1. Step Up to Writing

2. The first slides
On these first (many) slides…you should just read over the information. You do not need to take notes, etc. However, pay attention because you will have assignments at the end of the PowerPoint.

3. What is Step Up to Writing?
Step Up to Writing is a writing program with an emphasis on organization
The stoplight is used to help you remember how to properly organize paragraphs and essays

4. The Step Up to Writing Stoplight
Go! State your topic.
Slow down! Be Specific.
Stop! Explain; give examples.
Go back! Restate your topic.

5. Green Topic Sentence Green means “go.”
Green says, “I have a place I am going with this paragraph.”
Green asks the writer to decide, “What am I going to prove?” “What am I going to explain?” “What information will I share?”

6. Yellow Reasons/Details/Facts Yellow means “slow down.”
Yellow identifies key ideas—reasons, details, or facts.
Yellow introduces key concepts-- reasons, details, or facts.

7. Red Explain Red means “stop and explain.” Red presents evidence.
Red provides explanations and examples.

8. Pink Elaborate Pink means “expand on your reds.”
Pink provides depth to your reds.
Pinks can be quotes, anecdotes, statistics, detailed examples, etc…
Pink is not part of the original Step Up to Writing Program. We added pinks to encourage students to take their writing to the next level; adding a little extra detail and voice.

9. Green Conclusion Green means “go back to your topic.”
Green means restate your topic and the position.
Do not introduce new information.
Use synonyms and leave your reader with something to remember.

10. The Blues
We will also organize using blues. The blue stands for background information. The blues help to “decorate” your topic.
We will talk more about the blues later.

11. Step Up to Writing is also about the writing process.
Prewriting
Planning
Drafting
Revising
Editing
Creating a Final Copy
Proofreading
Sharing

12. Now – it’s your turn
On the next slides, answer the questions directly into the slide. You’ll SAVE this PowerPoint under your name and turn in to me at the end of class.

13. Define these terms: (you may go back and look if needed)
Green=
Yellow =
Red =
Pink =

14. Look at the next slides –read them for reference
Again – you don’t need to take notes/answer questions --- however pay attention so you can complete the assignment at the end.

15. Pandas
My favorite animal is the Giant Panda for two reasons. First of all, I like the panda because it looks so cute and cuddly. The panda's black and white body colors are simple, make it stand out, and look soft. Its sad looking face makes me want to hug it and make it happy. In addition, I am fond of the giant panda because it is endangered. We all should try to preserve the animals, like the panda, that are in danger of extinction. Clearly, the Giant Panda is the animal I like best.

16. How was this paragraph created?
Step 1 of the writing process:
PREWRITING
In Step Up to Writing we will create prewriting outlines using the colors of the traffic signal.

17. First, you must choose your topic
Topic: Pandas

18. Green- GO – Topic Sentence
Topic: Pandas
Green-Giant Panda: Favorite Animal
Remember- Outlines do not have to be in complete sentences. They can be simple and we can add to them later.

19. Yellow- Slow Down-Reasons/Details/Facts
What are the reasons that the panda is your favorite?
Topic: Pandas
Green-Giant Panda: Favorite Animal
Yellow- Cute and Cuddly
Yellow-Endangered
Leave space after your yellows so you can add in your reds (examples and explanations).

20. RED- Stop- Explain or give examples
Explain or give examples to support your yellows
Topic: Pandas
Green-Giant Panda: Favorite Animal
Yellow- Cute and Cuddly
Red-colors
Red-soft fur
Red-sad face
Yellow-Endangered
Red-We should try to preserve

21. Topic: Pandas
Green-Giant Panda: Favorite Animal
Yellow- Cute and Cuddly
Red-colors
Red-soft fur
Red-sad face
Yellow-Endangered
Red-We should try to preserve
Green-Rephrase topic sentence

22. Green-Giant Panda: Favorite Animal Yellow- Cute and Cuddly Red-colors
Pandas
My favorite animal is the Giant Panda for two reasons. First of all, I like the panda because it looks so cute and cuddly. The panda's black and white body colors are simple, make it stand out, and look soft. Its sad looking face makes me want to hug it and make it happy. In addition, I am fond of the giant panda because it is endangered. We all should try to preserve the animals, like the panda, that are in danger of extinction. Clearly, the Giant Panda is the animal I like best.
Topic: Pandas
Green-Giant Panda: Favorite Animal
Yellow- Cute and Cuddly
Red-colors
Red-soft fur
Red-sad face
Yellow-Endangered
Red-We should try to preserve
Green-Rephrase topic sentence

23. Let’s do some of your own now
Remember – just type DIRECTLY into the slides. You’ll save and turn in to me later.

24. Questions How do a pink and red relate to each other?
In what order would you use the colors (generally speaking)? List from first to last.

25. Change font Color in the text in these colors: Green, Yellow, and Red --- as appropriate to the type of information
Cats can protect themselves in two ways. First, they can get away quickly from their enemies. Cats are fast runners. Also, cats are able to climb trees as well. Next, cats are good fighters. Cats have sharp claws that can inflict pain and discourage attackers. They also use their pointed incisors to bite their enemies when necessary. Felines can take care of themselves.

26. Answer to CATS paragraph --- How did you do on the previous slide
Answer to CATS paragraph --- How did you do on the previous slide? Fix your mistakes.
Cats can protect themselves in two ways. First, they can get away quickly from their enemies. Cats are fast runners. Also, cats are able to climb trees as well. Next, cats are good fighters. Cats have sharp claws that can inflict pain and discourage attackers. They also use their pointed incisors to bite their enemies when necessary. Felines can take care of themselves.

27. Please change the font color for the greens, yellows, and reds….#1
While football is a great sport, basketball is the best activity for children to pursue. Basketball provides children with many athletic skills. Kids learn to dribble and shoot. Also, kids can develop their eye-hand coordination while playing the game. Along with athletic skills, basketball provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn cooperation. Through teamwork, children learn to share. They also learn that, sometimes, helping others will actually help everyone. Obviously, basketball is the sport that all children should join. #2
Family is the most important thing in the world for several reasons. First of all, family provides support to you always. Whenever I’m feeling upset, my family is there for me with kind words and hugs. In addition to providing emotional support, my family provides for me financially. My parents buy me food, clothes, and school supplies. Not only do they buy me those necessities, but they often buy me games and movies as well. Clearly, all kids should value their families tremendously.

28. Try to Make Outlines
Paragraph #1
Green =
Yellow=
Red =
Yellow =

29. Outline Paragraph #2
Green =
Yellow =
Red =

30. Change font color for the Greens, Yellows, and Reds
 #3
While homework is sometimes annoying, it is a necessity for all middle school students. One reason homework is important is that it provides extra practice time for skills introduced in class. For example, a math teacher might teach fractions during class, but students need to practice more problems at home to excel at fractions. Or, an English teacher might talk about paragraph writing, but students need to practice writing their own paragraphs to become better writers. Another reason students must complete homework is that it affects their grades. If students don’t ever complete their homework, their grades will suffer a great deal. For these reasons and many others, all students should consider completing their homework each night.

31. Outline – paragraph three
Green = Yellow = Red =

32. Sample answers --- Greens, Yellows, Reds
Answers to Sample Paragraphs
*Answers should be very similar --- with some “wiggle room” for listing reds…
Paragraph #1
G = basketball great sport for kids
Y = athletic skills
R = dribble
R = shoot
R = hand/eye coordination
Y = cooperation
R = share in teamwork
R = helping others helps everyone
G = all kids should join basketball

33. Sample Answers Paragraph #2 G = Family important
G = Family important
Y = support (emotional)
R = kind words
R = hugs
Y = financial support
R = food, clothes, school supplies
R = games and movies
G = families are to be valued

34. Sample answers --- Greens, Yellows, Reds
Answers to Sample Paragraphs *Answers should be very similar --- with some “wiggle room” for listing reds…
Paragraph #3
G = middle school homework necessary
Y = practice academic skills
R = math fractions
R = paragraph writing
Y = affects grades
R = no homework/low grades
G = students should do homework each night

35. Change Font Color to greens, yellows, reds, and pinks…I’ll check answers…
My dog is the best pet in the world. He’s a great friend. When, I’m feeling lonely or tired, he’ll cuddle next to me and make me feel better. Last night, he sat with me for an hour in my room. Also, he’s always happy to see me when I walk through the door. Usually, he jumps on me immediately. My dog can do tricks, too. He can stand on his back legs and spin in a circle. Not only can he complete that feat, but my dog can bark to the tune of Happy Birthday. On my grandma’s birthday, my dog really cracked her up by performing the trick. Finally, my dog protects my family each and every night. He keeps watch over our house by barking if someone or something comes into our yard. Obviously, my dog is the most wonderful animal on earth!

36. Change font color for the greens, yellows, reds, and pinks…I’ll check answers…
On the Lewis and Clark expedition, Sacagawea was the most important person on the trip. She was important because she helped find food for the group. She uncovered roots and berries along the journey. She also worked as a translator. With her help, the expedition was given for horses, food, and shelter from local tribes. If Sacajawea had not been with them, the white explorers would not have known the local languages and customs so no trading would have occurred. Also, her communication with these tribes helped Lewis and Clark pass safely through Native American territory. Tribal members viewed Sacagawea’s presence in the group as a sign the group was peaceful and not violent. Therefore, the tribes did not fight with the visitors since they believed Lewis and Clark meant them no harm. Without the help of Sacagawea, the expedition would not have been nearly as successful.

37. What part of Step Up to Writing so far is the hardest/most confusing to you?
What part is the easiest?

38. DONE
Now, please save this PP to your Edison file as “Step Up New Student PP”
Attach and it to me at