Intermediate Reading

PRACTICUM LESSON PLAN

PSU Student: Katlin Moran Grade Level: 4th

Session #: 3 Content Area: Reading/Writing

Lesson Title: 6 Traits of Writing- Organization

ALIGNMENT TO COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS STANDARDS

STRAND: WRITING
 BOX SUB HEADING: Text Types and Purposes
 STANDARD: W.4.2.c Link ideas within categories of information using words and
phrases (e.g. another, for example, also, because.)
 STANDARD: W.4.3.c Use a variety of transitional words and phrases to manage the
sequence of events.

STRAND: LANGUAGE
 BOX SUB HEADING: Knowledge of Language
 STANDARD: L.4.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing,
speaking, reading or listening.

OBJECTIVE AND EVALUATION OF OBJECTIVES

Objective: (What will students know and/or be able to do as a result of this lesson?) (2 points)
Evaluation: (You must be able to measure the demonstrated objective.) (2 points)
(Ex: The students will correctly label the layers of the earth with at least 80% accuracy.
(Objective) (Evaluation)
Ex: Students will use writing sequence words by writing a paragraph with a minimum of three
sequence words. (Objective) (Evaluation)

LESSON PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE/EVALUATION (4 points:)

The student will be able to write a “How to” paragraph of their choice, using at least 5
transition/sequence words or phrases.

MATERIALS: (1 point)
Graham Crackers
Orange Frosting- Orange for Halloween
Halloween themed paper plate
Plastic knife or spoon
Paper towels
Place mat
Gratitude journal entry typed
How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich example paragraph- typed
Transition words anchor chart
Practicum Board

ANTICIPATORY SET: (2 points)

I will walk into practicum wearing an apron. Next, I will get the place mat out and place a
graham cracker with frosting on the paper plate. An anchor chart with sequence/transition
words will be displayed on my Practicum cork board.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: (2 points)

“Today we are going to practice one of the 6 traits of writing, organization, by using sequence
words or phrases.”

TEACHER INSTRUCTION: (2 points) Script every word you plan to say.

Organization is a very important part when writing. Using sequence words is a way to organize
your writing. Another name for sequence words is transition words. These words or phrases tie
a thought or paragraph together to give it order and fluency. First, next, then, last and finally
are some of the most common examples of sequence words.

To produce star quality writing you need to make your ideas, thoughts, sentences and
paragraphs flow smoothly.

One way to make sure your ideas and thoughts flow smoothly together is by using transition
words or phrases. Examples of transition phrases include to begin with, in addition to,
afterwards and to top it off. Transition words or phrases help the reader gain comprehension.

For example, I am going to tell you how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Listen
closely for sequence words!
Example:
First, you will need some bread, some peanut butter, some jelly, a butter knife, and a plate.
Next, take out two slices of bread and put them on the plate.
Then, use the knife to scoop out some peanut butter and spread it on one piece of bread.
Next, scoop some jelly out with the butter knife and spread it on the other slice of bread.
Last, you put the two pieces of bread together to finish making your Peanut Butter and Jelly
sandwich.
Finally, you open your mouth and take a big bite of your tasty sandwich! Don't forget to pour a
big glass of milk to go with it!

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a gratitude journal entry. (I will stress the sequence
words and phrases)

Here is a fun chart with examples of Transition Words and Phrases: (read aloud)

Transitions for Detailed Sentences:

First: in the (part of the day), on (date), to begin with, to start with
Next: also, at the same time, in addition, second, suddenly
Then: afterwards, third, after that
Last: to top it off, in conclusion, at last

Now let’s practice! Today I am going to have you help me put frosting on a graham cracker. My
only rule is that you must begin your use a sequence/transition word or phrase in order for me
to follow your command. For example, instead of saying “Open the frosting lid,” say “To start it
off, open the frosting lid.” I will not be able to follow any instructions you give me unless you
begin with a transition word or phrase. (Point to anchor chart)

I will now begin to call on each practicum student to use a transition word or phrase attached
to a command to practice this skill.

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING: (2 points) How are you going to make sure the students
understand the skill?
I, as the teacher, will alternate calling on each of my practicum students. The student will give
me a command in order to put a dab of frosting on a graham cracker. Each student will need to
use a sequence word or phrase that is on the anchor chart, or one that they know due to prior
knowledge, before giving the command. The student must start their command with a
sequence word or phrase in order for me to perform their command. If a sequence word or
phrase is not given, I will pretend that I did not hear the command and not perform it. I will
continue to alternate calling on each of my practicum students until the frosting is on the
graham cracker.

APPLICATION/GUIDED PRACTICE/INDEPENDENT PRACTICE: (2 points)How will the students

practice the skill
The students will write a “How to” paragraph of their choice, using at least 5 writing transition
words or phrases. Examples of topics are how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, how
to make a paper airplane, how to brush your teeth, how to get dressed for school, etc.

CLOSURE: (2 points) [Share Closure (in “kid language”) for today’s lesson.]
Restate the introduction, give a quick summary, tell how the skill will be used in the future.
“Today we practiced one of the 6 Traits of Writing that I introduced to you last week;
organization. By telling me the commands of how to put a dab of frosting on a graham cracker
you practiced organization by using writing transition/sequence words. Sequence words
provide your writing with a clear direction of what you are intending to write about, and help
your writing become smooth and flowy. Sequence words and phrases can be used in so many
ways, as we have practiced today, for example when you are describing to a friend how to get
to your house, how to tie their shoe, or even when talking with your teacher about what you
did this weekend. Ms. Tims will be very impressed if you use sequence words the next time you
are instructing her on how you have done a specific math problem or what you did last
weekend.”
DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION: (2 points)
Jenna- a student in inclusion education, is on a second-grade level. Jenna is only required to incorporate
3 transition words in her “How to” paragraph with the help of her paraprofessional.

William- a boy with a broken wrist, will be able to record his “How to” paragraph orally while still using
at least 5 transition words or phrases.

Practicum students Liam and Erin- I have differentiated this whole lesson and am using graham crackers
and frosting because they do not like peanut butter, and it is close to Halloween so I am using orange
frosting.

PRESENTATION/SAMPLE/DELIVERY: (3 points) What examples/visuals were used?

Samples used: Gratitude journal entry, How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
example

Visuals: Transition words anchor chart

Practicum Lesson Plan Rubric

(Mrs. Abbott will fill out this part)
PTS. POSSIBLE Name________________________
0123 Lesson Title And Strand (Box Subheading/Standard)
012 Objective (action)
012 Evaluation (measurable)
01 Materials
012 Anticipatory Set
012 Lesson Introduction: (Share Objectives “For today’s lesson...”)
0123 Teacher Instruction
012 Check For Understanding
012 Application/Guided Practice/Independent Practice
012 Closure: (Share Closure “For today’s lesson...)
012 Differentiated Instruction
012 Practicum Presentation/Delivery/Sample_____________________________

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