One Word Summary: A Writing and Speakin Strategy

I was hoping this post would be the next installment on the text complexity issue, but honestly, I'm still digesting everything I'm reading.  Hopefully, next week I'll be able to add the next piece in my thinking to a post.

In the meantime, here is a great idea from Rick Wormelli call "One Word Summary."  After reading or studying any book or topic, students are asked to pick one word that describes or represents the material.  They follow this up with 2-3 sentences that justify their word choice.

The real power in this strategy is the conversation.  Kids are encouraged to listen to the words and justifications of others and then either connect and support their ideas or refute their ideas with evidence.  This might take a bit of practice to be efficient and respectful, but what an easy way to get kids to practice reflective writing as well as persuasion.  This strategy lends itself beautifully to all narrative and nonfiction content reading.

Here's a link to an anchor chart if you want to give it a go.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_VBXnTxMgiVOXVtakx3LV8yM0k

Have a great weekend!
Angie (and Jayna)