building blocks of writing

For the past two weeks we have spent some time taking notes, finding examples, analyzing, and discussing the building blocks of language (or what I call the building blocks of language). These building blocks help us all the share a common vocabulary, mostly academic within the world of formal writing, that can allow us to have deeper, richer, more consistent conversations about all of our writing for the rest of the year. Yes, it has taken us some time to get to this point, but the work is totally worth it because it lays the foundation (another building metaphor) for all the rest of our writing work.

The building blocks we've studies are: parts of speech, types of sentences by purpose and end punctuation, internal punctuation elements, phrases and clauses, and types of sentences by structure. Each building block helps us to move away from the idea of right-or-wrong writing and toward a more sophisticated approach. Rather than simply making sure that we are constructing "correct" sentences when we write, we are working to intentionally consider how we use language--the types of words, punctuation, and sentences--to create an effect upon readers.

Below are a few posters/reminders to help students implement these new steps in writing. The pictures didn't come out too great, but hopefully the idea is clear. If you've got any other ideas on how to create reminders, then shoot me a message.

Coordinating Conjunctions - FANBOYS

Types of Sentences by Purpose and End Punctuation

Phrases and Clauses

Types of Sentences by Structure