Dana Levy

After an evening full of Core 4 topic sentence practice, I decided to give my students a sticky note that would serve as an exit ticket from class.  They had to choose one of the Core 4 topic sentences and write their very best sentence of the evening, then stick it on a large sheet of chart paper I had posted on the door.  Their topic: My Teacher.  Seemed simple enough, and I couldn't wait to see how much they had learned from their past two

Core-4 Topic Sentence

hours of interactive, hands-on practice.  They happily jotted down their sentence, labeled which of the Core 4 it was, and posted it on the chart paper as they departed for the weekend. 

Little did I know, many of the sticky notes that awaited me were not quite what I expected.  "I like my teacher's name" and "Her favorite season is summer" were two of the simple declarative statement topic

Core-4 Topic Sentence

sentences written. 

Thankfully, a few redeeming ones were amongst the mix: "My teacher is great" and "Why is my teacher the best?"

While I had high hopes for 100% success from all participants, I learned a very valuable lesson: topic sentences take time to learn, no matter the age of the learner.  Also, checking for understanding is critical, and using the exit slip technique is quick and easy.  It helps guide the teacher's follow up lessons and instruction for the next day.  Plus, those students who master the Core 4 quickly, can be challenged to write one from the Super Six categories.    

Fan Boys Topic Sentences

Situation/Stance Topic Sentences