Objective To develop one theme using supportive descriptions.
Writing Task Compose a descriptive paragraph.
Prewriting
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1. Motivate the children by telling them you have brought a machine into the room that can do their homework.
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2. List questions that may stimulate ideas for writing and brainstorm some responses to list on the board:
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What does the machine look like?
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Where is it kept in the classroom?
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How does it work?
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When can you use it?
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Does it always work correctly?
Composing Write a paragraph describing the homework machine. Encourage students to refer to ideas on the board if necessary.
Intervention Student is attempting to write a perfect copy.
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Teacher’s response—“We want this to be a first copy. We’ll look it over for errors later and then you can write your final copy.”
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Student is unable to get started.
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Teachers response—“Tell me what your machine looks like.”
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Student omits parts of the description.
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Teacher’s response—“Look at the board. Have you written about all the things we discussed?”
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Student isn’t writing because of inability to spell words correctly.
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Teacher’s response—“Don’t worry about the spelling now. We it later. Right now I’d like you to get your ideas down on paper.”
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Student has not written a conclusion.
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Teacher’s response—“What is your last thought or opinion about this machine? Do you think the machine would be helpful or not? Would you like to have it in our room?”
Assessment/Revision/Proofing Share stories with a partner. You may wish to assign partners at this level.
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Ask student to underline the sentence they like best in their partner’s story. Have them read this aloud to class.
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Ask students to help each other correct their spelling and check for capital letters at the beginning of each sentence and punctuation at the end.
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Teacher proofs for final copy.
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Students write final copy.
Evaluation
Rubric
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1. Read stories aloud to class.
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2. Display with a general title on the bulletin board in the hallway for other students, staff, and parents to read.
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3. One story can be submitted to the school newspaper.