Here's how it works...
Students work in pairs to complete the protocol, adding words for each type of the eight parts of speech to describe an image. They then write a paragraph independently using the words from the protocol.
Prepare for the Activity
- Create the template in a slide program or drawing program such as Google Slides or Google Draw (Feel free to make a copy of this template!).
- Find unusual, fun images for the prompt. The more fun the better so students have plenty of descriptive language from which to draw.
Instructions
- Share the protocol with students.
- Students work in pairs or individually to complete their search for appropriate words to fit each part of speech based on the image. Pairs should agree on the chosen words and take turns finding and adding.
- Students write a three-word phrase.
- Students use their found words and the three-word phrase to write a paragraph describing the image.
- Use the same template over and over on a regular basis; just insert a new image for students who have completed their 8 p*ARTS to mastery (100 percent correct).
- As momentum toward mastery is gained, transition to independent work.
Key Points to Remember
- Here's the key to success: Utilize daily until around Halloween.
- This one protocol replaces dozens of worksheets in the first quarter and maximizes mastery
- Follow with Sentence p*ARTS, which takes the class all the way through Thanksgiving.
- This creates reduced workload for teachers: two graphic organizers to model excellent grammar and writing skills to last about one-third of the year.
- "Grading is done immediately as the teacher circulates the room and provides assistance as students work. Never take these home. Feedback is fast and furious.
- Go for mastery, not just "done"!
- Return the same work to students next time if work is not 100% correct.
- Allow classmates to move onto a new 8 p*ARTS when the work is completed correctly.
- As mastery is gained, reach for fluency and speed.
Academic Goals
- Students learn the eight parts of speech.
- Students produce a paragraph quickly.
- Students work to increase their vocabulary skills in writing.
Teacher Big Ideas
- Shift work to the students.
- Students strive for mastery, not just completion.
- This assignment may break from the timed format in that if a student does not complete the 8 p*ARTS. Protocol, the protocol is returned the next time until it is done correctly.
- Complete 8 p*ARTS individually to assess progress in learning the parts of speech.
Adapting for Littles
- Simplify the activity. Start with just one or two fields for students to complete and work up. Have students brainstorm the word for each part of speech before adding it to the chart. For example, in groups of four, think of three or more verbs or action words for the image. Then write two down.
- As we scale up, we've included the interjections and conjunctions simply because they are the most fun! Pronouns are fairly simple concepts, but first and second graders often confuse these: "him" and "her." Prepositions are simply position words and are also often confusing but within the grasp of primary students.
8 p*ARTS Variations
- Use Sentence p*ARTS the same easy as 8 p*ARTS of Speech. Be sure to use it after students have mastered 8 p*ARTS of Speech.
- Share your 8 p*ARTS with another class down the hall or in another school. Try sending to the same grade level or an older grade level for individualized feedback. For primary students, this is a perfect opportunity for cross-grade buddies to interact.
Students work through all of the possible ways commas can be used in sentences as they write about a picture. They then write a story about the picture using at least six of the sentences they created.
Primary Source p*ARTS
Students analyze a primary source and write a summary paragraph of their analysis.
