Observed Writing Lesson

Grade: 6th

Standards:
- Writing Standard 4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development,
organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- Writing Standard 9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, and research.
- Language Standard 1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- Language Standard 2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Objectives:
- Students will be able to write in complete sentences what the theme of the text is as
well as the main idea.
- Students can identify and express what text evidence supports the theme.

Materials:
- Chromebook/computer
- Escape Game:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCRBHVnePWkHgjwjAJyMj85mPBE-
EleXyvxQAy-fA1mvsTbw/viewform?usp=sf_link
- Graphic organizer
- Writing utensils

Essential Questions:
- How do you write the theme?
- How do you use the text to support your theme?

Vocabulary:
- Topic, theme, example, evidence

Phase I:
- Have students summarize what the reading “Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy” is
about in table groups.
- Then review as a class the main idea.
- Share a story that has a similar message to compare to and reiterate that themes are
universal.

Transition to Phase II:

- Students will be given a workshop to complete a virtual escape room activity. This
activity will ask them about specific questions in the text, key events, and the theme of
the story.
 - Students will write short answers in complete sentences as part of the activity.
- Review as a class expectations for what complete sentences look like and components
that need to be included.

Phase II:
- Monitor progress of students and provide scaffolding if needed. Give students page
numbers or paragraphs to refer to if stuck on a question.
- Help students with typing if needed when writing complete sentences.

Phase III:
- In order for students to complete their activity, they need to identify the theme of the
text and write 4 complete sentences that explains the theme. Students will also need to
use text evidence to support their theme.
- Next, students will think about the theme of the story and identify a similar story or
situation where that theme happened. Students will need to write 3 sentences
summarizing the story.
- Students will turn in their graphic organizer as their exit ticket.

Adaptations for EL:

- The objectives and assignments can be written on the board as well as said out loud.
- Opportunities for students to work in table groups will be given. (specifically during
escape game if needed).
- Ask students to repeat the instructions.
- Allow more time for the assignment if necessary.
- Students can write less sentences for the exit ticket and if necessary, do not need to
make a world connection.
- Give partial credit rather than no credit at all.
- Provide adequate wait time after asking a question.

Adaptations for Students with Special Needs:

- Students can be given a checklist for the steps to writing.
- Students are allowed extra time to complete work in necessary.
- Students can write less sentences for the exit ticket and if necessary, do not need to
make a world connection.
- Provide adequate wait time after asking a question.
- Provide a list of key words.
- Allow students to work in groups specifically during escape game if needed.