The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Hello, and welcome to the #2PencilChat! Tonight we're going to roast the Five Paragraph Essay, and talk about more engaging ways to write! Join us, won't you? Introduce yourself, and say hey!
Hey, everybody. PRISCILLA here. I'm the one who teaches in the all male juvenile detention facility in Maryland. I have middle schoolers & High schoolers. #2PencilChat
Hey!! Kristyn Steffens here! 4th Grade Math/Sci is my jam 😄 Set an alarm to remind myself to join this week (woohoo).... I don't teach essay writing in my subjects, but I'm always looking for more ways to engage students in writing about science or math 🌱🌻 HAPPY TUESDAY
Q1
Let's talk about what the 5 Paragraph Essay does best - it works to teach kids structure in informational writing and opinion writing in a more formal tone. How do we achieve that without such a tedious formula?
#2PencilChat
Hello, and welcome to the #2PencilChat! Tonight we're going to roast the Five Paragraph Essay, and talk about more engaging ways to write! Join us, won't you? Introduce yourself, and say hey!
A1: Ss need to learn the structure that is most effective given the purpose of the piece. Have Ss evaluate what structures they think are most effective and model those. #2PencilChat
A1 We can teach structure by having students read published essays, discussing their structures, and having students try out those structures in their own writing. #2PencilChat
Q1
Let's talk about what the 5 Paragraph Essay does best - it works to teach kids structure in informational writing and opinion writing in a more formal tone. How do we achieve that without such a tedious formula?
#2PencilChat
A1 I use the basic structure with a twist. They develop their topic, arguments/points and closing on post it notes. Then can change/remove one note instead of rewriting #2PencilChat
A1: Instead of pushing the literal structure of an essay at a kiddo, graphic organizers can be helpful.... it made the writing from the kids less "scripted" seeming, yet still gave them a general outline, organization, and focus they should follow #2PencilChat
Everyday my enrichment class has a creative writing prompt and in my math class I have them write out how they would teach how to solve problems. They share and we discuss. These low stakes writing really helps them get better with out the fear #2PencilChat
A1 I think that teaching kids authentic writing through a lead/hook, support and some kind of ending covers a lot of ground regardless of genre. Good writing is good writing. #2pencilchat
I dig the blog idea. Hoping to implement this soon in our writing block! #2PencilChat Trying to get them to have an opinion and express it in writing is so great!
A1: well mentor texts tend to be helpful. I try not to mention “the five-paragraph” anything but changing the terminology - “Tell me what you’re gonna tell me, tell me and then tell me what you told me” at the basic level to understanding structure and flow. #2PencilChat
A1. A 5 paragraph essay is too daunting a task for most of my Ss. So, what I've done before is set up an essay template. They start w/ what i wrote then "choose 2 or 3" sentences from the selection #2PencilChat
A1 I've only ever taught elementary kiddos but we've always used graphic organizers to organize thoughts and then encouraged Ss to write for authentic audiences. Maybe they blog or write to other classmates, other teachers, etc. #2PencilChat
A1: I go back and forth on this one. I use lots of authentic writing samples and mentor texts to help students, and write a lot in front of them but sometimes a structure can be helpful too. I'm not ready to throw out the 5 paragraphs entirely yet. Balance is key. #2PencilChat
I tend to push content, (tell me your knowledge about this idea), stream of consciousness works too. I like the idea of focusing on the organizing during revising and editing. #2PencilChat
Q2
When it comes to reporting what they've learned, what other avenues can and should we have students traveling to share what they've learned after a heady bit of research?
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A1.2 I've also started having viewing guides for the video we watch. I ask many opinion questions & why? On the sheet, I structure their responses for them so they can see structure. #2PencilChat
A1 I know 5 paragraph essay is not everyone's favorite...I get that. It's confining and routine. But, I did use it when I taught freshmen English as a way to teach structure and pattern. It worked. After they had that structure, then we focused on voice on creativity #2PencilChat
I say it really fast and challenge the students to say it. They practice it too and compete! Little do they know they are indirectly learning it! Hahahaha #eduwin#2PencilChat
Agree... we have to know that students will have to be able to write and that 5 paragraph format is expected in some higher education formats. We need to expose them but not limit them to only that format. #2PencilChat
A1 Most great writing whether fictional or informational has narrative elements. Helping kids show the mood to support their ideas is what resonates with readers. Infusing quality narrative in any writing generally keeps readers reading. This visual can help #2pencilchat
Isn’t the real answer to give our students writing assignments that are authentic? I explain how I have to write lesson plans, or show them how we write tweets and blog posts... not many 5 paragraph essays in the blog-o-sphere right? #2PencilChat
A2 There are so many alternatives available to demonstrate learning than essays. Animation videos, create a play, podcast, blog, create visual presentations using @Buncee google slides, drawing and @Flipgrid#2PencilChat
A2 Depending on what and why they researched, students can share in an ignite talk, poster session, letter to an official, PSA, game, picture book, or photo essay. #2PencilChat
Q2
When it comes to reporting what they've learned, what other avenues can and should we have students traveling to share what they've learned after a heady bit of research?
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Q2 After any learning I want my students running to each other! To @flipgrid or padlet, instagram Snapchat, to text there parents, to tel or show anybody! LEARNING IS EXCITING and we should always encourage students to share what they learn! #2PencilChat
A2 Graphic novels, slide presentations, writing plays/musicals, poems can all be avenues to demonstrate learning. That’s what professional creators often do. Artists’ Writers’ etc creations are a product/exploration of their learning. #2pencilchat
A2: My super scientists last year loved using #brainpop Make-a-Movie to create their own BrainPop video.... its super cool!! @DebbieKryspin
did a lesson in my room last year and it's an amazing tool to show what they have learned in a creative manner #2PencilChat
A2 After any learning I want my students running to each other! To @flipgrid or padlet, instagram Snapchat, to text there parents, to tel or show anybody! LEARNING IS EXCITING and we should always encourage students to share what they learn! #2PencilChat
Having them write for podcasts is a great way to let them get out of their head about perfecting their writing, too. They're writing to sound good, not look good. #2PencilChat
A2: A. Sum it up! B. Quote it! C. Podcast it! D. Put it in an electronic visual. E. Sketchnote it! F. Make a video! G. Make a tweet about it! #2pencilchat
A2 have students combine their favorite characters in story. They need to research the characters story to be able to know how they would react #2pencilchat
Q2
When it comes to reporting what they've learned, what other avenues can and should we have students traveling to share what they've learned after a heady bit of research?
#2PencilChat
A2. We don't do a ton of research. But, I do for their lessons. I design worksheets and note taking pages using smart shapes in Word. What I select, matches the format of the material. I'm showing them there's different ways to present material #2PencilChat
Right on! I think that is great. I am trying to be more mindful (this is my 1st FULL year) to build and create with them and really lead them piece by piece instead of the: Here is what I want...do it! model. #2PencilChat
I often talk about writing until you've told the story... this may be a few sentences or paragraphs or even a few chapters. We'll work on the presentation after the story is told. #2PencilChat
Q3
When it comes to teaching students to share an effective opinion piece, surely there are more powerful tools that we can give them for getting their point across. How do we teach them what they need to know to effectively argue their POV in many modes?
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A2 While I appreciate an essay, I also embrace the students who decide to create a 4 girl "band" entitled "Odysseus and the Three Calypsos" and write a song based on that book of The Odyssey. Yep, it really happened. Needless to say, they earned an A. #2PencilChat
A3: though I haven’t had the opportunity to frame one for the students yet, I like the idea of a “Debate” or Socratic seminar, or our #powerofquotes discussions in which conversations and opinions are shared. #2PencilChat
A3: I have students look at authentic real world texts from well known opinion columnists as well as write in front of them while thinking aloud. #2pencilchat
A? I do think Ss need to learn how to craft writing. It can be done in so many ways. I found that Ss who had choice and could express themselves for real purposes/audiences were more motivated. That’s why I present on this topic. Let’s #rocktheworldwithwriting#2PencilChat
A3: Maybe have them vote or choose a cultural topic, global or school policy topic and with a small group/partner come up with a solution? Get the school involved, use social media/blog/or other digital platform to see it through? #2PencilChat
A1 With Opinion Writing it’s good to pick a topic S’s are passionate about. We do it in teams and debate the opposing team. I film it so they can self evaluate using the rubric I use. We vote on which team won #2PencilChat
A3. My guys love to give circular responses, so never really explaining or going deeper. This is where I pull out the color markers & start writing their responses on the board. Everyone wants THEIR answer on the board. Also, I say "Tell me more" & "keep going"#2PencilChat
A3 in my math classroom when we start new matieral I always have my Ss first try to figure it out on their own. I’d like to try is to have them write to justify their answer using past knowledge and debate which solution might be best! #2PencilChat
A3: I have asked students to select one side of a topic that could relate to kids their age... then I ask them to support/write about/debate the side they DIDN'T choose. #2PencilChat
A3: The BIG learning comes from their peers... Tools like Google Forms (💜) allow students to argue topics and peers can vote which side they agree with...They see how well they argue their point AND decide what changes to make for more peers to be on their side #2PencilChat
Q4
Audience is so important. What good is a paper that only your teacher reads? What are your favorite ways to share your students' work so that it has greater value for them?
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We do a lot of writing. A lot! We have writer’s notebooks and write in them for 10 minutes every day. Whatever they want. This is separate from their process piece. #2pencilchat
A4 I sometimes used to read out one or two to the rest of the class with big fanfare and expression but never revealed who wrote it. The S was always sooo proud of themselves even though it was anonymous - they knew! #2PencilChat
A4: We have invited other classes to share our research with. The students set up tables and have to present on what they found out to other students when they stop at their table. #2pencilchat
It's amazing how much I'm learning this year by stepping into a new grade/school/community. I'm really glad for all of your thinking as I'm rethinking my classroom setup. #2PencilChat
A4: now it’s my web site! I do post them on the walls of the school and students can be showcased on the electronic bulletin board in the hallway. I need to design an authentic student blogging/sharing platform with specific components. #2PencilChat
A4: My students LOVE hanging work on their clip (I allow anything they're proud of).... or when I hang work in the hall-- It means a lot to them to see our classroom showered in their work.... Sadly the only picture of my board I have is when it was empty, oops
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A3 To teach students to argue their points effectively, we can teach them to empathize with her audience. What does the audience need to know? #2PencilChat
Have any of you used @google note for this? I have been wanting to try it out. They can record via mic and it automatically annotates what they said. I guess that is kind of cheating, but they can see if it made sense? I don't know what do you think? #2PencilChat
A4.1 I also try to collect work a bit early so that I can read responses. This allows me the opportunity to be able to comment directly to the Ss about their responses. That way they know I really am reading and grading their work. Also, that I approve of their work #2PencilChat
A4 My students write about very personal topics—coming out, being called the N word, physical and mental illnesses, sexual harassment—so they tend not to want their work shared. #2PencilChat
A4: We are currently researching animals to practice researching and organizing info. My pitch was the we would share it with 1st grade. They are researching, organizing, writing their presentation and creating vids/slides/prezi to share. #2PencilChat
That makes sense. When I had a sub, I had students write letters telling me what they want me to know about them. The results were eye opening!
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Q5
Beyond research and opinion pieces, what are the most engaging ways you've found to get your students to communicate and share their writing?
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A5: Well I’d have to say on @FreshGrade a platform designed to build a triangle of communication and sharing between them, parents and the teacher. They are quite comfortable in a space they know is theirs to express themselves and they do express. #2PencilChat
A5: I'm curious.... I always have kids who aren't into sharing/communicating what they've written, so I'm interested in hearing others responses on this one!! (Learning LOTS) #2PencilChat
I think it’s okay; I’ve seen some change their minds as those who are willing lead the way...I also try to reinforce it as a positive thing! #2PencilChat
A5: My students love to write on the whiteboards and are happy to share anything they write on them. They also love to write on sticky notes. #2pencilchat
A5. Lol...you're funny @MagicPantsJones
I've found for my content, it's better to let Ss share verbally first, I write their responses, maybe rephrase a bit (I always ask if I can) and then let Ss copy from what we've collectively put together. #2PencilChat
That's doable, why not do it? Just collect the pieces and have them bound - it doesn't have to be too fancy - or maybe the school magazine committee could organise it #2PencilChat
I love you so much, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for joining us tonight. Let's get out there, and give our students meaningful work that they'll enjoy and value!
Have a great rest of the week!
Well Sean my wheels are turning about new ways to do things. Thanks for sparking the conversation tonight. I need to star tweets. Too bad they don’t offer that. #2PencilChat
