Observations April 15

Students continued to prepare for MSP testing by writing expository essays. My cooperating teacher reviewed the process in great detail. She explained that the introduction needs a hook, elaboration  and a thesis. Body paragraphs need some typed of fact or statement with an opinion and finished with a transition. The conclusion should sum up the essay and end with a powerful sentence that evokes emotion. In addition  students had to provide specific pre-writing exercises but were advised to skip this step on the MSP in the interest of saving time. I do not recall learning how to write a five paragraph essay with such detail. I see the advantages of teaching with such sequential  steps: consistent format, the class learns the same rules/terminology, and more time can be spent on content and mechanics. However, not every student learns the same way. I'm still learning this process even though I am fully capable of writing a five paragraph essay. I think this format is a little to strict for my style. I am expected to teach using this model next year, but I hope I can make some adjustments. Pre-writing should be unique for every writer because pre-writing is designed to generate and organize ideas. Students should not be restricted at this stage of writing. I also disprove of setting sentence limits. Introductions can be as short as three sentences or as long as a page. There are many ways to write a five paragraph essay and i want students to find a way that is easiest for them. I worked individually with each student and discussed their theses. Most of them understood the basics except for three students. I explained that a thesis should include your main idea and the three supporting ideas of the body paragraphs. I think they understood. I eagerly await to read their work next week.