Using the Four Square Method to Teach Writing

Using the Four Square Method to Teach Writing SKills Lynn W. Zimmerman, Ph. D English Language Fellow Aleksander Xhuvani Univeristy Elbasan, Albania https: //lwzimmerman. wordpress. com/poland-workshop-materials-may-2015/ Lynn. Zimmerman@trainingexpress. es

Writing Challenges • What kinds of – challenges do your students have when writing in English? – strategies do you use?

Writing, and the Common European Framework • B 1 – should be able to produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. • B 2 – can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects • C 1 – can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

What is Four Square Writing? First • Simple to design • Easy to use • Flexible Second Adaptable to • Any level • Any content • Any lesson plan The 4 -Square Writing Method can be used in all English classrooms. Third Requires little set up • Draw some squares • Generate some ideas • Write To summarize This simple approach to writing is adaptable to all grade and proficiency levels with few materials and little set up time.

Graphic (Visual) Organizers • Help learners remember new information by making thinking visual. • By writing down or drawing ideas they can easily make connections. • Can also promote co-operative learning with learners working together to complete a task

Scaffolding • Temporary support which is gradually taken away so that learners can eventually work without it. • Supports for carrying out activities and solving problems – simplifying tasks by breaking them down into smaller steps – keeping learners focused on completing the task by reminding them of what the goal is – showing other ways of doing tasks

Differentiation • Support for learners who are either less able – often require modified input, such as simplified texts or additional visual support – may also need modified output, such as answering fewer questions • More able learners – Encouraged to generate more extensive writing tasks

Your Turn

Vocabulary Four Square

Vocabulary Four Square Write the definition Draw a picture of it Write a synonym [word] Use it in a sentence

Parts of Speech Nouns Adjectives trunk long _________ Verbs Adverbs upward _________ elephant curling _________

Adjectives Your Turn [word] Adverbs Verbs Nouns

Paragraph Writing Opening Supportive Sentence [Topic sentence] Supportive Sentence Summary Sentnece

How Will You Use It? Idea #1 Idea #2 I will use four square writing Idea #3 Idea #4