[urbandweller]

I need help. I can't seem to get my students to not just copy the infomation that is on their graphic organizer and then claim they are finished with their rough drafts. It matters not how many times I tell them that they can not do this. I have shown them, many times.
I have students who just write and I am not kidding:
Characters: Tim, Jane and Mom
Setting: at my house
When I was having my birthday party and everbody came
Problem: I didn't have a cake
Solution: my mom went to the store and bought me one.

That their rough draft!!! I teach 4th and 5th grade.
The 5th graders I had last year know better but the 4th graders...help!

[maryteach]

then model again. Show them exactly how you do it.

Next, have them rate themselves on the rubric (or it could be just a checklist) before they turn it in. When you get good examples, post those as exemplars. Have the kids compare their product to the exemplar AND rate themselves.

[Ollie1]

We just had a training on the writing program, "Write from the Beginning". I was having the same exact problem and something I took away from the training has completely changed this! After each element, have the students partner up and have them ask their partners to "tell me more". For instance, Problem: I didn't have a cake....."tell me more". I had them ask there partners to "tell them more" at least 3 times until they had many more details. After they have verbally practiced "telling more" it really has helped 100% when they went to write their paragraphs. Of course, I modeled this for them with my own writing first...I had a student pretend to be my partner and I acted like I couldn't think of anything more to write, but each time she asked me to "tell her more" I modeled how if you really think about it, you can. I hope this helps!

[maryteach]

sounds like a really good way to get details out of kids! It's even a request couched in language kids understand.

[urbandweller]

I did more modeling today and tomorrow when we start writing our introductions I will have them do "tell me more" after I model of course!

[MrsPic]

Write your story idea on the board:
Characters: myself
Setting: at home
When: this morning
Problem: I was tired and hungry
Solution: I made tea.

Show your students this while they ask, "Tell me more..." each time you reveal a new link. I also frequently ask, "And so?" also.

http://www.telescopictext.com/

Then they'll get it!

[bgteacher]

Wow, that website was amazing!
Thanks

[Readn gal]

Put them in small groups to share their writing with each other. The peer pressure will help them to write more.

[ThankaTchr]

That link is awesome! I can't wait to show it to my second graders even!