| Research Question. How does the introduction and application of a sentence patterning chart impact students' abilities to write paragraphs with detail and sensory description?;Sub-question. How does providing students with this descriptive writing tool impact self-perception of their descriptive writing ability and their level of engagement during writing tasks?;Research Activities. The research conducted examined the effects of multiple types of sensory input and explicit instruction using graphic organizers on the descriptive writing abilities of a group of elementary school students. Context. This intervention took place in a fourth grade classroom in a suburban elementary school. The study observed the descriptive writing of 22 students and focused on a subgroup of 6 students. This subgroup consisted of two English language learners, one Redesignated Fluent English Proficient (R-FEP), and three native English speakers. These students are an approximate sample of my class and represent a range of academic performances. Methods and Data. This study was performed over the span of approximately three weeks, and utilized the introduction and manipulation of sentence patterning charts through the gradual reduction of visual scaffolds. This approach combined with a related brainstorm activity was introduced in order to develop skills of description in my students writing. Baseline and post- intervention writing assessments as well as attitudinal surveys were distributed to students, and analyzed according to a word choice rubric and a parts of speech word count. Observational behavior scans were administered at five minute intervals during these assessments. Throughout the duration of the intervention I gathered student journals and tradition essays. Results: Results suggested that the introduction and manipulation of sentence patterning charts, with the gradual reduction of visual stimulus, and the incorporation of a brainstorming tool encourages increases in details and sensory description within student writing between pre and post-assessments. Findings from this study also suggested that the implementation of multiple sensory input is beneficial regarding students learning. Furthermore results also revealed among focus students an increased sense of self-confidence and more accurate self-perceptions of writing performances.;Grade Level: Fourth grade;Data Collection Methods: Journal responses, Tradition essays, Pre and post writing assessments, Attitudinal surveys, Observational behavior scans;Curriculum Area: Writing;Instructional Approaches: Assessment/Evaluation, Class discussion, Direct Instruction, Graphic organizers/concept maps, Multikinesthetic learning, Oral language (ELD), Student engagement, Teacher-student conferences, Think-alouds, Writing-Description, Writing-Explicit instruction, Writing-Journals, Writing-Narrative, Writing-On-demand writing, Writing-Peer response/feedback, Writing-Process writing, Writing-Selfevaluation... |
