What is the 4-Square What is the 4-Square writing program?writing program?

The Four Square Writing Method (Judith Gould) is The Four Square Writing Method (Judith Gould) is built around a graphic organizer. It is a square box built around a graphic organizer. It is a square box divided into 4 smaller squares similar to what you divided into 4 smaller squares similar to what you get when you fold paper into fourths. In the middle get when you fold paper into fourths. In the middle of the page there is another box. For the younger of the page there is another box. For the younger children, the middle box is the topic sentence and children, the middle box is the topic sentence and the surrounding squares are statements on the same the surrounding squares are statements on the same topic. The squares are filled in a specified order and topic. The squares are filled in a specified order and in the last box is a feeling sentence. Then the in the last box is a feeling sentence. Then the sentences are recopied into paragraph form.sentences are recopied into paragraph form.

For older kids, each box becomes a paragraph For older kids, each box becomes a paragraph instead of a sentence. There is more to this method instead of a sentence. There is more to this method including topic development, transitional devices, including topic development, transitional devices, different genres of writing conventions like spacing different genres of writing conventions like spacing and punctuation, but the main gist is organization of and punctuation, but the main gist is organization of information about a topic.information about a topic.

Four-Square Writing Four-Square Writing Method in the Method in the

Primary GradesPrimary Grades

WHY 4-WHY 4- Basic language arts skills vital to successBasic language arts skills vital to success

Helps to fill gap between elementary writing Helps to fill gap between elementary writing experience and expectations of secondary levelsexperience and expectations of secondary levels

Disturbing results of assessments show children Disturbing results of assessments show children lack fundamental writing skills-cannot produce a lack fundamental writing skills-cannot produce a focused, well-supported, and organized focused, well-supported, and organized compositioncomposition

4-Square provides a method of teaching basic 4-Square provides a method of teaching basic writing skills writing skills

Should be accompanied by other writing Should be accompanied by other writing practices (e.g. shared writing, journals, practices (e.g. shared writing, journals, letter writing, etc.)letter writing, etc.)

Getting OrganizedGetting OrganizedLearning the Four Learning the Four

SquareSquare

Adding Details

UnderstandingRelationships

Brainstorming

Connecting Words

Steps 1-5 Steps 1-5 Sequential- Kindergarten Sequential- Kindergarten

through Firstthrough First Step 1 Categorizing-Understanding Step 1 Categorizing-Understanding

SimilaritiesSimilarities Step 2 Labeling Writing with a Step 2 Labeling Writing with a

Summary Summary Sentence Sentence Step 3 Placing a Sentence in the Step 3 Placing a Sentence in the

Center of the Center of the Four-Square Four-Square Step 4 Writing a ParagraphStep 4 Writing a Paragraph Step 5 4-Square +1Step 5 4-Square +1

Steps 1-5 Steps 1-5 Sequential- Kindergarten Sequential- Kindergarten

through Firstthrough First Step 1 Categorizing-Understanding Step 1 Categorizing-Understanding

SimilaritiesSimilarities Step 2 Labeling Writing with a Step 2 Labeling Writing with a

Summary Summary Sentence Sentence Step 3 Placing a Sentence in the Step 3 Placing a Sentence in the

Center of the Center of the Four-Square Four-Square Step 4 Writing a ParagraphStep 4 Writing a Paragraph Step 5 4-Square +1Step 5 4-Square +1

Step 1- CategorizingStep 1- CategorizingUnderstanding SimilaritiesUnderstanding Similarities

Initial activities use manipulative Initial activities use manipulative materials-concrete to abstractmaterials-concrete to abstract Brown bag sortBrown bag sort –real items to separate into groups –real items to separate into groups Picture card sortPicture card sort - -4-square organizer is introduced4-square organizer is introduced Cut and paste picture activityCut and paste picture activity - -4-square/topic 4-square/topic

given (See handout)given (See handout) Blank 4-square / journal page-topic Blank 4-square / journal page-topic

suppliedsupplied -students draw pictures of examples to fit -students draw pictures of examples to fit topic (See handout)topic (See handout)

Blank 4-square / journal pageBlank 4-square / journal page –topic teacher or –topic teacher or student supplied-students draw and label pictures of student supplied-students draw and label pictures of examples that fit topic (See handout)examples that fit topic (See handout)

Topic with 4 Topic with 4 examplesexamples

CandyBars

TootsieRolls

Caramels

Mints

Step 2-Labeling Writing Step 2-Labeling Writing with with

a Summary Sentencea Summary Sentence Students now give three examples of Students now give three examples of

the topic.the topic. The fourth square is completed by The fourth square is completed by

using a concluding “feeling” using a concluding “feeling” sentence.sentence. (Refer to handout) (Refer to handout) The sentence should have the topic and an The sentence should have the topic and an

emotion word.emotion word. Supply a cloze activity if needed (__makes Supply a cloze activity if needed (__makes

me feel __.) A word bank of emotions might me feel __.) A word bank of emotions might help.help.

Provide ample modeling and practice.Provide ample modeling and practice. Practice reading in the correct order.Practice reading in the correct order.

Step 3-Placing a Sentence Step 3-Placing a Sentence in the in the

Center of the Four SquareCenter of the Four Square Using Reasons Instead of Using Reasons Instead of

ExamplesExamples Provide practice in distinguishing fact/opinion. Provide practice in distinguishing fact/opinion.

(See handout “Prove It”.)(See handout “Prove It”.) The four square now has a complete sentence The four square now has a complete sentence

in the middle.in the middle. Boxes 2, 3, and 4 now contain sentences which Boxes 2, 3, and 4 now contain sentences which

prove the topic. Encourage illustrations.prove the topic. Encourage illustrations. Box 5 remains a feeling sentence.Box 5 remains a feeling sentence. Share stories orally or create mini books. (see Share stories orally or create mini books. (see

handout)handout)

Step 3 Four-Square Step 3 Four-Square /Reasons/Reasons

It gives me quick energy.

I enjoy the taste.

I think candyis great.

It stimulatesendorphins.

I like candy.

Step 4 Writing a Step 4 Writing a ParagraphParagraph

Taking It Off of the OrganizerTaking It Off of the Organizer Because the completed 4-squares Because the completed 4-squares

have been shared orally in previous have been shared orally in previous steps students are familiar with steps students are familiar with movement through the 4-squaremovement through the 4-square

Use whole class modelUse whole class model Present Two Rules For ParagraphsPresent Two Rules For Paragraphs

Two Rules for Two Rules for ParagraphsParagraphs

1. Indent the first word only.1. Indent the first word only. (Two fingers placed on the paper’s (Two fingers placed on the paper’s

edge or margin) (No blank spaces edge or margin) (No blank spaces at the end of the line. Each sentence at the end of the line. Each sentence need not start on its own line.)need not start on its own line.)

2. Fill the line completely.2. Fill the line completely. I like candy. It gives me quick I like candy. It gives me quick

energy. It stimulates endorphins. I enjoy energy. It stimulates endorphins. I enjoy the taste. I think candy tastes great.the taste. I think candy tastes great.

Students check for five capitals and Students check for five capitals and periods.periods.

Step 5 - Four Square + 1Step 5 - Four Square + 1

Adding More DetailsAdding More DetailsFiveFive-sentence paragraph to -sentence paragraph to eighteight-sentence -sentence

paragraphparagraph

Move writing back into four-square formatMove writing back into four-square format

Add one additional detail in each box to Add one additional detail in each box to elaborate on original reason, example, or elaborate on original reason, example, or explanation. Use complete sentences.explanation. Use complete sentences.

Mastery usually achieved by end of first Mastery usually achieved by end of first gradegrade

Four Square Plus OneFour Square Plus One

Use the same prompt repeatedly to Use the same prompt repeatedly to introduce the steps because the introduce the steps because the familiarity will aid in instruction.familiarity will aid in instruction.

We learn here.I like to learn

science.

We meet friends.My best friend is

in the class.

We play in school.I like to work at

learning centers.

I love school.

School is great.

Our example would read:Our example would read:

School is a great place. We School is a great place. We learn here. I like to learn learn here. I like to learn science. We meet friends. My science. We meet friends. My best friend is in my class. We best friend is in my class. We play at school. I like to play at play at school. I like to play at learning centers. I love school.learning centers. I love school.

Step 6-Writing a Wrap-Up Step 6-Writing a Wrap-Up SentenceSentence

The First Step in Preparing for the Multiple-The First Step in Preparing for the Multiple-Paragraph EssayParagraph Essay

Place writing back into four-squarePlace writing back into four-square

““Feeling” sentence replaced with “wrap-up” Feeling” sentence replaced with “wrap-up” sentencesentence

Abbreviate supporting ideas to a word or short Abbreviate supporting ideas to a word or short phrase phrase

Conjunction (because, since, due) introduced in Conjunction (because, since, due) introduced in “wrap-up” sentence“wrap-up” sentence

Wrap-up sentence includes both topic and Wrap-up sentence includes both topic and supporting ideas together.supporting ideas together.

Writing a Wrap-Up Writing a Wrap-Up SentenceSentence

Learn

We learn here.

Friends

We meet friends.

Play

We play in school.

School is a great placebecause we learn,

meet friends, and play.

School is a great place.

Step 7 Step 7 Four-Square +3Four-Square +3

Adding Supporting Details Adding Supporting Details

Boxes 2, 3, and 4 will be 4-squared Boxes 2, 3, and 4 will be 4-squared independentlyindependently

These details make up body paragraphs of These details make up body paragraphs of essayessay

No repetition of details from one box to anotherNo repetition of details from one box to another

Repetition equals boredom!Repetition equals boredom!

Prompt elaboration with questionsPrompt elaboration with questions

Read 4-square aloud to show formation of essayRead 4-square aloud to show formation of essay

4-Square + 34-Square + 3

Learn

• reading• math• science

Friends

•share lunch•invite over•do homework together

Play

•in centers•on playground•on play day

School is a great placebecause we learn,

meet friends, and play.

School is a great place.

StepStep 88 4-Square + 3 + C4-Square + 3 + C

Adding Connecting Words to Provide Adding Connecting Words to Provide Transition Between IdeasTransition Between Ideas

• Provide smooth transition between Provide smooth transition between paragraphsparagraphs

• Critical to successful writingCritical to successful writing• Provide color-coded connecting words to Provide color-coded connecting words to

ensure successensure success• Student selects word from appropriate list: Student selects word from appropriate list:

block 1 block 1 whitewhite, no connector word; block 2, , no connector word; block 2, greengreen list; blocks 3 and 4, list; blocks 3 and 4, yellowyellow list; list; block 5, block 5, red red listlist

4-Square + 3 + C4-Square + 3 + CRemember to read aloud the completed 4-square. This Remember to read aloud the completed 4-square. This

will facilitate the change over to composition,will facilitate the change over to composition,

FirstLearn

• reading• math• science

AlsoFriends

•share lunch•invite over•do homework together

NextPlay•in centers•on playground•on play day

So you can see

School is a great place because we learn, meet

friends, and play.

School is a great place.

Green Wall Poster WordsGreen Wall Poster Words

Transition Words for Block 2Transition Words for Block 2

One reasonOne reason

FirstFirst

For exampleFor example

One example One example

To begin withTo begin with

To start withTo start with

Yellow Wall Poster Yellow Wall Poster WordsWords

Transition Words for Blocks 3 and 4Transition Words for Blocks 3 and 4 SecondSecond ThirdThird

Another ReasonAnother Reason Another exampleAnother example

AlsoAlso As well asAs well as

TooToo In additionIn addition

AdditionallyAdditionally

Red Wall Poster WordsRed Wall Poster Words Transition Words for Block 5Transition Words for Block 5

LastLast In conclusionIn conclusion In summaryIn summary

In shortIn short So you can seeSo you can see As one can seeAs one can see To summarizeTo summarize

HenceHence

Step 9Step 9 4-Square + 3 + C = 5 4-Square + 3 + C = 5 ParagraphsParagraphs

Taking the Writing Off the OrganizerTaking the Writing Off the Organizer After building the 4-Square together, build After building the 4-Square together, build

essay together essay together Model and have students copy one sentence at Model and have students copy one sentence at

a timea time Self-checking mechanism for sentence buildingSelf-checking mechanism for sentence building

Four items in boxes 2,3,4 means four Four items in boxes 2,3,4 means four sentences-four capitals and periodssentences-four capitals and periods

All items in each box should not form one long All items in each box should not form one long sentence. This avoids run-on sentences.sentence. This avoids run-on sentences.

Our essay would read as Our essay would read as follows:follows:

School is a great place.School is a great place. First, school is a great place because we learn. First, school is a great place because we learn.

It is important to learn how to read. Math is an It is important to learn how to read. Math is an interesting subject to learn. When we learn interesting subject to learn. When we learn science it is lots of fun.science it is lots of fun.

Also, school is a great place because we meet Also, school is a great place because we meet friends. I like to share lunch with my friends. I can friends. I like to share lunch with my friends. I can invite my friends over after school. My friends and invite my friends over after school. My friends and I do homework together. I do homework together.

Next, school is a great place because we play. Next, school is a great place because we play. At center time everybody plays. We play on the At center time everybody plays. We play on the playground during recess. Play day in the spring is playground during recess. Play day in the spring is a day when we just play and do not work at all.a day when we just play and do not work at all.

So you can see, school is a great place because So you can see, school is a great place because we learn, meet friends and play.we learn, meet friends and play.

Four Square and BeyondFour Square and BeyondAcross the CurriculumAcross the Curriculum