Report
Title
_____________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
By _________________________________________________________________­_______________
Introduction Get your reader’s attention.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
9
Appearance What does this animal look like?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Behavior How does this animal act?
Characteristics How is it different from other animals?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
10
Habitat Where does this animal live?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Diet What does this animal eat?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
11
More Interesting Facts Tell more!
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Closing Conclude and finish.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
12
Teacher Page
Autobiography Frame
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Procedure
1
Discuss the term autobiography with students.
Encourage them to brainstorm “ME.” Allow
students to share brainstorming for further idea
generation.
2
Gather resources. Have children create a list of
questions to bring home since they may not
remember events from when they were younger.
Point out that this information is considered a
resource.
3 Title: Students can title their work at any time
on the line provided.
4 By:
Students should write their own name on
this line.
5 Picture: Students can place a photograph (with
parents’ permission) or draw a picture of
themselves in this box.
6 Introduction: Explain to children that an
interesting opening will encourage people to
read the report. The open door icon is a way of
getting people to “walk through” the door and
enter into the world of the report. The opening
should be interesting and informative.
7 When I Was a Baby: Information may
include place of birth, birth weight, and size.
Children may wish to add first words, favorite
toys or stories, or a special baby memory. In the
illustration box, they may want to paste a baby
photo (with parents’ permission). Have the
children write a caption on the lines below the
box. The bottle icon is a visual reminder of baby
days.
8 School Days: Some children may have
memories from the previous year or two. Other
children may have pre-school memories. It is
always helpful to brainstorm together as a class
to help children recall their past experiences. It
may help spark a memory! The paper and pencil
icon is a visual reminder of school.
9 Family: Have children identify family members.
What makes each one special? Encourage them
to provide details. By doing so, the audience will
learn more. Note the illustration/photo box at
the bottom of the page. The icon of heart and
house is meant to recall family.
10 Friends: Many children enjoy writing about
friends. Discuss possibilities. Friends may include
peers, relatives, or pets. There are two
illustration/photo boxes with caption lines. The
icon of friends holding hands is used here.
11 Hobbies and Interests: Children enjoy
many after-school activities that they often may
not share with classmates and teachers. This
section is a perfect place to share personal
talents, interests, hobbies, and favorite activities.
The assortment of hobbies is used as an icon.
12 Closing: Here the children can restate their
purpose for writing and include something of
interest and a related general statement. The
conclusion should be concise. The closed door
icon represents the end.
13 A Timeline of My Life: Children can use this
frame to choose four key events in their life. They
will record the date and event on the lines at the
left. Then they can illustrate the event in the box
provided. If you would like students to include
more key events, provide multiple copies of this
page to each child.
14 Appendix considerations for the
Autobiography Frame:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
cover page (first page of the Appendix)
table of contents
dedication page
labeled diagram and caption
fascinating facts
sequence circle
T chart
glossary
bibliography
13
Autobiography Report
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Title
_______________________________________________________________
By ________________________________________________________________­___
Introduction Get your reader’s attention.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
14
When I Was a Baby What did you do as a baby?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
15
School Days What special school memories do you have?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Family Who are the people in your family? What makes
them special?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
16
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Friends Who are the special people you spend time with?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
17
Hobbies and Interests What do you like to do?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Closing Conclude and finish.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________________
18
A Timeline of My Life
Date ________________________
Event ________________________
______________________________
______________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
______________________________
Date ________________________
Event ________________________
______________________________
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Date ________________________
Event ________________________
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Date ________________________
Event ________________________
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19
Teacher Page
Biography Frame
The biography frames can be used to write about a
familiar person or a famous individual.
• Use the primary source Interview Questions Sheet
(on pages 28–29) to gather information about a
familiar person (parent, teacher, friend).
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
• Use secondary resources, such as: books,
magazines, student newspapers, and websites to
gather information about a famous individual.
Children can then use the biography frames provided
here to help structure their reports, or they can use
the interview questions to write their own reports.
Procedure
1
2
periods. Sometimes events or interests during
childhood impact adult life. In this section,
children can write about significant events of the
subject’s youth. The icon of a child with the word
childhood is used to recall that period of life.
9 Life Highlights: Whether famous or not,
everyone has some life highlights. Special events
may include becoming president, discovering the
light bulb, or delivering a speech. For others, a
life highlight may be getting a new job, moving,
winning a baseball game, or getting a part in the
school play. The illustration box below includes
lines for a caption. The blue ribbon icon is a
reminder of something special.
Discuss the term biography with students.
Encourage children to brainstorm some famous
people they would like to learn more about.
10 Challenges: Challenges may include any life
Gather resources such as books, magazine
articles, student newspapers, and websites.
11 Other Interesting Facts: Learning about a
3 Title: Students can title their work at any time
on the line provided.
4 By:
Students should write their name on
this line.
5 Picture: Students can place a photograph (with
parents’ permission) or draw a picture of the
person they are writing about.
6 Introduction: Explain to children that an
interesting opening will encourage people to
read the report. The open door icon is a way of
getting people to “walk through” the door and
enter into the world of the report. The opening
should be interesting and informative. It may
begin with a question, an interesting fact, or a
piece of trivia.
7
8 Early Life: Children can note differences in time
Family Life: Details may include place and
date of birth. Information about this person’s
young life may include family and lifestyle. The
icon of a photo album and photos will bring
family life to mind.
obstacle. The icon of boxing gloves represents a
challenge to overcome.
person includes many wonderful facts and
details. This section provides a space to include
more details about interesting events. The
illustration box and caption lines on the following
page can be used as a place to illustrate
something from this section. The star icon is used
to represent additional information.
12 Closing: Here children can restate their
purpose for writing and include something of
interest and a related general statement. The
conclusion should be concise. The closed door
icon represents the end.
13 Important Dates: This chart is a concise
visual of dates and events. Children can write
and/or illustrate in this section.
14 Appendix considerations for the
Biography Frame:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
cover page (first page of the Appendix)
table of contents
• about the author
dedication page
• fascinating facts
three-column chart
• glossary
bibliography
labeled diagram and caption
two-box chart (change over time)
20
Biography Report
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Title
_______________________________________________________________
By ________________________________________________________________­___
Introduction Get your reader’s attention.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
21
Family Life Where was this person born? Describe his or her
family life.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Early Life What was life like when this person was young?
ld hoo
d
hi
c
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
Describe special interests or talents. Were there hardships
or successes?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
22
Life Highlights What are some special events in this person’s life?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
23
Challenges What obstacles or problems did this person
encounter? How did he or she respond to challenges?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Other Interesting Facts What additional information did
you learn about this person?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
24
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Closing Conclude and finish.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
25
Important Dates in the Life of
___________________________________________________________________________________
Important Events
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Dates
26
Teacher Page
Primary Source
Interview Questions
In this section, primary source interview questions are
provided.
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Procedure
Two sets of questions are provided—one set for an
adult and one set for a child. An additional blank
question page is also provided.
1
Discuss what a primary source is and how to use
an interview to gather information. It would be
helpful to model gathering information and
performing an interview. Brainstorm questions
together and review how to take notes using key
words. Also discuss the importance of spelling
names and places correctly and recording
information accurately. It is fine to ask for
confirmation or to have an interviewee repeat a
response for clarification.
2
The “Other Questions” page is provided so that
students can create questions more specific to
their needs. Discuss preparation and model how
to develop appropriate questions. Remind
students if they ask a question that requires only
a yes or no answer, they will not get much
information. Instead have the children work on
questioning techniques that will result in
interesting responses.
3 Appendix considerations for the
Primary Source Interview Questions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
cover page (first page of the Appendix)
table of contents
about the author
dedication page
labeled diagram and caption
fascinating facts
bibliography
27
Interview Questions for
Primary Source Biography / Adult
What do you like to be called? ______________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
_________________________________________________________
What were some highlights or important events in your life when
you were a child? _ ________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
What were some highlights or important events in your adult life?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Tell me about your family. __________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
28
What special interests do you have? _________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
_________________________________________________________
What is something special about you? _______________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
What is your occupation (job), and what are your responsibilities?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
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What do you like about your job, and why is it important?
_________________________________________________________
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29
Interview Questions for
Primary Source Biography / Student
What do you like to be called? ______________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
_________________________________________________________
What were some important events in your life when you were a
young child/baby? _ _______________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Tell me about your family. __________________________________
_________________________________________________________
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What special interests do you have? Tell me about your hobbies. _________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
What is something special about you? _______________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
What pets do you own or like?______________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
What is your favorite subject in school?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
31
Other Questions
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Interviewer:_________________ Interviewee:________________
Question: _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Answer: ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Question: _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Answer: ___________________________________________________
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Question: _________________________________________________
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Answer: ___________________________________________________
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Question: _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Answer: ___________________________________________________
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32
Teacher Page
“How to" Frame
Procedure
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
1
2
7 Number sequence: Each step includes a key
word and a number. Each step also includes a
corresponding illustration/photo box and
caption. Each step has its own page.
Have children choose a topic so that they can
explain how something is done. Modeling this
verbally can be fun, with one student providing
directions and the other trying to follow them.
Students will soon see that details are critical if
they want to be accurate.
8 Closing:
Discuss key words such as first, then, next, after
that, and finally. These sequence words are
important to help guide the reader.
9 Summary:
3 Title: Students can title their work at any time
on the line provided.
4 By:
Students should write their name on this
line.
5 Picture: Students can place a photograph (with
parent’s permission) or draw a picture of what
they will be writing about.
6 Introduction: Explain to children that an
interesting opening will encourage people to
read the paper. The open door icon is a way of
getting people to “walk through” the door and
enter into the world of the report. The opening
should be interesting and informative. It may
include a reason why someone may wish to do
what is being described.
Here the children can restate their
purpose for writing and include something of
interest and a related general statement. The
conclusion should be concise. The closed door
icon represents the end.
This page can be used as a
prewriting/planning page or a summary/review
page. Children can use illustrations to help guide
them. The key words are presented on this page
to help children see the flow of the “how to”
report.
10 Appendix considerations for the
“How to” Frame:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
cover page (first page of the Appendix)
table of contents
about the author
dedication page
fascinating facts
glossary
bibliography
33
“How to" Report
Title
_____________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
By _________________________________________________________________­_______________
Introduction Get your reader’s attention.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
34
First What is the first step?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
1
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
35
Then What is the second step?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
2
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
36
Next What is the third step?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
3
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
37
After that What is the fourth step?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
4
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
38
Finally What is the last step?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
5
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
39
Closing Conclude and finish.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________________
40
Summary
How to _______________________________________________________
Step
Illustration
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
First
Then
Next
After that
Finally
41
Teacher Page
Current Event Frame
Procedure
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
1
2
Discuss why it is important to be aware of current
events. Then brainstorm places we can find
current events. Children should be aware of
newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, and the
Internet.
Gather resources. Bring in a local newspaper. Use
student newspapers, children’s magazines, or the
Internet. Discuss topics of interest and share
some articles. Be sure children can identify who,
what, where, when, and why. Point out that they
can underline or highlight key points. Children
can verbally share or create a list of these key
points. Be sure to discuss validity, especially
when using the Internet.
3 Date and Source: Model for students how to
identify the date of publication and the source of
the article. Record this information on the lines.
4 Picture: Have children cut out or draw a picture
of what they will be writing about.
5 Introduction: Explain to children that an
interesting opening will encourage people to
read the report. The open door icon is a way of
getting people to “walk through” the door and
enter into the world of the report. The opening
should be interesting and informative.
6 Who?: Identify the “who.” The article may
actually be about more than one person. The
person icon represents the “who.”
7 What and Where?: This section identifies
what the article is about and where the event
takes place. The icon is a light bulb, representing
“what” and a globe representing “where.”
9 Why?: This section allows the children to
provide details as to why something happened.
Be sure they stick to the facts. This is not a place
for their opinions. The question mark icon makes
them think about why something is happening.
10 More Interesting Facts: Although the focus
is the five W’s, this section provides a place to
include some pertinent details. The clipboard
icon is used to help students recognize other
important information.
11 Closing: Here the children can restate their
purpose for writing and include something of
interest and a related general statement. The
conclusion should be concise. The closed door
icon represents the end. The illustration box and
caption lines give them a chance to choose a
highlight.
12 Summary Chart: This additional page
provides space to gather key points and to
summarize. By writing a summary statement or
two, children differentiate between main idea
and details. A summary should not be lengthy,
but rather concise.
13 Appendix considerations for the
Current Event Frame:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
cover page (first page of the Appendix)
table of contents
about the author
dedication page
labeled diagram and caption
fascinating facts
two-box chart (cause and effect)
glossary
bibliography
8 When?: Have children identify when this event
takes place. If a specific time is not given, they
can note the publication date of the newspaper
or the article. The watch icon is used to identify
time. There is an illustration box and caption
lines that can be used as the children wish.
42
Current Event Report
Date
____________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Source _________________________________________________________________________
Introduction Get your reader’s attention.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
43
Who Who is involved?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
What and Where What happened, and where did it happen?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
44
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
When When did this take place?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
45
Why Why did this happen?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
More Interesting Facts Tell more. What are some details?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
46
Closing Conclude and finish.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
47
Summary Chart
Event: ________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?
In summary, _____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
48
Glossary
s
Teaching Resource
✷ Scholastic
n Writing Frames
Instant Nonfictio
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Appendix
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Venn Diagra
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Author
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Word: ________
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Meaning: ____
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on
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Nonfiction Writing
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Frames ✷ Scholastic
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Teaching Resourc
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Title
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Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
_________________________________________________________________­_____________________
By
________________________________________________________________________________
50
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Labeled Diagram
Caption
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
51
Fascinating Facts
Fact 1: _ ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
______________________________________________________________
Fact 2: _ ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Fact 3: _ ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Fact 4: _ ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
52
Glossary
Word: ________________________________________________________
Meaning: _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Word: ________________________________________________________
Meaning: _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Word: ________________________________________________________
Meaning: _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
53
Bibliography
Source 1 / Book or Website: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Source 2 / Book or Website: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
Source 3 / Book or Website: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
Source 4 / Book or Website: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
Source 5 / Book or Website: ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
54
55
Venn Diagram
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Sequence
56
About the Author
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
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57
T Chart
_______________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
_______________________________________________________________________________
58
This book is dedicated to:
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
©
___________________________________________________________ 59
Table of Contents
________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______
________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______
________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______
________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______
________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______
________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______
________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______
________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______
________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______
60
Three-Column Chart
_______________________________________________________________________________
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
_______________________________________________________________________________
61
Two-Box Chart
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
___________________________________________________________________________________
62
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Notes
63
About the Author
Rhonda Graff teaches second grade at Woodglen Elementary School in New
York State. She has been teaching for 20 years, covering first, second, and fifth
grades. In addition, she taught a reading methods course at a local university.
Rhonda enjoys being with her sons, Craig and Daniel. She also enjoys
Instant Nonfiction Writing Frames © Rhonda Graff, Scholastic Teaching Resources
challenging herself with all forms of physical activity!
64