AVID Methodologies

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AVID Methodologies

• Strategies to Demystify the Writing Process

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Check List

• AVID Methodology WIC-R
• The Introductory Paragraph
• Opening Sentences
• Thesis Statements
• Body Paragraphs
• Topic Sentences
• Analysis
• Analytical gaps
• Evidence/Interpretation
• Anchor
• Concluding Paragraph

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The AVID Program

• Advancement
• Via
• Individual
• Determination
• AVID is a program to help identify students who
  have a determination to go to college but who
  need extra support to reach that goal.

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AVID Methodology WIC-R

• Writing
• Inquiry
• Collaboration
• Reading
• For every content, AVID has strategies and
  lesson plans based on these four components.

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WIC-R

• AVID believes that writing should be viewed as a
  necessary component in ALL contents in order to
  fulfill their goal of exposing students to
  rigorous curriculum.

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Todays Mission

• We will analyze one students paper throughout
  this presentation, from introduction to
  conclusion.
• We will see the revision process in action.

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Rationale

• Analyzing how another individual formulates his
  or her ideas in a paper is an important activity
  to engage students in.
• It allows students to practice the thinking
  required to write a focused essay.
• Writing a paper will be less of an intimidating
  experience for students.

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Three Part Essay Structure
Introduction Opening sentences Thesis Forecast
Body Topic Sentences Analysis Evidence
Interpretation Anchor
Conclusion Summary Intensified Insight
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Introductory Paragraph

• Be aware of your audience
• An intro has one primary purpose
• to engage readers in the essay

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Opening Sentences

• Sets a tone appropriate to the topic and
  audience.
• Communicates information that can guide readers
  toward the purpose of the essay.
• Provides the readers with a reason to keep
  reading, a reason to care about what it is the
  writer has to say in the next several pages.

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Lets Begin Our Mission towards Revision

• You should have a copy of the poem in which this
  paper addresses.
• Lets read the poem.

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My Papas Waltz Theodore Roethke

• The whiskey on your breath
• Could make a small boy dizzy
• But I hung on like death
• Such waltzing was not easy
• We romped until the pans
• Slid from the kitchen shelf
• My mothers countenance
• Could not unfrown itself.
• The hand that held my wrist
• Was battered on one knuckle
• At every step you missed
• My right ear scraped a buckle.
• You beat time on my head
• With a palm caked hard by dirt,
• Then waltzed me off to bed
• Still clinging to your shirt.

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Prompt

• Analyze the poem My Papas Waltz and write a
  well organized essay outlining your observations
  of the poem. Include in your essay your
  interpretation of the theme and explain what
  strategies Roethke uses to develop the theme.

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Student Introduction

• In, My Papas Waltz, by Theodore Roethke, a
  boy is at home dancing with his drunken papa.
  The dance is a routine ordeal the boys father
  comes home drunk, and waltzes his son around
  the house. The boy is scraped and bumped around
  by his clumsy father. This poem proves that,
  through mixed emotions, people can still love
  others, even though they are not perfect.

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What do you think about the students opening
sentences?

• What suggestions would you give this student?

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Revised Opening Sentences

• The poem, My Papas Waltz, by Theodore
  Roethke, expresses the complexity of human
  emotions. A son recalls his fathers drunken
  behavior. He realizes that despite the unintended
  abuse he endured from his father, he cannot
  completely shake off his nostalgia for those
  unconventional moments he shared with his father.
  

Why is this opening more engaging than the
original opening?
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Thesis Statements

• A clearly worded answer to a question
• A clearly worded declaration of the view(s)/ideas
  a writer will substantiate, assert, or prove in a
  paper.
• Captures insight or an approach to a topic that
  is unique to the writer and that is persuasively
  supported by evidence and analysis that follow.

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Thesis Statement cont.

• Know your audience!!!
• Audiences will anticipate a single sentence
  thesis, which may require precise word choice to
  communicate a complex idea.
• Sometimes, a thesis must expand to two or more
  sentences to clearly state what an essay sets out
  to prove.

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Student Introduction

• The poem, My Papas Waltz, by Theodore
  Roethke, expresses the complexity of human
  emotions. A son recalls his fathers drunken
  behavior. He realizes that despite the unintended
  abuse he endured from his father, he cannot
  completely shake off his nostalgia for those
  unconventional moments he shared with his father.
  This poem proves that, through mixed emotions,
  people can still love others, even though they
  are not perfect.

Revised opening
Original thesis
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• Prompt Analyze the poem My Papas Waltz and
  write a well organized essay outlining your
  observations of the poem. Include in your essay
  your interpretation of the theme and explain what
  strategies Roethke uses to develop the theme.
• Thesis That Needs Improvement This poem proves
  that, through mixed emotions, people can still
  love others, even though they are not perfect.
• Commentary The student does present the theme
  that people can still love others, even though
  they are not perfect. Yet, the theme stated is
  still too broad. Who people represents and what
  not perfect means, is not specified. Also, the
  student claims to explain this interpretation by
  examining mixed emotions. The student needs to
  explain what technique mixed emotions
  represents. Maybe it means he will examine the
  speakers attitude through the authors word
  choice to prove the theme.
• Stronger Thesis Roethkes word choice in My
  Papas Waltz reveals that, as an adult, the
  speaker struggles with contradictory emotions
  towards his alcoholic father.

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The Forecast Statement

• Forecasts should simply notify readers of what is
  ahead in a concise statement.
• This statement will help with organization of
  ideas.
• It follows the thesis statement.
• Example
• The essay proving the speakers conflicting
  attitude towards his father in My Papas Waltz
  could follow up the thesis with
• The speaker resents the actions he endured from
  his father as a child and now feels helpless at
  the idea that his father may never give him the
  type of relationship he deserves.

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Our Revised Introduction

• The poem, My Papas Waltz, by Theodore
  Roethke, expresses the complexity of human
  emotions. A son recalls his fathers drunken
  behavior. He realizes that despite the unintended
  abuse he endured from his father, he cannot
  completely shake off his nostalgia for those
  unconventional moments he shared with his father.
  Roethkes word choice in My Papas Waltz
  reveals that, as an adult, the speaker struggles
  with contradictory emotions towards his alcoholic
  father. The speaker resents the actions he
  endured from his father as a child and now feels
  helpless at the idea that his father may never
  give him the type of relationship he deserves.

opening
thesis
forecast
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What have we learned so far?

• My intro should grab the readers attention.
• My thesis should clearly word my answer to a
  prompt and capture my unique insight or approach
  to a topic.
• An orderly forecast assists me in planning the
  direction of my proof and aids readers in
  anticipating the direction my essay will take.

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• Any Questions So Far?

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Three Part Essay Structure
Introduction Opening sentences Thesis Forecast
Body Topic Sentences Analysis Evidence
Interpretation Anchor
Conclusion Summary Intensified
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Body Paragraphs

• Explores ideas relevant to the thesis
• Presents evidence in a logical fashion
• Interprets evidence in ways that clearly support
  the thesis
• Continuously reminds readers of the thesis
  without simply repeating it

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Topic Sentences

• Draws on the wording of the thesis and forecast
  to keep the central argument of the paper
  actively in play for readers.
• Develops an aspect of the thesis or forecast that
  will be further expanded in the paragraph.

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Student Body Paragraph

• Throughout the poem, mixed emotions can be
  found pity, compassion, anger, and neglect. Pity
  and compassion are evident in the boy when he
  continues to hold on to his father as the dance
  grows dangerous. Holding on to his father shows
  that his loves his father, even though he is
  drunk. When the pans slid from the kitchen
  shelf (lines 5-6), the boy was still hanging on.
  The boy still loved his father, even though he
  was looking control. He knew his father meant him
  no harm, but it still led to anger in the boy.
  His dad did not seem to care when the boy was
  being bumped around. The whiskey on papas
  breath, (line 1), shows that the father is in a
  drunken stupor.

topic sentence needs improvement
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• Revised Thesis and Forecast
• Roethkes word choice in My Papas Waltz
  reveals that, as an adult, the speaker struggles
  with contradictory emotions towards his alcoholic
  father. The speaker resents the actions he
  endured from his father as a child and now feels
  helpless at the idea that his father may never
  give him the type of relationship he deserves.
• Old Topic Sentence
• Throughout the poem, mixed emotions can be
  found pity, compassion, anger, and neglect.
• Revised Topic Sentences
• Roethke uses words associated with violence to
  explain how the speakers innocence as a child
  allowed him to endure reprehensible behavior from
  his father.
• Roethkes use of the second person perspective
  further reveals that the speaker has an
  accusatory attitude towards his fathers actions
  yet, simultaneously longs for a bond with him.

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Discussion to Have with Your Students

• How does an improved thesis statement impact the
  quality of topic sentences?
• What sort of thinking went into creating a topic
  sentence that stays true to the thesis?

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Exposure to Quality Breeds More Quality

• Give students examples of quality thesis
  statements over a work you are currently reading
  or discussing.
• Ask students to create topic sentences that draw
  from the wording of the thesis and develop one
  aspect in the thesis to expand.

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Rationale

• Mini Lessons such as these force students to
  practice the thinking and skills necessary for
  writing a good paper.
• These mini lessons will boost confidence and
  lessen the fear associated with writing.

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Analysis

• Follows the topic sentence
• Extends the idea and gives readers the time to
  absorb the idea before shifting into the specific
  evidence that will be used to prove it

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Is analysis present?

• Throughout the poem, mixed emotions can be
  found pity, compassion, anger, and neglect. Pity
  and compassion are evident in the boy when he
  continues to hold on to his father as the dance
  grows dangerous. Holding on to his father shows
  that his loves his father, even though he is
  drunk. When the pans slid from the kitchen
  shelf (lines 5-6), the boy was still hanging on.
  The boy still loved his father, even though he
  was looking control. He knew his father meant him
  no harm, but it still led to anger in the boy.
  His dad did not seem to care when the boy was
  being bumped around. The whiskey on papas
  breath, (line 1), shows that the father is in a
  drunken stupor.

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Lets improve this paragraph.

• Revised topic sentence
• Roethke uses words associated with violence to
  explain how the speakers innocence as a child
  allowed him to endure reprehensible behavior from
  his father.
• Possible Analysis
• Small children innocently overlook major flaws
  in their parents as long as they are shown
  attention and affection by them, no matter how
  crude. As adults, the crudeness of these memories
  can cause bitterness.

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Analytical Gaps

• This is when the analysis of a topic sentence is
  missing.
• Occurs when a writer assumes that the reader is
  following his/her logic
• Occurs when a writer is eager to shift into
  evidence

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Notice the analytical gap.

• Throughout the poem, mixed emotions can be
  found pity, compassion, anger, and neglect. Pity
  and compassion are evident in the boy when he
  continues to hold on to his father as the dance
  grows dangerous. Holding on to his father shows
  that his loves his father, even though he is
  drunk. When the pans slid from the kitchen
  shelf (lines 5-6), the boy was still hanging on.
  
• The writer is eager to shift into evidence.
• The writer does not extend the idea in the topic
  sentence before moving on to closer text
  interpretation.

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The body paragraph with current revisions

• Roethke uses words associated with violence to
  explain how the speakers innocence as a child
  allowed him to endure reprehensible behavior from
  his father. Small children innocently overlook
  major flaws in their parents as long as they are
  shown attention and affection by them, no matter
  how crude. As adults, the crudeness of these
  memories can cause bitterness.

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Evidence/Interpretation of Evidence

• Evidence presented should be persuasive.
• Evidence should point toward the validity of the
  thesis.
• Evidence must be interpreted and linked to the
  point being proven.
• The writer presents this interpretation.
• The writer should NEVER assume that the reader
  will automatically make the connection.

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Types of Evidence

• Depending on the purpose and type of paper being
  written, writers can use the following as
  evidence
• Quotations from texts
• Details from texts related to plot, character,
  setting, style
• References to familiar elements of culture,
  politics
• References to a work of art, music or performance
• Documented facts
• Ideas from critical sources
• Information from reference materials

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Evidence

• The paper we are focusing on is an essay
  interpreting a piece of literature
• We will use the following types of evidence
• Quotations from texts
• Details from texts related to plot, character,
  setting, style

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Evidence and Interpretation in the Body Paragraph

• Throughout the poem, mixed emotions can be
  found pity, compassion, anger, and neglect. Pity
  and compassion are evident in the boy when he
  continues to hold on to his father as the dance
  grows dangerous. Holding on to his father shows
  that he loves his father, even though he is
  drunk. When the pans slid from the kitchen
  shelf (lines 5-6), the boy was still hanging on.
  The boy still loved his father, even though he
  was losing control. He knew his father meant him
  no harm, but it still led to anger in the boy.

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Inquiry

• What questions should we be asking about the
  students choice of evidence and its
  interpretation?
• Does it support the theme presented in the
  thesis?
• If so, has the connection to the theme been done
  clearly?
• Has the writer assumed the reader understand his
  or her logic and therefore does not extend his or
  her ideas further?

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Commentary

• The student lacks a focused topic sentence it
  names too many emotions to prove.
• Throughout the poem, mixed emotions can be found
  pity, compassion, anger, and neglect.
• There is no transitional sentence that follows
  the topic sentence. The second sentence sounds
  like another topic sentence
• Pity and compassion are evident in the boy when
  he continues to hold on to his father as the
  dance grows dangerous.
• The students attempt to connect the events in
  the poem to his thesis is weak due to
  repetitiveness and an already weak thesis .
• Holding on to his father shows that he loves his
  father, even though he is drunk. When the pans
  slid from the kitchen shelf the boy was still
  hanging on (lines 5-6). The boy still loved his
  father, even though he was losing control. He
  knew his father meant him no harm, but it still
  led to anger in the boy.

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• Roethke uses words associated with violence to
  explain how the speakers innocence as a child
  allowed him to endure reprehensible behavior from
  his father. Small children innocently overlook
  major flaws in their parents as long as they are
  shown attention and affection by them, no matter
  how crude. As adults, the crudeness of these
  memories can cause bitterness.

• With a topic sentence that more accurately
  captures a more concise thesis, the student can
  make the needed revisions to his or her paper.
• A strong topic sentence will guide the writer as
  to what to discuss in the rest of the paragraph.
• Focus on words associated with violence
• Use those words to prove that the adult speaker
  recognizes that his child-self endure certain
  behavior due to innocence.
• Since my new thesis focuses on contradictory
  emotions, I want to lead into my argument that
  speakers recognition of his past acceptance of
  his father, ironically, is a recognition of his
  desire for a bond with his father as an adult.

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Evidence Interpreted with a Focus

• Roethke uses words associated with violence to
  explain how the speakers innocence as a child
  allowed him to endure reprehensible behavior from
  his father. Small children innocently overlook
  major flaws in their parents as long as they are
  shown attention and affection by them, no matter
  how crude. As adults, the crudeness of these
  memories can cause bitterness. The speaker
  recalls the time in his childhood when his father
  would come home drunk off whiskey and roughly
  waltz around with him. The speakers memory
  seems to dwell on the violence associated with
  this nightly routine. Within the first stanza,
  the speaker reveals that his father waltzed
  him around so rough that he had to hang on
  like death (Roethke, ll. 3). The speakers grip
  on his father while waltzing is compared to the
  grip death has over all living things. Despite
  the heavy connotations the word death conveys,
  the speaker, as a child, viewed such waltzing
  as not easy (Roethke, ll. 4). Roethke ends
  the first stanza with an understatement to reveal
  the innocent loyalty the speaker, as a child,
  holds for his father. While the waltz demands
  a death grip from the speaker, the speakers
  child self plays down his fathers actions as
  simply not easy. The speakers child-self
  overlooked and endured his fathers destructive
  behavior.

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The Anchor

• The final component in a body paragraph of an
  essay.
• It secures the evidence and interpretation
  presented to the overall claim of the paper.
• It reminds readers of the overall purpose.
• It allows for clear connection between paragraphs.

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The Challenge of Writing Anchors

• Refraining from allowing them to become
  repetitive by simply restating the thesis or
  topic sentence.

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Lets add an anchor to the student essay !

• Possible Anchor
• At a closer examination of the poem, it becomes
  more evident that, despite his fathers actions
  during his childhood, the speaker still longs for
  a relationship with his father. The poem begins
  to represent the conflicting emotions the speaker
  feels towards his father.

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Analyzing the Anchor

• How well does this anchor help the reader to see
  a clear connection between paragraphs?
• Does it remind the reader of the overall purpose
  of the paper?
• Why or why not?

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What have we learned so far?

• The importance of a focused topic sentence and
  its loyalty to the thesis.
• Follow the topic sentence with analysis so your
  logic is strengthened.
• Carefully choose your evidence and make sure your
  interpretation of it supports the claim stated in
  the topic sentence
• Anchor the ideas in your paragraphs so as to make
  clear connections between paragraphs.

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Three Part Essay Structure
Introduction Opening sentences Thesis Forecast
Body Topic Sentences Analysis Evidence
Interpretation Anchor
Conclusion Summary Intensified
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Concluding Paragraph

• Summary
• Contain a reminder of the primary claim
• Contains NO new evidence
• refers to significant points which were offered
  as proof of the thesis
• Intensified Insight
• Provide insight that deepens the significance of
  the claim without introducing a new argument
• Reminds readers of the value of the essay

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Students Original Conclusion

• Throughout the poem, many emotions bombard the
  protagonist about his father. In the end, he
  shows that is possible to love someone, even
  though they arent perfect.
• Commentary
• The paragraph is too short.
• It restates the theme presented in the original
  thesis but does not summarize significant points.
• It seems that the student cannot and has not been
  able to articulate what he means by emotions
  bombard the protagonist.
• This goes to prove that a focused thesis at the
  start greatly affects the quality of the rest of
  the paper.

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How might the conclusion based on the revised
version of the paper look like?

• Get out a sheet a paper.
• Read the copy of the revised version of the
  essay.
• See if you can summarize the significant points
  and remind the readers of the value of the essay
  without introducing a new argument.

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We examined a draft of an essay that needed
improvement.Our revision of the essay took us
through the three parts of an essay.
Introduction Opening sentences Thesis Forecast
Body Topic Sentences Analysis Evidence
Interpretation Anchor
Conclusion Summary Intensified
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How may you use what you learned today?
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• Suggestions
• As a class, in groups, partners or individually,
  have students revise a rough draft of an essay
• It can be their own essay or one the teacher has
  planned for the whole class to revise
• Break up each part of the essay structure into
  several mini-lessons
• Exposure to the thinking required in writing a
  quality paper is what this process will accomplish

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You guys and gals have been great!!!!

• The following are the resources I have prepared
  so you can do this with your students.
• Lesson Plan over Introductions and Thesis
  statements
• Three Part Essay Organizer
• Peer Response over Content handout
• Proofreading Tips Handout
• Peer Response over Editing for Usage and
  Mechanics
• Argumentative Paper Resources
• Peer Response to Argumentative Writing
• Essay Metacognition and Coversheet
• Argumentative Essay Rubric