Writing techniques that work based on state writing test scores

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Writing techniques that work based on state writing test scores
By jsimm

Once upon a time, I was a fourth grade teacher who was responsible for writing scores on a state writing test. I was taken back when I assessed incoming fourth graders and they would ask questions, like "How long is a paragraph?"
and "What does indent mean?". These questions would come from sixty-five percent of my class. I came up with a format that we worked on everyday in class that allowed 90 - 95 percent of my students to get a 3 or above on the state test. The scale is 1 - 6. I made giant posters of this format and posted them around the room. I also madedesk size copies on the computer and velcroed

them to their desks.

Planning Page
Main Idea -- reword the writing prompt

1. First idea answering or responding to main idea
2. Second ideas answering or responding to main idea
3. Third idea answering or responding to main idea

(I think webbing is a waste of valuable writing time)

Writing Page

First Paragraph
Main idea. First idea. Second Idea. Third idea.

Second Paragraph
First idea. Supporting detail #1(SD1). Supporting detail #2 (SD2). Supporting detail #3 (SD3). Supporting detail #4 (SD4).

Third Paragraph
Second idea. SD1. SD2. SD3. SD4.

Fourth Paragraph
Third idea. SD1. SD2. SD3. SD4.

Fifth Paragrah
Restate Main idea. Hit them with a detail from each paragraph (2, 3, 4).

This may seem to formulated, but for timed prompts, this definately worked for me. Those students who don't need this should not use this. But this will ensure that the lower students write an effective cohesive writing.