This week, we really focused on writing! We worked hard to follow the paragraph perfection model, which uses color-coding as a checklist to ensure that students begin with a topic/claim, use evidence from the text, then elaborate on that idea and then conclude by summarizing what they had written about.
This is the poster in the classroom that helps students remember the paragraph format and color code their writing.
We began by reading three different articles. Students annotated the text as they read, paying special attention to things that may make someone want to visit. Then we came up with an opinion as a class. Based on the information provided from the articles, we decided we would most want to visit the Caribbean. After that, we fill out our 4-square prewriting template, listing three reasons why we wanted to go there and evidence that supported those reasons. Once our prewriting was complete, we put those ideas into paragraphs. We did the first two paragraphs as a class and then students worked with a partner to complete the final reason paragraph. I was so impressed with how they did!
We will be completing our first district writing test next week and I’m looking forward to seeing how each student uses the skills we have been working on.
Miss J 