Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Trading Spaces Tuesday!

Hello to all the readers of Hanging Out in First!  I am super excited that Jessica has allowed me to share my ideas on how to write better sentences with you today as part of Trading Spaces Tuesday.


When I taught first grade, my firsties really struggled with writing a coherent, complete sentence.  I wanted them to be able to write a paragraph, but we couldn't write a good sentence.  I had to start there.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Crafting-Sentences-223997

I broke the sentence down to its basic components:  capital letter, who, what, and ending punctuation.  Then I created a graphic organizer to help them use this information to create a better sentence. Next, I had to decide how I would teach them this information.  I had access to a Smart Board at the time, so I created a Notebook file which contained my entire lesson:  standards, objectives, introduction, sorting activity, and graphic organizer.

http://exchange.smarttech.com/details.html?id=c6a8164e-5d30-4a47-8051-f23e918c0080 


My introduction page started with all but the objective covered.  As I talked about each aspect, I uncovered a part of the page.


http://exchange.smarttech.com/details.html?id=c6a8164e-5d30-4a47-8051-f23e918c0080

I wanted them to practice identifying complete and incomplete sentences before I had them write a complete sentence, so I created two sorts (one pictured below) for them.  They had to touch one of the sentences and move it to "complete sentence" or "not a complete sentence."

http://exchange.smarttech.com/details.html?id=c6a8164e-5d30-4a47-8051-f23e918c0080

Once I was confident that they were able to categorize the sentences and fragments, I modeled how to write a complete sentence using the graphic organizer below.  Then we wrote a sentence together.  Finally, they wrote their own sentence using the organizer.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Crafting-Sentences-223997
I created a YouTube video that runs through the notebook file as I talk you through my lesson.  I was a little nervous as I talked through the file because I had never made a video like this before.



I uploaded the Smart Notebook file to the SMART Exchange.  You can grab it by clicking HERE.
I also created a FREEBIE and placed it on Teachers Pay Teachers that includes the lesson plan and graphic organizers I used to introduce this concept to my students.  You can get your own copy by clicking HERE or on the picture below.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Crafting-Sentences-223997

Is this only for first graders?  Absolutely not!  I introduced this to the PK-3 grade teachers I coach and they all used it.  Yes, even preschool!  Second and third grade teachers used it to help their struggling students.

Again, thank you for letting me share a little of my world with you!  Come see me any time and I can't wait to hear how you teach your students to write better sentences.


http://readingandthinkingoutloud.blogspot.com


Don't forget to check out these other great blogs who are participating in Trading Spaces Tuesday!



8 comments:

  1. I loved this post, Jana. Reminds me a little of diagramming! I have actually used diagramming with my fifth graders, and I think it's helped them with recognizing run-ons and fragments. Carla Comprehension Connection

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the idea of scaffolding to help write sentences! I can definitely use this with so many of my students!

    Andrea
    Reading Toward the Stars

    ReplyDelete
  3. Free Binary Options Strategy Ebook is different from another. Each strategy has a different method as well as outcome. Therefore, it is imperative to learn at least one or two to be able to prevent you from ending up with nothing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The dangers can be higher with Forex on the grounds that the moves in seven days can be proportionate to a month in stock moves. Unpredictability is normal. Farah

    ReplyDelete
  5. The dangers can be higher with Forex on the grounds that the moves in seven days can be proportionate to a month in stock moves. Unpredictability is normal.FXGM ZA

    ReplyDelete
  6. Web based Trading in India has gotten pace with different organizations offering administrations for internet exchanging. Blessed messenger Broking is one of the top broking organizations forex course etc

    ReplyDelete