How to Write a Report for Elementary Aged Children

Writing reports is an important part of elementary school.

Writing reports is an important part of elementary school because it helps a student learn how to express himself coherently in written form and to research information on a subject that is not in his textbooks. Teachers assign reports to extend learning on everything from books to historical figures, sometimes allowing a student to choose her own topic. Reports at this level typically include three main parts--the introduction, a body with least three paragraphs and the conclusion.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen or pencil
• Research materials

Instructions

1. Choose your topic, if the teacher did not assign one. It is easiest to write about something with which you are familiar. For example, if the assignment is to write about an activity and you enjoy soccer, you might choose to write about the rules of soccer. If the teacher assigned the topic and you are not familiar with it, begin by researching the basic facts of the topic, answering questions beginning with who, what or when.

2. Define at least three main ideas. For example, if you are writing about George Washington, your main ideas might be, "George Washington was born in Virginia," "George Washington was a military general," and "George Washington was the first president of the United States."

3. Research and find at least three supporting details for each main idea. For example, supporting details for "George Washington was a military general" include "George Washington assumed the role of commander of the Continental Army in July of 1775," "He led the attack of the Continental Army on the Hessians encamped in New Jersey on Christmas night in 1776," and "General Cornwallis, commander of the British army, lost the Battle of Yorktown, the last land battle of the Revolutionary War, to General Washington on Oct. 19, 1781."

4. Write an introductory paragraph using all the main ideas you defined. For example, if your paper is about George Washington, your introduction may read, "George Washington will always be remembered as the first president of the United States. Before he became president, however, he was a successful military general. George Washington, born and raised in Virginia, was a true American hero."

5. Write one body paragraph for each main idea, incorporating the supporting details you found. For example, the paragraph about George Washington's military career might read, "George Washington was well known as a military general. He became the commander of the Continental Army in July 1775. He fought one of his most famous battles on Dec. 25, 1776, when he led his army in an attack on the Hessians encamped in New Jersey. He finally defeated the British army on Oct. 19, 1781 at the battle of Yorktown when his forces overwhelmed those of General Cornwallis, the British commander."

6. Write the conclusion, restating the main ideas. For example, your conclusion may read, "George Washington, born in Virginia, is a true native son of the United States. His leadership as a general in the Continental Army led our new country to freedom. As the first president of the United States, he earned the title of 'Father of Our Country.' "

7. Cite your sources. You must acknowledge any books, websites or other materials you used in your research. Follow your teacher's instructions for correctly crediting your sources.

References

• George Washington, A National Treasure: Chronology
• Constance McKenzie; licensed professional teacher; elementary education; Colorado