4 square writing

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Home : 2003 : October : 26

4 square writing
By Susan

Have the students fold their paper hot dog style then hamburger style and then have them trace the folds to make "four squares". Then draw a rectangle in the center of the four squares. This is your "Main Idea box..and
box #1" & the topic sentence (when we first started I gave the students a topic sentence). Then the top left box is box #2, then the right top box is #3, the bottom left box is box #4, and the bottom right box is #5 (which will be the closing). Each box will have a topic and then 5-7 detailed sentences.
Example: We did our favorite foods
Box #2: Macaroni and cheese: The detail

sentences had to each start with a different word and then talk about why Mac and cheese was their favorite. Having each sentence beginning with a different word gives the paragraph more flow.

Once they are done with this box they have a paragragh written. They will repeat the above step with box #3 and #4. Remember: Box #1 is the Topic sentence and their introductory paragraph when they start their paragraph. Be sure to tell them to use words with piazza! Box #5 is the Closing and this is where they need to wrap up every thing from box 1,2,& 3. Once the four square is done all they have to do is make it into a paragraph. All the sentences are written all they have to do is be able to write in paragraph form. The introductory paragraph is the only paragraph where they will have to think about introducing their topic.

I have used this for research papers in Science and it will helps the students for their thoughts and gets them prepared for the 5th grade writing assessment we take here in Georgia. This is a type of graphic organizer without all the bells and whistles and the students find it very easy.