4-Square Graphic Organizers for Language Learning Sarah DeMola

The Plan Ice Breaker Learning about 4Square: What is it Who uses it How it develops writing skills Other Applications Reading, listening, speaking, cultural lessons Application Task ________________________ Pre-Survey Midyear Conference LET & ETA split group sharing

Warm Up: Scrabble Slam! How can this activity be used in your classroom? What are some differentiation options?

Discussion Questions 1st Individually, then discuss with your group What does writing mean to you personally and as a teacher? How often do your students write in class? What types of writing exercises do your students do? Please provide concrete examples. What challenges do your students face when writing? What are the challenges that you as a teacher face when teaching writing?

4 Square Writing 4 Square Method is a way to learn to write Any grade Any proficiency level Any subject Prewriting and organizational skills are taught through the use of a graphic organizer The graphic organizer helps teachers to structure lessons on developing writing skills

Guidelines 4 Square instruction should be done weekly to bi-weekly It is important for students to understand the relationship of ideas as demonstrated in the 4 square format before moving on to sentences and paragraphs

4 Square- Template (topic)

Categorizing: Animals

4 Square- Primary Categorizing with Pictures Animals

4 Square- Categorizing with Words and Pictures Dog Fish Rabbit Animals

4 Square: Words and Sentences 1 I like ______________________. I like _____________________. I like ___________________. I do not like _________________. Animals

4 Square: Words and Sentences 2 I like __cats_________________. I like _____dogs______________. I like ____rabbits_______________. I do not like ___fish______________. Animals

4 Square: Adding More Detail Add one additional detail sentence in each box Elaboration: tell more about the topic or tell what is so great about it. I like cats. Detail: They are cute. I like dogs. They are happy. I like rabbits. They are fat. I do not like fish. They are ugly. Animals

Final Product Builds vocabulary Teaches basic sentence structure Teaches how to write a paragraph Allows for personalization Differentiation options

Discussion How else can this be used in your classroom? What are differentiation options? When would you use this in your class? Daily? Weekly? For review? For homework? For what purpose can you use this in your class?

How and When? 1. Handwriting Practice 2. Sentence Structure Review 3. Introducing Supplemental Vocabulary _________________________________ 4. Stations 5. Extension Activities 6. Sponge Activity

Handwriting Practice

Unit Review Handwriting

Supplementary Vocabulary and Sentence Pattern Practice

4 Square Center Writing Station: Vocabulary review Sentence Patterns Handwriting Practice Drawing Fun

Break Time

4 Square: Not just for writing! Culture: Grouping like-concepts: U.S. holidays, geography Grammar: verb forms in different tenses Phonics: Sound-letter recognition and categorization Picture Books: previewing & pulling information; sequencing events

Introducing Cultural Elements

Introducing Cultural Elements

1. What are you/they/we doing? Grammar I am ______________. She/He is__________. You are ______________. I like ______________. 1. What are you/they/we doing? 2. What is s/he doing?

Phonics and/or Spelling Practice How many words can you make? ____________________

Phonics Practice

Task and Discussion Thinking about your own context and your own students, how will you use the 4 Square tool in your classroom? Pick a topic and language skill to practice Generate 5-10 vocabulary items related to that topic. Share!

Reference Gould, E. and Gould, J. (1999). Four Square Writing Method: A Unique Approach to Teaching Basic Writing Skills for Grades 1-3. Teaching & Learning Co: Ohio, USA.