Soddy Elementary, Soddy Daisy, TN: Grade 1 – Researching and Writing Nonfiction Through the Gradual Release Model
Working directly with students in grade 1, Ann used the gradual release of responsibility model to strengthen student’s understanding of the Tennessee State Standards for researching, grammar usage and writing. Beginning with Alphaboxes (Hoyt & Boswell, 2012), Ann modeled gathering relevant information from a magazine article and integrating that information while avoiding plagiarism. Students were actively engaged as they began to share information learned and added that information into their own Alphabox note taking tool. After a partner retell of information learned, students then moved to writing to solidify their understandings. Ann led small groups of students in guided writing practice to teach sentence beginnings using prepositional phrases as a way to support authentic grammar instruction.
PROGRAM GOALS: To support the staff in teaching with the gradual release of responsibility model through the delivery of interactive classroom demonstrations. To support the staff in designing and implementing standards-based researching, writing and grammar lessons for grade 1 students.
