Explain to students that informational text always includes accurate information or facts. When choosing a topic, it is essential that the student picks a topic that they know at least four facts about. Just because a topic sounds interesting (“robotics!”) doesn’t mean they will know enough facts to do a quick write.
![Picture](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/5/10755773/3919205.jpg?178)
Next, ask students to partner with a peer. Student A shares his four facts, while Student B listens and evaluates – “Is it a fact or opinion?” Some students like to stick the dots on their fingertips and hold them up to show their partner. The dots serve as a tactile, concrete way to emphasize the importance of facts for informative writing.
If Student B believes that one idea is not really a fact, encourage both students to expand on their thinking, justifying their opinions, and then ask partners to swap roles.
![Picture](http://www.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/5/10755773/7152032.jpg?215)
After this initial lesson, keep dots readily accessible in the classroom so that students may be motivated to write informative text more often.