What is the 4-Square writing program? The Four Square Writing Method (Judith Gould) is built around a graphic organizer. It is a square box divided into 4 smaller squares similar to what you get when you fold paper into fourths. In the middle of the page there is another box. For the younger children, the middle box is the topic sentence and the surrounding squares are statements on the same topic. The squares are filled in a specified order and in the last box is a feeling sentence. Then the sentences are recopied into paragraph form. For older kids, each box becomes a paragraph instead of a sentence. There is more to this method including topic development, transitional devices, different genres of writing conventions like spacing and punctuation, but the main gist is organization of information about a topic.

Four-Square Writing Method in the Primary Grades

WHY 4- Basic language arts skills vital to success Helps to fill gap between elementary writing experience and expectations of secondary levels Disturbing results of assessments show children lack fundamental writing skills-cannot produce a focused, well-supported, and organized composition 4-Square provides a method of teaching basic writing skills Should be accompanied by other writing practices (e.g. shared writing, journals, letter writing, etc.)

Getting Organized Learning the Four Square Understanding Relationships Brainstorming Adding Details Connecting Words

Steps 1-5 Sequential- Kindergarten through First Step 1 Categorizing-Understanding Similarities Step 2 Labeling Writing with a Summary Sentence Step 3 Placing a Sentence in the Center of the Four-Square Step 4 Writing a Paragraph Step 5 4-Square +1

Steps 1-5 Sequential- Kindergarten through First Step 1 Categorizing-Understanding Similarities Step 2 Labeling Writing with a Summary Sentence Step 3 Placing a Sentence in the Center of the Four-Square Step 4 Writing a Paragraph Step 5 4-Square +1

Step 1- Categorizing Understanding Similarities Initial activities use manipulative materials-concrete to abstract Brown bag sort –real items to separate into groups Picture card sort -4-square organizer is introduced Cut and paste picture activity -4-square/topic given (See handout) Blank 4-square / journal page-topic supplied -students draw pictures of examples to fit topic (See handout) Blank 4-square / journal page –topic teacher or student supplied-students draw and label pictures of examples that fit topic (See handout)

Topic with 4 examples Tootsie Rolls Caramels Candy Candy Bars Mints

Step 2-Labeling Writing with a Summary Sentence Students now give three examples of the topic. The fourth square is completed by using a concluding “feeling” sentence. (Refer to handout) The sentence should have the topic and an emotion word. Supply a cloze activity if needed (__makes me feel __.) A word bank of emotions might help. Provide ample modeling and practice. Practice reading in the correct order.

Step 3-Placing a Sentence in the Center of the Four Square Using Reasons Instead of Examples Provide practice in distinguishing fact/opinion. (See handout “Prove It”.) The four square now has a complete sentence in the middle. Boxes 2, 3, and 4 now contain sentences which prove the topic. Encourage illustrations. Box 5 remains a feeling sentence. Share stories orally or create mini books. (see handout)

Step 3 Four-Square /Reasons It gives me quick energy. It stimulates endorphins. I like candy. I enjoy the taste. I think candy is great.

Step 4 Writing a Paragraph Taking It Off of the Organizer Because the completed 4-squares have been shared orally in previous steps students are familiar with movement through the 4-square Use whole class model Present Two Rules For Paragraphs

Two Rules for Paragraphs 1. Indent the first word only. (Two fingers placed on the paper’s edge or margin) (No blank spaces at the end of the line. Each sentence need not start on its own line.) 2. Fill the line completely. I like candy. It gives me quick energy. It stimulates endorphins. I enjoy the taste. I think candy tastes great. Students check for five capitals and periods.

Step 5 - Four Square + 1 Adding More Details Five-sentence paragraph to eight-sentence paragraph Move writing back into four-square format Add one additional detail in each box to elaborate on original reason, example, or explanation. Use complete sentences. Mastery usually achieved by end of first grade

Four Square Plus One Use the same prompt repeatedly to introduce the steps because the familiarity will aid in instruction. We learn here. I like to learn science. We meet friends. My best friend is in the class. School is great. We play in school. I like to work at learning centers. I love school.

Our example would read: School is a great place. We learn here. I like to learn science. We meet friends. My best friend is in my class. We play at school. I like to play at learning centers. I love school.

Step 6-Writing a Wrap-Up Sentence The First Step in Preparing for the Multiple-Paragraph Essay Place writing back into four-square “Feeling” sentence replaced with “wrap-up” sentence Abbreviate supporting ideas to a word or short phrase Conjunction (because, since, due) introduced in “wrap-up” sentence Wrap-up sentence includes both topic and supporting ideas together.

Writing a Wrap-Up Sentence Learn We learn here. Friends We meet friends. School is a great place. Play We play in school. School is a great place because we learn, meet friends, and play.

Adding Supporting Details Step 7 Four-Square +3 Adding Supporting Details Boxes 2, 3, and 4 will be 4-squared independently These details make up body paragraphs of essay No repetition of details from one box to another Repetition equals boredom! Prompt elaboration with questions Read 4-square aloud to show formation of essay

4-Square + 3 School is a great place. Learn reading math science Friends share lunch invite over do homework together School is a great place. Play in centers on playground on play day School is a great place because we learn, meet friends, and play.

Adding Connecting Words to Provide Transition Between Ideas Step 8 4-Square + 3 + C Adding Connecting Words to Provide Transition Between Ideas Provide smooth transition between paragraphs Critical to successful writing Provide color-coded connecting words to ensure success Student selects word from appropriate list: block 1 white, no connector word; block 2, green list; blocks 3 and 4, yellow list; block 5, red list

4-Square + 3 + C Remember to read aloud the completed 4-square 4-Square + 3 + C Remember to read aloud the completed 4-square. This will facilitate the change over to composition, First Learn reading math science Also Friends share lunch invite over do homework together School is a great place. Next Play in centers on playground on play day So you can see School is a great place because we learn, meet friends, and play.

Green Wall Poster Words Transition Words for Block 2 One reason First For example One example To begin with To start with

Yellow Wall Poster Words Transition Words for Blocks 3 and 4 Second Third Another Reason Another example Also As well as Too In addition Additionally

Transition Words for Block 5 Red Wall Poster Words Transition Words for Block 5 Last In conclusion In summary In short So you can see As one can see To summarize Hence

Step 9 4-Square + 3 + C = 5 Paragraphs Taking the Writing Off the Organizer After building the 4-Square together, build essay together Model and have students copy one sentence at a time Self-checking mechanism for sentence building Four items in boxes 2,3,4 means four sentences-four capitals and periods All items in each box should not form one long sentence. This avoids run-on sentences.

Our essay would read as follows: School is a great place. First, school is a great place because we learn. It is important to learn how to read. Math is an interesting subject to learn. When we learn science it is lots of fun. Also, school is a great place because we meet friends. I like to share lunch with my friends. I can invite my friends over after school. My friends and I do homework together. Next, school is a great place because we play. At center time everybody plays. We play on the playground during recess. Play day in the spring is a day when we just play and do not work at all. So you can see, school is a great place because we learn, meet friends and play.

Four Square and Beyond Across the Curriculum