3rd Lesson; Cindy's blog

This was the first lesson that the students had to use writing skills they have learned in the past 3 weeks of school. We have been VERY busy, frontloading the students with the writing skills that are necessary to be able to write informational pieces (using paragraphs, organized by graphic organizer-the four square). The writing mini-lessons I have taught and have given the students practice with are
1) organize your writing ideas (the four square)
2) use sensory words (still at beginning level)
3) follow Main Idea and Details format
4) use Signal Words to help your reader understand what you write
5) Use a "hook" at the beginning to make your reader want to read more
(I always suggest using a question as an introduction)
6) write a conclusion so your writing doesn't end in "mid-air" (a question here works well, also)
7) Use complete sentences and end marks (punctuation)

Marie's lesson provided them the perfect opportunity to practice some/all of these writing skills! We were very impressed that the students started to write directly into their graphic organizer (four-square) without too much confusion. Beginning writers often don't know how to"begin", Marie did an excellent job of putting "starters" in each square to get them going. They wrote very insightful responses to "The Gleaners", and are beginning to look at paintings in a new way. I'm thrilled that they are responding to art works and learning writing skills simultaneously!

The next lesson will be a different writing goal as they respond to a painting by creating a narrative, which must include a Problem/Solution. Let's hope it also goes as well!