1. 4-Square Graphic Organizers for Language Learning
Sarah DeMola

2. The Plan Ice Breaker Learning about 4Square: What is it Who uses it
How it develops writing skills
Other Applications
Reading, listening, speaking, cultural lessons
Application Task ________________________
Pre-Survey
Midyear Conference
LET & ETA split group sharing

3. Warm Up: Scrabble Slam!
How can this activity be used in your classroom?
What are some differentiation options?

4. Discussion Questions 1st Individually, then discuss with your group
What does writing mean to you personally and as a teacher?
How often do your students write in class?
What types of writing exercises do your students do? Please provide concrete examples.
What challenges do your students face when writing? What are the challenges that you as a teacher face when teaching writing?

5. 4 Square Writing 4 Square Method is a way to learn to write
Any grade
Any proficiency level
Any subject
Prewriting and organizational skills are taught through the use of a graphic organizer
The graphic organizer helps teachers to structure lessons on developing writing skills

6. Guidelines 4 Square instruction should be done weekly to bi-weekly
It is important for students to understand the relationship of ideas as demonstrated in the 4 square format before moving on to sentences and paragraphs

7. 4 Square- Template
(topic)

8. Categorizing: Animals

9. 4 Square- Primary Categorizing with Pictures
Animals

10. 4 Square- Categorizing with Words and Pictures
Dog
Fish
Rabbit
Animals

11. 4 Square: Words and Sentences 1
I like ______________________.
I like _____________________.
I like ___________________.
I do not like _________________.
Animals

12. 4 Square: Words and Sentences 2
I like __cats_________________.
I like _____dogs______________.
I like ____rabbits_______________.
I do not like ___fish______________.
Animals

13. 4 Square: Adding More Detail
Add one additional detail sentence in each box
Elaboration: tell more about the topic or tell what is so great about it.
I like cats.
Detail:
They are cute.
I like dogs.
They are happy.
I like rabbits.
They are fat.
I do not like fish.
They are ugly.
Animals

14. Final Product Builds vocabulary Teaches basic sentence structure
Teaches how to write a paragraph
Allows for personalization
Differentiation options

15. Discussion
How else can this be used in your classroom? What are differentiation options?
When would you use this in your class?
Daily? Weekly? For review? For homework?
For what purpose can you use this in your class?

16. How and When? 1. Handwriting Practice 2. Sentence Structure Review
3. Introducing Supplemental Vocabulary
_________________________________
4. Stations
5. Extension Activities
6. Sponge Activity

17. Handwriting Practice

18. Unit Review
Handwriting

19. Supplementary Vocabulary and Sentence Pattern Practice

20. 4 Square Center Writing Station: Vocabulary review Sentence Patterns
Handwriting Practice
Drawing Fun

21. Break Time

22. 4 Square: Not just for writing!
Culture: Grouping like-concepts: U.S. holidays, geography
Grammar: verb forms in different tenses
Phonics: Sound-letter recognition and categorization
Picture Books: previewing & pulling information; sequencing events

23. Introducing Cultural Elements

24. Introducing Cultural Elements

25. 1. What are you/they/we doing?
Grammar
I am ______________.
She/He is__________.
You are ______________.
I like ______________.
1. What are you/they/we doing?
2. What is s/he doing?

26. Phonics and/or Spelling Practice How many words can you make?
____________________

27. Phonics Practice

28. Task and Discussion
Thinking about your own context and your own students, how will you use the 4 Square tool in your classroom?
Pick a topic and language skill to practice
Generate 5-10 vocabulary items related to that topic.
Share!

29. Reference
Gould, E. and Gould, J. (1999). Four Square Writing Method: A Unique Approach to Teaching Basic Writing Skills for Grades Teaching & Learning Co: Ohio, USA.