Transitioning
The third lesson example looks at how technology can assist on writing projects and where it may fail. This lesson gives students the opportunity to create and use tools to help with their writing, while also learning writing principles. Students can either tinker with the raw code or use it as is. In this case technology is used in a problem-solving capacity and students can alter how this new tool functions to solve problems outside of the initial scope of the lesson. Technology is wonderful, but it is much more impactful when it can be wielded by the users themselves. The current script counts the occurrence of certain words as the starting word for each sentence to help writers see where their writing is too repetitive. This lesson gives teachers the opportunity to teach about transitions and how to communicate interesting relationships between sentences which fulfills a standard in the “Text Types and Protocol” category.
The SWBAT (Students Will Be Able To) Objectives for this lesson include: Write strong transitions from sentence to sentence using a variety of transition words that convey specific relationships between ideas.
The SWBAT (Students Will Be Able To) Objectives for this lesson include: Write strong transitions from sentence to sentence using a variety of transition words that convey specific relationships between ideas.
Standards Achieved
English Language Arts: Writing
7.W.TTP.1:
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence (Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. Use varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.) |
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.C
Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. |
Computer Technology
Step 1: Engage
Description of activity: The class will review a “technically correct” Microsoft word document that is riddled with unrecognized errors or generally unengaging writing. Handout the example either digitally or physically whichever your preference.
Higher Order Questioning Prompts:
- Is this piece correct?
- Is this piece interesting?
- What sort of errors can technology spot?
Resources:
Copies of the piece: “The octopus lives in oceans. The octopus is flexible. The octopus’ soft body can shape itself differently to squeeze through small areas. The octopus can also change its tint to blend in with its surroundings.” VS “Ocean creatures like the octopus must develop skills to help keep themselves alive. One technique octopodes have developed is the ability to blend in with their surroundings by changing their tint. Furthermore, octopodes can contract or spread itself out to fit through small areas.”
Step 2: Explore
Description of activity: Using the created piece of JavaScript code test the variety of transition words in the given piece or the students’ own work
Troubleshooting Question(s):
How do I make it work on my piece?
Copy your words into the p tags and then run the script. Run the script by right clicking on the file --> choose “Open With” --> select a web browser (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc)
Copy your words into the p tags and then run the script. Run the script by right clicking on the file --> choose “Open With” --> select a web browser (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc)
Resources:
Step 3: Explain
Description of activity: The teacher will discuss transition words and give examples of when to use each type. For a concise list of transition words sorted by meaning: https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Transitions.html
Higher Order Questioning Prompts:
Which of these words could you use in a sentence right now?
Can you think of where you might include that word in your writing?
Can you think of where you might include that word in your writing?
Step 4: Evaluate
Description of activity: Take the previous example (or start fresh) and spice it up with transitional words and varying sentence structure. A fun example is something with instructions since you can use words/phrases like “First”, “Next”, “Then”, “Lastly”
Higher Order Questioning Prompts:
- What are some transitions words you would use with sequential points?
- What are some transition words you could use when summing up an argument?
- What are some transition words you would or would not use for the start of a paragraph (i.e. probably wouldn’t want to start a new paragraph with “This”)
Step 5: Elaborate
Description of activity:
In this part, the teacher can elaborate on proper transitions on the paragraph scale. They could cover, for example, how and when to split a paragraph and what sort of words should be used. Additionally, they can point out when certain transition words may be a red flag that the paragraph was split too soon since it is still on the exact same idea as the previous paragrap
In this part, the teacher can elaborate on proper transitions on the paragraph scale. They could cover, for example, how and when to split a paragraph and what sort of words should be used. Additionally, they can point out when certain transition words may be a red flag that the paragraph was split too soon since it is still on the exact same idea as the previous paragrap
Higher Order Questioning Prompts:
- Does this sentence seem like a continuation of the previous sentence?
- Did the previous paragraph wrap up its point with an strong and clear concluding sentence?
Evaluative Question:
This question is from a practice TCAP for 7th grade (source: https://middleschoolwriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/practice-test-1.pdf)
Question 30:
Read these sentences from Paragraph 3: In traditional Native American cultures, some songs are used for specific purposes, such as paying respect to another person or paying tribute to an important occasion. _______ some songs are for enjoyment, such as lullabies or games.
Choose the word that provides the BEST transition between the sentences and should be written on the blank line.
F) Fortunately,
G) Hence,
H) However
J) Moreover
Question 30:
Read these sentences from Paragraph 3: In traditional Native American cultures, some songs are used for specific purposes, such as paying respect to another person or paying tribute to an important occasion. _______ some songs are for enjoyment, such as lullabies or games.
Choose the word that provides the BEST transition between the sentences and should be written on the blank line.
F) Fortunately,
G) Hence,
H) However
J) Moreover