Connect Modes of Writing to Author's Purpose - P.E.N.-P.I.E.

Introduce students to the modes of writing in tandem with author's purpose. This shows an important reading--writing connection. Create a foldable with the acronym P.E.N. or P.I.E. to solidify this connection and set a foundation.

At the beginning of each school year, introduce students to the three most common reasons to write--to persuade (P), to inform (I), and to entertain (E). Then explain that throughout the year these reasons for writing will be closely tied to your teaching about the three major modes of writing--persuasive, expository, narrative. (NOTE: Many teachers introduce author's purpose as P.I.E. Make the connection that in writer's workshop, the students are now the authors, and they write for the same three reasons.)