1. Four Square Writing Method
Right click to view slides.

2. Introduction - lesson 1 When we teach math give you formulas
teach science we give you a scientific method
teach reading give you decoding skills
4 Square Method is a way to learn to write. (for any grade or any subject)

3. 4 Square Method can be used for all types of writing:
Narrative
Descriptive
Expository
Persuasive

4. We will use a Graphic Organizer (picture diagram) to plan and organize our prewriting and drafting.
This method will guarantee that you can write with confidence.

5. 4 Square - lesson 2
From reading you know about Main Ideas and details. (also used in writing)
In this lesson we’ll learn about Broad Ideas and “Topics.”
Examples
Definitions
Subtopics

6. Examples:

7. Four Square - lesson 3
In lesson 2 we brainstormed with Topics and Subtopics.
Now we’re going to move on to the four square format. 2.
Detail 3.
Detail
(2.,3.,4.) are examples, details, or definitions of (1.) subtopics
(5.) wrap-up sentence includes All the ideas from the 4 square in a series sentence
1. Topic 4.
Detail 5.
Sum. Sent.

8. Example: 2. Pretzels 3. Popcorn 1. Snacks 4. Peanuts
5. Pretzels, popcorn, and peanuts are snacks.

9. Four Square - lesson 4
Now we’ll change from a word phrase in the center box to a complete sentence.
Now boxes 2,3,and 4 will contain reasons, examples, and explanations that prove box 1 (center box) is true.

10. 1. My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs.2.
Easy to Cook 3.
Fun to eat
1. My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs. 5. 4.
Delicious
Conjunction
since, because, due to
good to use in summary sentences
My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s easy to cook, fun to eat, and delicious.

11. 3 Things the PROVE the box
Tell me WHY it is EASY
Roll up meat
Throw in pot
Pour store-bought sauce

12. NOTICE I did not use full sentences!!
DO NOT repeat yourself anywhere in the four squares!

13. 1. My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs.
Add more details...
2. It’s easy to cook
- roll up meat
- throw in pot
- pour store bought sauce
3. It’s fun to eat
- twirl on fork
- slurp it
- splatter the sauce
1. My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs. 5.
4. It’s delicious
- tomatoes
- Italian spices
- filling meat
My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s easy to make, fun to eat, and delicious.

14. 1. Our school is a special place.
You try a different example...
2. __________ -
3. _________ -
1. Our school is a special place. 4.
___________ - 5.
Our school is a special place because…
Check: 1) Provable reasons (not opinions)
2) No repetition of details
3) Details are logical expansions of the reasons.
4) Wrap up sentence includes all 3 subtopics.

15. Add transition words (connectors) and adjectives/adverbs (vivids)...
“Transition words” help bridge the gap between ideas. They provide smooth reading when changing paragraphs.
Adding “vivid words helps you develop style in your writing.
You will be adding
What you (the writer) see, hear, feel, smell, and taste.
The emotional state of you (the writer)
Formula:
Four C V
Four square Details Connectors Vivids

16. CONNECTORS First - One reason - To begin with
Second - Another Reason - Also
Third - As well as - In Addition
As you can see - Now you know

17. It’s easy. It’s fun to eat. It’s delicious. Example: 2. 3.
First
Also 2.
It’s easy.
It’s fun to eat. 3.
roll up meat
golf balls
throw in pot
huge cauldron size
pour store-bought sauce
Mama someone or other
twirl on fork
looks like a twister
slurp it
loud smacking noises
splatter the sauce
like an explosion
1. My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs.
Third 5.
So you can see
It’s delicious. 4.
tomatoes
red and tangy
Italian spices
zippy garlic
filling meat
like a hamburger
My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s easy to make, fun to eat, and delicious.

18. Improving ( Expanding) Introduction Paragraph
gives reader an overview
sets the tone (what to expect)
first impression (will the reader want to read on)
Now we will include
1st - topic sentence
My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs
2nd - wrap-up sentence
It’s my favorite because it’s easy to eat to make, fun to eat, and delicious.
3rd - personal narrative
I could eat spaghetti and meatballs for dinner every night.

19. Improving (Expanding) The Final Paragraph
The last step is expanding the final paragraph
final chance to bring message to reader.
Summary
final emphasis of main ideas
Now we will include
1st - Wrap-up sentence with connecting word
So you can see, my favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s easy to make, fun to eat, and delicious
2nd - Personal narrative sentence(s) (question or exclamation) Make it perky!
I think my mom is making some tonight. Would you like to come over for dinner?

20. Sample Essay:
My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs. It’s my favorite because it’s easy to make fun to eat, and delicious. I could eat spaghetti and meatballs for dinner every night.
First, my favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s easy. You simply roll up the meat into golf ball-sized pieces, then throw them in the pot. I use a huge cauldron-sized pot. Pour on the store-bought sauce. My favorite brand is Mama someone or other.
Also, my favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s fun to eat. I like to twirl it on my fork. It looks just like a twister. It’s fun to slurp because it makes a loud smacking noise. I always splatter the sauce. When I’m done, it looks like an explosion.
Third, my favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s delicious. I like the tangy taste of red tomatoes. The Italian spices are great, especially the zippy garlic. The meat is very filling, like a hamburger.
So you can see, my favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s easy to make, fun to eat and delicious. I think my mom is making some tonight. Would you like to come over for dinner?

22. Let’s add a “ONE TIME” Story to each box.
First
Also 2.
It’s easy.
It’s fun to eat. 3.
roll up meat
golf balls
throw in pot
huge cauldron size
pour store-bought sauce
Mama someone or other
twirl on fork
looks like a twister
slurp it
loud smacking noises
splatter the sauce
like an explosion
1. My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs.
Third 5.
So you can see
It’s delicious. 4.
tomatoes
red and tangy
Italian spices
zippy garlic
filling meat
like a hamburger
My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s easy to make, fun to eat, and delicious.

23. 3 Things the PROVE the box
Tell me WHY it is EASY
Roll up meat
Throw in pot
Pour store-bought sauce
Lets add a short memoir about the time 20 people were coming to dinner and the spaghetti was ready in no time and everybody loved it.

25. My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs
My favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs. It’s my favorite because it’s easy to make fun to eat, and delicious. I could eat spaghetti and meatballs for dinner every night.
First, my favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s easy. You simply roll up the meat into golf ball-sized pieces, then throw them in the pot. I use a huge cauldron-sized pot. Pour on the store-bought sauce. My favorite brand is Mama someone or other. It is so easy to make, in fact, that I once prepared and served spaghetti and meatballs to 20 people. Dinner was ready in no time, and everybody loved it.
Also, my favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s fun to eat. I like to twirl it on my fork. It looks just like a twister. It’s fun to slurp because it makes a loud smacking noise. I always splatter the sauce. When I’m done, it looks like an explosion. Last week we were eating spaghetti and meatballs when my meatball rolled off my plate and onto my sisters foot. Well, she got back at me by putting spaghetti in my hair. Soon our mom and dad joined in. We all laughed so hard! Spaghetti and meatballs is always a good time at my house.
Third, my favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s delicious. I like the tangy taste of red tomatoes. The Italian spices are great, especially the zippy garlic. The meat is very filling, like a hamburger. For as long as I can remember, spaghetti and meatballs has been the birthday dinner of my choice. We go to our favorite Italian restaurant, and I order the biggest plate they can carry.
So you can see, my favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs because it’s easy to make, fun to eat and delicious. I think my mom is making some tonight. Would you like to come over for dinner?