Organization

Organization is how a writing piece is put together. Great organization helps the piece make sense, has a powerful lead, strong transitions, and a solid conclusion. Here are some questions students should ask when working on the organization of their piece:

1. How does my paper begin? The sequence of events should flow in a logical pattern.
2. Did I tell things in order?
3. Does everything link to my paper? Remember the main idea...are you staying on task and focused on what the main message is?
4. How does my paper end?

Teachers model organization through the use of graphic organizers. As a kindergarten teacher, I model graphic organizers through whole group instruction.

Here are a few books I have found to be wonderful to teach organization with minilessons:

Charlie the Caterpillar by Don Deluise. Aladin, 1993.
This story is about a caterpillar named Charlie and his search for friendship.

Minilesson: Beginning, Middle, End

1. Investigate your students background knowledge regarding caterpillars. Talk about the life cycle of a butterfly: caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly. Connect the life cycle with the beginning, middle, and end of a story.
2. Read the story.
3. On chart paper, label one section for beginning, one section for middle, and one section for the end.
4. For kindergartners, have them draw a picture of their favorite part of the story. Talk about their illustration and ask which section of the story their illustration is from. For older students, have them write about their favorite part of the story (with illustrations) and show case their writing as a classroom quilt.

Ohio Academic Content Standards: Kindergarten
Writing Applications
1. Dictate or write simple stories, using letters, words, or pictures.

If You Give a Pig a Party by Laura Numeroff. Laura Geringer Books, 2005.
In this story, Pig wants a party! She wants balloons, her favorite dress, and all of her friends to be invited.

Minilesson: Write directions for how to plan a party.

1. Read the story. Do a picture walk and discuss the illustrations.
2. After reading, do a think aloud...If I were planning a party, what things would I need to do to get ready for the party?
3. On chart paper, plan what you would need to do in order to have a party.
4. For an extension, read this story before having a classroom party (i.e. Halloween party...) and use what the students have learned in order to make the party happen. Have them write out the invitations, plan the food (within reason, of course), day, and time!

Ohio Academic Content Standards: Kindergarten
Research
3. Recall information about a topic, with teacher's assistance.
4. Share findings visually or orally.