Step Up to Writing:Step Up to Writing:

An OverviewAn Overview

Grandma said when you come to something good, first thing to do is to share it with whoever you can find; that way, the good spreads out where no telling it will go. Which is right.

-Forrest Carter, The Education of Little Tree

What is What is Step Up to WritingStep Up to Writing??

Step Up To Writing is a collection Step Up To Writing is a collection

of classroom-proven, of classroom-proven, multi-sensory strategies for multi-sensory strategies for

information / expository writing. information / expository writing.

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The Impact of Step Up to Writing

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Concrete (in the lines)

Critical (between the lines)

Creative (beyond the lines)

WhatWhat Does Does Step Up To Writing Step Up To Writing DoDo??

1. guides students to write clear, concise, organized papers. 2. teaches students to write great topic sentences and thesis statements and to connect ideas using transitions. 3. helps students establish a sense of order

and control over the information in a paper. 4. requires students to support topics, to give examples and explanations, and to write a conclusion that stays on topic. 5. Gives students guidance, support, and direction for becoming successful writers.

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WhoWho is is Step Up to Step Up to WritingWriting for ? for ? - General education in grades K – 12 - Special education in grades K - 12 - English Language Learner programs - Gifted &Talented programs

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Step Up to WritingStep Up to Writing is about: is about:• Direct, Explicit Instruction

• Guided Practice

• Opportunities for Independent Practice

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Step Up to WritingStep Up to Writing is about: is about: ToolsTools

• Multisensory

• Color

• Word Lists

• Informal Outlines

• Examples

• Small Steps

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Step Up to WritingStep Up to Writing is about: is about: the Writing Processthe Writing Process

Prewriting and PlanningPrewriting and Planning

Drafting, Revising, and EditingDrafting, Revising, and Editing

Creating a Final Copy, Creating a Final Copy, Proofreading, and SharingProofreading, and Sharing

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Step Up to WritingStep Up to Writing is about: is about: Promoting the Traits Promoting the Traits

of Good Writingof Good Writing

•Content•Organization•Style

•Vocabulary•Sentence Structure•Conventions

StepStep Up to WritingUp to Writing is about: is about: Common Language and Common Language and

Common High ExpectationsCommon High Expectations• Common Language

– Same terminology– Builds on instruction

• Common High Expectations– Quality writing required in all

classes/content areas/etc.

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Elements of Expository WritingOrganization is the key.

Topic sentences and thesis statements are the heart.

Transitions are the glue for the key ideas.

Examples, evidence, and explanations are the meat.

Conclusions tie it all together.

Write a topic sentence.Write a topic sentence.

Go!

Give a reason, detail, or fact. Give a reason, detail, or fact. Use a transition.Use a transition.

Slow Down!

Explain.Explain.Give an example.Give an example.

Stop!

Remind the reader of your topic.Remind the reader of your topic.

Go Back!

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Informal Outlinesa.k.a. Powering Out

It’s the Color, Not the FormIt’s the Color, Not the Form

1_____1_____

2 _____2 _____

3_____3_____

1_____1_____

2_____2_____

3_____3_____

Topic =Topic =

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TopicTopic

Reason/Detail/FactReason/Detail/Fact

ExplainExplain

ExplainExplain

ConclusionConclusion

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Topic Sentence:  The main topic of the composition is stated.

Reason/Detail/Fact :  Give the reader a main reason, detail or fact that relates to and supports the topic sentence.  Use transitions (First of all..., Secondly..., Another..., The reason I think this...) to start these sentences.

Explain:  Give an example for the statement made in the reason/detail/fact sentence.

Concluding Sentence:  The topic is restated to remind the reader what the composition was about.     

 

Thirteen Methods for Writing Topic Sentences

1. Occasion/Position Statements

2. Power (Number) Statements

3. However Statements

4. And, But, and Or Statements

5. A Few Good Prepositions

6. To, Plus a Verb

7. The List Statements

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8. Get their Attention

9. A Rhetorical Question

10. Side-by-side Statements

11. Semicolon Topic Sentence

12. Two Nouns and Two Commas

13. Using a quotation

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Topic Sentence:  The main topic of the composition is stated.

Reason/Detail/Fact :  Give the reader a main reason, detail or fact that relates to and supports the topic sentence.  Use transitions (First of all..., Secondly..., Another..., The reason I think this...) to start these sentences.

Explain:  Give an example for the statement made in the reason/detail/fact sentence.

Concluding Sentence:  The topic is restated to remind the reader what the composition was about.     

 

The “Yellows”

• Persuasive pieces- Reasons

• Descriptive pieces- Details

• Informative pieces- Facts

Transitions First ~ Second~ Third One~

Another ~ Next, or lastFirst of all ~ Also

First ~ Then ~At first ~ AfterOne ~ Equally important

A good ~ A better ~ The BestTo begin ~ Then ~ Consequently

It started when ~ As a result ~ Then ~ ThereforeAt the beginning ~ Then ~ Following this ~ Finally

One way ~ One other ~ Along with ~ LastOne important ~ Another important ~ The most important

Initially ~ Then ~ After thatAs soon as ~ Next ~ Later ~ In the endTo begin ~ At the same time ~ Finally

First of all ~ Besides ~ In addition To start ~ Furthermore ~ Additionally ~ Last

First ~ Along with ~ LikewiseAgain ~ In contrast ~ On the contrary ~On the other hand ~

Similarly

Vary and Bury

First, a new teacher should get organized.

Vary:

One important idea is for a new teacher to get organized.

Bury:

Getting a mentor is a second key to success.

Topic Sentence:  The main topic of the composition is stated.

Reason/Detail/Fact :  Give the reader a main reason, detail or fact that relates to and supports the topic sentence.  Use transitions (First of all..., Secondly..., Another..., The reason I think this...) to start these sentences.

Explain:  Give an example for the statement made in the reason/detail/fact sentence.

Concluding Sentence:  The topic is restated to remind the reader what the composition was about.     

 

The Red E’sThe “reds” are provided to back up your reasons, details, or facts. These can be regarded as the meat of the paragraph. Voice is expressed here. “Reds” educate.

Support and prove points with:

ExamplesExplanationsEvidenceEventsExperiencesExpert opinionsEveryday life anecdotesEffective illustrationsElaborations

Topic Sentence:  The main topic of the composition is stated.

Reason/Detail/Fact :  Give the reader a main reason, detail or fact that relates to and supports the topic sentence.  Use transitions (First of all..., Secondly..., Another..., The reason I think this...) to start these sentences.

Explain:  Give an example for the statement made in the

reason/detail/fact sentence.

Concluding Sentence:  The topic is restated to remind the reader what the composition was about.     

 

The Conclusion

Think about the idea or feeling with which you want to leave your reader.

Try sentence variations of your topic sentence with synonyms replacing the key words.

Avoid introducing a new topic or using Think phrases such as:  as I have said, as I proved, as you can see

• Encourage the reader to take action• Try once more to convince the reader of your position• Repeat ideas• Summarize information• Challenge your reader to think

• Start with one of these:

Wrap it Up

All in all ,Certainly, Clearly, Truly,

Definitely, In conclusion,

In fact,  

Obviously, Surely,

To sum up,

After I tried out for band, I learned that there were several things that I had to do for a good performance. The first reason, I like the band is that it has given me the chance to play on my drums. Practicing on my drums allows me to be a better performer. Becoming a better player makes it easier for me to be in front of people on stage. Clearly, what I have experienced by being in band has helped me to grow and be a better musician.

Title

Topic Sentence Reason/Detail/ Fact    Example / Explain    Example / Explain Reason/Detail/ Fact     Example / Explain Concluding Sentence

Panda Bears

     My favorite animal is the giant panda.  The first

reason I like the panda is that it looks so cute and

cuddly.  The panda's body colors of black and white

are simple yet make it stand out.  Its sad looking face

makes me want to hug it and make it happy.

Additionally, I am fond of the giant panda because it

is endangered.  We all should try to preserve the

animals like the panda that are in danger of 

extinction. That is why I love panda bears as my

favorite animal. 

The Blues

• Humor• Quotation• Question• Important fact• Anecdote• Bold statement• Example that illustrates

topic• Shocking statistic• Poetry• Media example

Multi-paragraph WritingMulti-paragraph Writing

Thesis statementThesis statement

Paragraph 2Paragraph 2

ConclusionConclusion

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Paragraph 1Paragraph 1

Paragraph 3Paragraph 3

Teaching Plan

The first time everyone does the same report.-notes-copying -ordering-writing paragraph 1-writing paragraph 2-writing paragraph 3-thesis statement and conclusion

Then assign individual reports, collecting rough drafts one paragraph at a time.

Topic= Famous dead person

1. What was the problem he/she encountered? What was his/her society like? What happened in his/her background to trigger his/her interest in this problem?

2. How did the person overcome the problem or what did he/she accomplish?

3. What effect does the person’s accomplishment have on us today?

Answers to Question 1

Disproving old beliefs

Answers to Question 2

Establishing that the sun was the center of the solar system

Answers to Question 3

Laying the groundwork for modern astronomy

Famous Dead Person

Whenever twenty-first century scientists point telescopes to the heavens, they remember Nicolas Copernicus. Copernicus led a scientific revolution by disproving old beliefs, establishing that the sun was the center of the solar system, and laying the groundwork for modern astronomy.

Framed ParagraphRead a short book about a topic of your choice, like dinosaurs, the moon,

spiders, bears. Use this frame to write a paragraph about your topic. 

_________________________________________ 

I know many things about _________________. To begin,_______

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________.

Next, __________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________. Last,

____________________________________________. Clearly, I know many

things about ___________________________________________________. 

Analyzing a paragraph

Sentence

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

First Word

He

I

He

The

I

He

Some

Number of words in sentence

4

6

5

5

6

6

4

Verb

is

was

ran

were

found

will

is

WOW! Words

eliminate

contagious

StepStep Up to WritingUp to Writing is about: is about:

- direct, explicit instruction - guided & independent practice - multi-sensory tools - the writing process - promoting the traits of good writing - common language & common high expectations - writing in ALL “content areas”

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Examples of the Topic Sentences

Power (Number) Statements

Examples:

Two, three, four, several, many, some, a few, numerous, a couple of, a number of a myriad, various, plenty of

However Statements

Examples:The new rules for the school cafeteria seemed

unfair to the students; however, the rules have made the cafeteria a better place to eat lunch.

Ghosts have plagued the middle school play in the past; however, this year will be different due to Charlie Brown playing the part of Sherlock Holmes.

And, But, and Or Statements

Examples:

I enjoy swing dancing, but the Tango is my favorite.

There are many sports that I love to play, yet Ultimate Frisbee is the most exciting.

Use: for and nor but or yet so

Use a Preposition

Examples:

According to Current Events magazine, many high schools have banned pagers.

Without my hand phone, life would be a disaster.

In spite of her handicap, Helen Keller did several amazing things that serve as inspiration to thousands of people.

Throughout the game the defense made incredible sacrifices.

To, Plus a Verb (an Infinitive phrase)

Examples:

To win at chess, players need to master three skills.

To impress her guests at our New Year's dinner, my aunt showed her slide of her travels around the world.

To keep in contact with friends and family, many teens invest in phones with advanced SMS capabilities.

List of Words

• Examples:

All college students need money, friends, and encouragement.

Joe's Café offers the best in service, food, and atmosphere.

List of Phrases

Examples:

My friends prefer to vacation in Switzerland, in Nepal, and in the Bermuda Triangle.

Problems with the new school include: poor ventilation, small classrooms, inadequate lighting, limited parking, and no track field.

A List of Independent Clauses (those phrases that can stand alone)

Example:

Run for office; join a club; march in the band. Activities like these will make high school more rewarding.

A List of Dependent Clauses (those that can't stand alone)

Example:

· When I found my lost puppy, when I won the trip to Florida, and when I met a group of teachers from Kuala Lumpur, I realized

that life is great and full of surprises.

Get Their Attention

Examples:

· New study proves eating tons of donuts actually makes you thinner.

· Smiling makes stress disappear.

A Rhetorical Question

Examples:

· What is your school doing to improve test scores?

· Why can't college graduates find the jobs they want?

· What should parents expect from their student's middle school education?

Side by Side Statements

Examples:

· A little wine may be good. Too much is dangerous.

· Young children belong in car seats. The car seat belongs in the back, not in the front.

· Throwing a birthday party is a challenge. Planning ahead can prevent stress

Semicolon Topic Sentence

Examples:

· The soccer team deserves to be IASAS champs; the players and the coach are talented and dedicated.

· Buying a new computer is exciting; it is also stressful.

Two nouns and Two Commas ~ an appositive.

Examples: • Deckers, a small town nestled in the

Colorado Rockies, is a fishing haven for many serious anglers.

• My uncle has two unusual pets, a tarantula, and a snake.

• Tazman, the crazy tornado-like cartoon character, has more fans than Bugs Bunny does.