3D Graphic Organizer

A basic paper-pencil graphic organizer is a typical to go writing tool.  Let's think beyond typical and expected.  Let's go for different and interactive!

Jenga blocks are one of my must-haves when I work with small groups of students.  Sometimes I use them for sight word practice, other days I use them for a pre-writing graphic organizer.

When you set a pile of blocks on the table, two things happen:

1. You spark curiosity in students
2. Students become actively engaged in the topic

Here is an example of a 3D graphic organizer comparing two stories:

I typically give each student a few blocks to begin. I start by asking, "What was one of the stories we read this week?"  I write down the student's answer on a flag (with older students, I have them write the answer).  The student puts the flag on the block and sets it on the bottom.  As we work through the activity, the students stack the blocks.  

I continue to build wonder and excitement by asking students, "Will we finish before it falls over?" or "How many blocks will we be able to stack?".  I am able to keep them hooked as they never know when it might fall. 

Students reference the block towers as they work on their writing for the day.

Try adding blocks to your next lesson!

Thanks for reading,

Rachel

Erasable Pens = Engaged Writers!

Do you ever have those days when you struggle to get your students excited about writing?

I have found the solution!!!!  Erasable Pens!!!  I am not kidding.  These pens are a game-changer...

I was leading a teacher training and one of the teachers shared how she uses erasable pens to get her students excited about writing.  I figured the pens would smear (like erasable pens of the old days) and I would have a group disappointed students and a pile of illegible papers.  This is not the case.  They erase better than I ever thought possible.  

When I go to coach teachers and they discuss struggling with engagement in writing, I immediately pull out my erasable pens and begin sharing ideas.

Here are a few of the many ways you could use erasable pens:

- Final drafts

- Peer editing

- Partner writing

- Adding pictures to writing

- Note-taking (changing colors for different topics)

- Finding text evidence 

- Emphasizing new vocabulary words

The possibilities are endless! (Just don't use them daily or the novelty will wear off.)

Bottom-line: Students will want to write when you add the element of change.  The moment you tell them to put away their pencils for writing, they will be intrigued as to what will happen next.

Keep them guessing...Keep them engaged!

Thanks for reading,

Rachel