Getting the Facts
Getting the Facts is a strategy that provides students with a method for including explict details in their sentences, paragraphs, and essay writing. Further, it provides vocabulary development and sentence structure variety and complexity. Students have a strategy that helps them write sentences that are more meaningful and expressive. This activity can be used individually, with small groups or as a whole class activity. It clearly provides differentiation and scaffolding for students as they learn to write.
How to: First begin with a simple NVO sentence. This can be given to the students on a worksheet or written on the board. Students can also generate their own sentences. The sentences can even be designed around a specific concept. The simple sentence is expanded through asking a series of questions. Each time a question is asked the sentence is rewritten to show how sentences can be lengthened, modified, and expanded to enhance and clarify meaning. The questions can also be written on a worksheet, the board, or even asked orally with peer partners. The key to the strategy is the rewriting of the sentences to make additions that add meaning. The questions included are usually: Why-Where-When- What kind-How.
***Student Sample (click to view a student sample of Getting the Facts)
How to use Getting the Facts:
1. Organization strategy
2. Sentence construction
3. Vocabulary Development
4. Pre-Assessment
5. Post assessment
6. Identifying parts of speech
7. Identifying modifiers
8, Identify phrases and clauses
9. To provide detail and support
10. Expanding thinking
11. Clarifying understandings
12. "In case you missed it"
13. Exit card
14. Closure
How to: First begin with a simple NVO sentence. This can be given to the students on a worksheet or written on the board. Students can also generate their own sentences. The sentences can even be designed around a specific concept. The simple sentence is expanded through asking a series of questions. Each time a question is asked the sentence is rewritten to show how sentences can be lengthened, modified, and expanded to enhance and clarify meaning. The questions can also be written on a worksheet, the board, or even asked orally with peer partners. The key to the strategy is the rewriting of the sentences to make additions that add meaning. The questions included are usually: Why-Where-When- What kind-How.
***Student Sample (click to view a student sample of Getting the Facts)
How to use Getting the Facts:
1. Organization strategy
2. Sentence construction
3. Vocabulary Development
4. Pre-Assessment
5. Post assessment
6. Identifying parts of speech
7. Identifying modifiers
8, Identify phrases and clauses
9. To provide detail and support
10. Expanding thinking
11. Clarifying understandings
12. "In case you missed it"
13. Exit card
14. Closure