Once the students learn how to copy and coach completed sentences using a sentence starter, we move on to writing their own sentences based on a picture prompt. Again, we scaffold this process.
| Lesson | Organization |
| SC-11 | I DO only |
| SC-12 | WE DO |
| SC-13 | YOU DO |
| SC -14 and SC-15 | Additional YOU DO lessons |
In SC-11, the teacher introduces the class to a picture prompt and how to brainstorm ideas. Once a sentence is written, it is coached on: complete thought, spacing, capitalization, and punctuation. Spelling is not coached because we encourage students to spell as best they can by sounding out words or using word walls in the classroom.
In SC-12, the class works together in the WE DO to develop a sentence from a prompt. All students write the same sentence on their own papers. Then, they exchange papers with their partners to coach the sentence.
This process is gradually introduced through these lessons, and then the students are given plenty of practice with the skill in lessons SC 13-15. Take a few minutes to preview the scripts and student pages for these lessons.
Brainstorming Practice
Many students find it difficult to generate a sentence on their own. The process of writing a sentence from a picture prompt is a skill that must be taught. Therefore we use the brainstorming page to explicitly demonstrate to the students what happens inside a writer’s head. Think-aloud and discussion will help the students understand this process.
Beginning with lesson SC-12, teachers may opt to give students their own brainstorming paper, which can be seen below. In SC-12, the teacher and students work to complete this page together; the teacher models, and the students copy. Be sure that the students are only writing words or phrases, and not full sentences, on the brainstorming paper. Then, they use these thoughts to write a sentence. Or, the teacher may choose to write on the template but not have the students writing as well.
Coaching Icons
The students are familiar with all of these icons and now apply them to sentences they generate from a picture prompt.
Notice that the Spell Check icon is no longer used. This is because we do not want the students to be held up struggling to spell. Instead, they use inventive spelling. Therefore, we do not check spelling. Instead, they will start checking with a think cloud and will decide if the sentence is a complete thought that makes sense. The writer can tell the coach what he wrote if the coach has difficulty reading it.
Errors and How to Use the Fix-It Line
| Circled Error | Fix-It Line |
|---|---|
| Think Cloud | Write a new sentence that is a complete thought |
| Spacing | Write word, leave a space, write word |
| Capitalization | Rewrite first word with capital |
| Punctuation | Rewrite last word with punctuation |
| Circled Letter for Handwriting | Trace that letter three times on the student card |
The only time the student will write an entire sentence on the Fix It Line is when the think cloud is circled because the first attempt is not a complete thought. In this case, the student must rethink the sentence and write a new sentence. For all the other icons, students follow the same procedures as in SC 7-10. Again, this focuses the student on the error they made.
SC-11 Warm-Up
SC-11 I DO
Watch the short video below to observe students coaching one another on the SC-12 lesson.
