Four square writing method
Students then proceed to fill in the box, putting primary thoughts in three of the squares and a conclusion in the last. As students in upper elementary make use of the Four Square plan, it's important to use bulleted lists versus full sentences.
Students are primarily taught how to use this method in expository writing, so in section two, the book gives instructions on how to use the method for other styles of writing.
The essays can be used as models for students, and instructors could also use this section for reference.
Other topics could include seeing a snake, going in a dark room, riding a bike the first time, flying, or being the new kid. With mentor texts like this one, I begin by using it to teach comprehension skills such as characterization, plot development, and author's craft.
Because writing takes time to develop, it seems we short change it.
An additional rectangle is drawn in the center of the figure overlapping each of the other four squares. Last spring, our literacy coaching team did a book study on it, and I loved how Laminack tied reading and writing together for better instruction.
A study at Springview Elementary School, in Allendale Charter TownshipMichigannoted, "significant growth was observed in the students' writings in both classes.
After teaching students using the method, the students' writing scores increased by 49 percentage points in the first year.
When your students are new to Four Square, it takes close monitoring to insure that they have a complete plan before they move to drafting.
As they work on them, I float and confer with the kids to help them talk out their ideas.