Crafting sentences

In one of our sessions we went over how the students could write any genre in the best possible way by crafting sentences using adjectives, adverbs, complex interrupters, zig zag sentences, simple, compound and complex sentences, linking ideas within paragraphs and linking paragraphs. We discussed how we could use AAAWWUBBIS (After, Although, As, When, While, Until, Before, Because, If, Since) to connect ideas within paragraphs and between paragraphs. We also discussed how we could convert simple sentences to compound sentences using FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So).

In the  piece of writing the students were working on, they were meant to make sure they crafted their sentences as they wrote. They also had to show me that they used all the different things they learned for crafting their sentences well. Their pieces of writing are being crafted well with the deliberate teaching of how to craft sentences in their writing no matter what genre they were writing.

I was so pleased that the students are writing and beginning to craft their sentences very well.

It will be interesting to see if the students use all that they learning over the term in their writing test.

Writing a narrative deliberately crafting sentences for effect

The target group is now showing so much promise in doing reciprocal reading, making predictions, clarifying meaning of words, phrases, terminology, comprehending text, voicing opinions, discussing the author's style of writing and summarising the text. They are more open to each other leading. The students are able to justify their opinions more confidently. They are able to identify how the author has used words, phrases, sentence beginnings, punctuation to add effect.

This has enabled them to experiment with their writing and deliberately crafting their sentences for effect. I am so pleased they have written some good narratives. The students are proud of the progress they are making in reading and writing.

Student voice has made me feel good because every student in the group has mentioned that their confidence has gone up especially in the way they read, participate in discussions and in the way they are crafting their writing with confidence.

A couple of students are still not very confident to share their writing with others in the group or in their class. Working on this.

Integrating reading and writing

With the new target group I integrated reading and writing with a focus of doing reciprocal reading to enhance participating and contributing - key competencies that students need to develop. The integration was also to enable students to see what real authors do when they write.

Through the reciprocal reading process these students are showing leadership, participating and contributing more confidently and are getting involved in dialogic discussions.

They are also made aware of the writing style of authors, elements they use to make their writing interesting for the readers.

I am excited with this inquiry because these students are enjoying reciprocal reading and discussions around how the authors craft their sentences and paragraphs to make it enjoyable for the readers.

I see promise!