Animal Research Report: Multi-Draft Informative Writing using Google Docs {CCSS}

"This is such a great product! I'm ready to rock it with my class!"

“My students are STILL talking about their research reports almost 4 months later. Thank you for such an amazing and easy to use resource!”

Mammals! Amphibians! Reptiles! Birds! Fish! Oh my!

Instead of doing several Informative Essays, I like to focus on just one and help students make it better and better through multiple drafts that add new skills each time. This method makes research writing easier to manage for you and your students.

Since many students now have access to Google Docs (through Google Apps for Education or GAFE) they are able to use technology to produce their writing—not just publish at the end! As a result, this expository writing process is computer-friendly & nearly pencil-free! As an additional update, a link to share this resource through Google Classroom/Google Drive is now included!

These "Ready To Print" student pages meet EIGHT of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts (ELA) for Grades 3-5 Writing & Language! This Writing Resource also incorporates Reading Informational Text CCSS although those are not specifically assessed. If you choose, the student pages are also available in a 100% digital format.

Students will use the included Step-by-Step Companion Packet to guide them through the entire research and writing process. Students focus on just three “Must-Have’s” for each draft—not tackling everything all at once. This allows them to be successful a little bit at a time while constructing an essay that is top-notch by the end of Draft Three. Each new draft has Preparation Pages that prepare the students to focus on the new Must-Have’s.

Students will also use draft-by-draft color-coding of text for at-a-glance teacher grading. Three easy circles on the included check-in forms will allow you to give feedback following each draft without making all of the corrections yourself!

In addition to the five post-draft check-in sheets, I have included a student self-evaluation and teacher rubric for formal assessment and an optional Poster Project {with rubric.}

Be sure that your students have access to computers with Google Docs and a basic understanding of how to use Google Docs prior to beginning the packet! This resource will compliment a variety of tried and true research writing projects including Endangered Animals, Animals in Ecosystems/Biomes (Forest, Grassland, Arctic, Desert, Tundra, Freshwater, Marine) and more!

Thank your for your interest and I hope you enjoy this product from Project Hallway!

:-) Bethany

With your purchase, you will receive:

*Teacher Notes

*Link to Share Student Pages Digitally

*Student Essay Cover Page with Writing Goals

*Student Writing Pages covering:

--Google Doc Writing Procedure Overview

--Writing Process Instructions

--Brainstorming Ideas

--Nonfiction Text Features

--Zoologist Notebook for Research

----Animal Appearance

----Family Life

----Habitat

----Diet

----Predators

----Protection

----Fun Facts

----Diagram

----Sources

--Draft One "Must-Have's" with Color Codes (Paragraph Two)

--Draft One "Must-Have's" with Color Codes (Paragraph Three)

--Draft One "Must-Have's" with Color Codes (Paragraph Four)

--Introduction/Hooking the Reader (Paragraph One)

--Defining Words the Reader Might Not Know

--Transition Words

--Draft Two "Must-Have's" with Color Codes

--Conclusion (Paragraph Five)

--Grammar

--Writing Conventions

--Spelling

--Draft Three "Must-Have's" with Color Codes

--Publishing Preparations

--Title and Paragraphs

*Poster Project & Presentation Specifications

*Draft One Check-In Sheet (Paragraph Two)

*Draft One Check-In Sheet (Paragraph Three)

*Draft One Check-In Sheet (Paragraph Four)

*Draft Two Check-In Sheet

*Draft Three Check-In Sheet

*Student Self-Evaluation

*Teacher Assessment Rubric

*Poster/Presentation Assessment Rubric

Rather have a Paper/Pencil-Friendly Version? Click your Grade below!

Grade 3 CCSS Animal Research Report

Grade 4 CCSS Animal Research Report *

Grade 5 CCSS Animal Research Report

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