Middle Valley Elementary, Hixson, TN: Grade 4- Integrating Reading and Writing Traits and Craft
Working directly with students in grade 4, Ann modeled a trio of lessons designed to support students in meeting the demands of the Tennessee State Standards for researching, grammar usage and writing. Beginning with Alphaboxes (Hoyt & Boswell, 2012), Ann modeled gathering relevant information and integrating that information while avoiding plagiarism. After a partner retell of information learned, students then moved to writing to solidify their understandings. Ann modeled varying sentence beginnings using prepositional phrases as a way to begin their sentences in a fresh and exciting way to support students use of voice and an awareness of their audience (Hoyt & Boswell, 2012).
PROGRAM GOALS: To support the staff in teaching nonfiction writing through the delivery of dynamic demonstrations and ongoing formative assessment. To support the staff in teaching grammar in an authentic, integrated manner supporting student understanding of voice as a vehicle for reaching an audience.