Paragraph Chains
Strips of color-coded construction paper are distributed among students. Each strip signifies a part of a paragraph. Once passed out the instructor will let the class know the significance of each color and how all of them put together will make a paragraph. When each chain is filled out the students will then place them in the correct order to make a complete paragraph. This activity provides both visual and kinesthetic support. The strategy allows for visual organization of the parts of a paragraph and if practiced enough the student will memorize the parts that make up a paragraph. Students can also use the color-coding as a reference tool for writing a paragraph.
Strips of color-coded construction paper are distributed among students. Each strip signifies a part of a paragraph. Once passed out the instructor will let the class know the significance of each color and how all of them put together will make a paragraph. When each chain is filled out the students will then place them in the correct order to make a complete paragraph. This activity provides both visual and kinesthetic support. The strategy allows for visual organization of the parts of a paragraph and if practiced enough the student will memorize the parts that make up a paragraph. Students can also use the color-coding as a reference tool for writing a paragraph.
- White= Title of paragraph
- Green= Topic Sentence
- Yellow= Supporting Sentences
- Red= Concluding Sentence
Four Square Writing
We all remember those days on the playground where competition amongst peers was high and the battlefield was outlined by four squares. This strategy is less competitive but it does use four squares as a graphic organizer. This strategy like the previous outlines the structure of a paragraph. The criteria for each square can be modified according to grade level and be used for different forms of writing. It is easy to create involving a piece of paper and requires for it to be folded into four squares. A topic sentence is written in the middle of the paper then 3 supporting and 1 concluding sentence are placed in the four squares. This tool can also be used to brainstorm some ideas for
writing a paper. Visual stimulation seems to be key when writing no matter the grade level.
We all remember those days on the playground where competition amongst peers was high and the battlefield was outlined by four squares. This strategy is less competitive but it does use four squares as a graphic organizer. This strategy like the previous outlines the structure of a paragraph. The criteria for each square can be modified according to grade level and be used for different forms of writing. It is easy to create involving a piece of paper and requires for it to be folded into four squares. A topic sentence is written in the middle of the paper then 3 supporting and 1 concluding sentence are placed in the four squares. This tool can also be used to brainstorm some ideas for
writing a paper. Visual stimulation seems to be key when writing no matter the grade level.
Finger Spacing
One of the foundations of learning how to write is in presentation and one of the first characteristics taught is spacing. Not all children are able to grasp or even use this tool due to a deficit in fine motor skills or dysgraphia. Students that struggle in spacing can use a manipulative that can be a reminder to place spaces when writing. There are many types tools that emphasize spacing and some are even not that expensive (popsicle sticks). It would be great to include visual models around the classroom in order to remind your students to include finger spacing when writing. The following link contains print outs that can be used to teach the writing practice of spacing.
http://www.caerphilly.org.uk/hendredennyparkprimary/Phonics/fingerspaces.pdf
One of the foundations of learning how to write is in presentation and one of the first characteristics taught is spacing. Not all children are able to grasp or even use this tool due to a deficit in fine motor skills or dysgraphia. Students that struggle in spacing can use a manipulative that can be a reminder to place spaces when writing. There are many types tools that emphasize spacing and some are even not that expensive (popsicle sticks). It would be great to include visual models around the classroom in order to remind your students to include finger spacing when writing. The following link contains print outs that can be used to teach the writing practice of spacing.
http://www.caerphilly.org.uk/hendredennyparkprimary/Phonics/fingerspaces.pdf
Monster Match
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Poetry & Hip Hop
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Bubble Maps
Bubble maps are used to describe specific topics with the use of adjective and adjective phrases. This strategy is not only limited for Language Arts but it can be used across curriculums. It can be used to describe a main character in a novel or a geometric shape in mathematics. It is a visual strategy that allows the student to organize their thoughts and include facts about the chosen topic. Students can reflect on their own work or they can share their work with others. Bubble maps provide patterns for those that need a sense of structure/organization when writing and they also allow for comprehensive exploration of a chosen topic.
WWW.What2.How2
This tool resembles the 5 W's strategy that many have become familiar with but it is in fact a bit different. This strategy is geared towards being used when writing a narrative story. It helps organize the sequence of the story and aides in the planning process by answering a group of structured questions. The strategy includes 3 W questions, 2 What and finally 2 How.
This tool resembles the 5 W's strategy that many have become familiar with but it is in fact a bit different. This strategy is geared towards being used when writing a narrative story. It helps organize the sequence of the story and aides in the planning process by answering a group of structured questions. The strategy includes 3 W questions, 2 What and finally 2 How.
- Who- are the main characters?
- When- does the story take place?
- Where- does the story take place?
- What- does the main character do or want to do?
- What- happens when they try to do it?
- How- does the story end?
- How- does the main character and others feel?
Friendly Letter Boogie
What a great way to remember the structure and order of a letter. This strategy uses movement through dance in order to master writing a letter in the correct format. An approach like this can prove to be motivating and engaging for students. Each part of a letter is distinguished by a dance move and there are a total of five steps.
What a great way to remember the structure and order of a letter. This strategy uses movement through dance in order to master writing a letter in the correct format. An approach like this can prove to be motivating and engaging for students. Each part of a letter is distinguished by a dance move and there are a total of five steps.
- Heading- this is where the date goes. You can have the students tap their head.
- Greeting- this is where you begin your letter with phrases like "Dear..." The student can extend his or her hand in a hand shaking gesture symbolizing greeting someone.
- Body- includes the content of the scripture. The students can then have fun moving their bodies for a good amount of time demonstrating that this is the largest part of the letter.
- Closing- is where the letter is wrapped up with phrases like "Sincerely" and "Your friend" The students will close the gap in between their feet allowing for their feet to touch one another.
- Signature- is where the students will sign out their name on the ground using one of their feet.
Paragraph Hamburger
This strategy is quite familiar to me being that I see it in classrooms all the time. The hamburger is made up of different components and this is the same for paragraphs. So the two were merged together to create a graphic organizer that is used to identify the parts of a paragraph. Students learn that there needs to be substance in between the buns in order for the hamburger/paragraph to be complete. Students are about to see how paragraphs are made up of three main components.
This strategy is quite familiar to me being that I see it in classrooms all the time. The hamburger is made up of different components and this is the same for paragraphs. So the two were merged together to create a graphic organizer that is used to identify the parts of a paragraph. Students learn that there needs to be substance in between the buns in order for the hamburger/paragraph to be complete. Students are about to see how paragraphs are made up of three main components.
- Introduction (bun)
- Supporting Information (the filling)
- Conclusion (bun)