Nsargumentwritingblog.wordpress.com Website Review

Two weeks ago my clas* and I started our Argument Writing Unit.  I decided to start small and very controlled.  After reading All You Need For a Snowman by Alice Schertle, we listed all of the items identified in the book as “necessities” for making a snowman.  Since the kids have used the RAISE model consistently throughout the school year, I provided the graphic organizer with the question To start, I showed a copy of the graphic organizer on the P-Board next to the list we compiled.  I intentionally chose an item from the book that wasn’t included on the list, “fanny pack”, and modeled how to create an Argument.  The kids were able to Restate and Answer the question easily.  With some guidance, we developed three thoughtful reasons a fanny pack is critical to a Snowman. The next day we revisited the list we had created and the Argument we produced.  We discussed some possible reasons other items may be necessary for a snowman, but did not list them.  Each student received a graphic organizer and began writing.  They completed their The next mini-lesson, we, once again, visited my Argument.  I introduced the transition words in fact and therefore and invited the clas* to share where they should be included.  The responses were limitless.  The kids had a great sense of where to place the words and how these words made the Argument more interesting.  I then asked them to reread their pieces and include the transition words.  Many of them were able to complete this task with little as*istance. The next day, I showed an example of the Argument Writing checklist and posted it next to my Argument on the P-Board.  We went through each item together to see if my piece met all of the expected requirements.  Each student was given an Argument Writing folder, checklist and their piece.  Using their writing, we went through each and every line.  At this point, the kids had the opportunity to edit On the final day, I gave each student a snowman writing paper and their self-edited piece.  Unlike their usual writing pieces, I did