aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Doesn't matter
What topic	Information text with adjustments for student who struggle to write sentences
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Engaging Start to an English Lesson: Exploring Information Texts

Hook: The Mystery Box

Objective: Capture students' attention and introduce the topic of information texts while considering those who struggle with sentence writing.

Preparation

• Materials Needed:
  • A box (it could be a shoebox or any other container)
  • Various items or images related to a specific topic (e.g., animals, space, historical figures)
  • A few index cards or sheets of paper with simple prompts written on them

Activity Steps

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

   • Start the lesson by holding up the mystery box. Say something like:

     "Today, we have a special activity! Inside this box are items that tell us important information about something interesting."

   • Encourage the students to guess what might be inside. This will create excitement and curiosity.

2. Unpacking the Box (10 minutes)

   • Open the box and take out one item at a time. As you do this, ask:

     "What do you think this item is? What information can we learn from it?"

   • Allow students to share their thoughts. If they struggle to speak in full sentences, prompt them with simple questions like:

     "Is it an animal? Yes or no?"

   • Record their responses on the board or on a large piece of paper, using keywords and phrases. This builds a visual representation of their ideas.

3. Connecting to Information Texts (5 minutes)

   • After unpacking all items, explain:

     "All these items provide us with information. Today, we will learn how to describe and share information just like we did with the mystery box!"

   • Briefly introduce the concept of information texts, explaining that they can teach us facts about various topics.

4. Sentence Writing Support

   • Hand out index cards with sentence starters to assist students who may find writing difficult. Examples include:
     • "This is a ____."
     • "Did you know that ____?"
     • "One fact about this is ____."

Conclusion

• Wrap up the activity by reinforcing that information texts can come from different items and ideas.
• Transition into the lesson where students will create their own simple information texts using the prompts provided.

Outcome

This engaging lesson starter not only ignites curiosity but also scaffolds learning for students who may struggle with sentence writing. It promotes discussion and allows for creative expression in a supportive environment.