Frames
Frames is a strategy that is somewhat similar to cloze procedure. The key difference is that with frames a greater degree of freedom and choice is available for the "blanks" and the responses are lengthier. Frames provide a topic focus and guided learning experience. Frames are particularly useful with reluctant wiriters or students who have difficulty getting started or staying focused on a topic. It is an excellent tool for differentiating learning and scaffolding writing tasks. The frame is a flexible strategy that can be modified and applied easily across the curriculum. Two types of frames are described below.
Magic Who: This strategy can frame any concept, person, or place and provides a tool for demonstrating knowledge of attributes of the topic. How to: First identify the topic and quality one, then identify a second specified attribute of the topic, and finally identify a third quality of the topic. The frame could look like:
___________________________is a __________________who ______________________________
(this "frame" is written and completed three times, each time with a different specified attitribute. The final product is then rewritten in riddle form. Through this activity students practice vocabulary, sentence writing form variety, and concept development. An added bonus is it is fun for students as they ask their riddles!
****student sample(click to see sample of student work)
Personal Statement: This strategy provides a frame for a more comprehensive and detailed written work on a topic. It provides organization to develop a multi-paragraph response. Each paragraph has words incorporated, followed by blanks for students to fill in appropriate information. It assures students remain focused and reduces repetitions and off-topic tangents. It has a wide range of applications for demonstrating knowledge, setting goals, and providing evidence of learning. Although tightly structured it provides a great deal of flexibility for writers to add information and make the product their own.
****student sample(click to see sample of student work)
Frames Can be used to:
1. Provide Organization
2. Maintain Focus
3. Provide balanced detail and support for a topic
4. Openings and Closing Paragraph
5. Applications
6. Editing and Revising
7. Five Paragraph Essays
8. Characterization
9. Assessment
10. Outline of information
Magic Who: This strategy can frame any concept, person, or place and provides a tool for demonstrating knowledge of attributes of the topic. How to: First identify the topic and quality one, then identify a second specified attribute of the topic, and finally identify a third quality of the topic. The frame could look like:
___________________________is a __________________who ______________________________
(this "frame" is written and completed three times, each time with a different specified attitribute. The final product is then rewritten in riddle form. Through this activity students practice vocabulary, sentence writing form variety, and concept development. An added bonus is it is fun for students as they ask their riddles!
****student sample(click to see sample of student work)
Personal Statement: This strategy provides a frame for a more comprehensive and detailed written work on a topic. It provides organization to develop a multi-paragraph response. Each paragraph has words incorporated, followed by blanks for students to fill in appropriate information. It assures students remain focused and reduces repetitions and off-topic tangents. It has a wide range of applications for demonstrating knowledge, setting goals, and providing evidence of learning. Although tightly structured it provides a great deal of flexibility for writers to add information and make the product their own.
****student sample(click to see sample of student work)
Frames Can be used to:
1. Provide Organization
2. Maintain Focus
3. Provide balanced detail and support for a topic
4. Openings and Closing Paragraph
5. Applications
6. Editing and Revising
7. Five Paragraph Essays
8. Characterization
9. Assessment
10. Outline of information