Writing Lesson
Table Of Contents

When getting ready to teach about the table of contents, we read a book in guided reading called "Let's Make Something New". It was all about a little girl who found a bottle and turned it into a bird feeder.

My students and I had a conversation about what they could make if they had some scraps of paper. They decided that they would make rockets. So, I gave them a few minutes to make a rocket.

We then talked about making books with tables of contents. I showed them several examples of TOC and talked about what would be in their TOC in their rocket book. They had great ideas! For example: launching, flying in space, and the launch pad.

We then thought of the title of their story based on the TOC ideas. Once they had the title and a basic outline, they numbered the pages in their book and started working.

It was an amazingly powerful lesson because they thought that they were "grown-up" and true authors.

For an easy and effective way to assess writing, check out my Primary Writing Rubric.

Wanting more ideas? Sign up for my free teaching newsletter and get ideas sent right to your email box.

New teacher? Struggling teacher? Download my free eBook that's packed with ideas, tips and tricks to get you through a rough year.

Still have questions? Contact me about writing with a table of contents in your classroom.