Keith Resources

This organizer separates the parts of RACE (restate, answer, cite evidence, and explain) so that students can take the process one step at a time. The shaded sections are where students can choose transitions or evidence based terms (from any list) to lead into and out of the citation. At the bottom, there is place to combine all the parts into one cohesive paragraph.

This document can be changed to add new vocabulary words. The highlighted words indicate ones that must be used for the "Entrée" (tricky words that students would probably prefer not to use if given the choice!). A series of "Side Dishes" and "Desserts" are offered that allow for creativity and critical thinking.

This can be used as an organizer for any character in a book. In the middle, there is a section for the students to draw an image of the character of their choice. Around the picture are the elements of STEAL: What a character says, thinks, effect on others, actions, and looks. The student is asked to find a direct citation that shows this element in use and then to write what he/she has discovered about the character from that element. Simple, but good practice.

I call this the "Information Four Square." It can be used for any informational article. The first square asks students to identify key vocabulary in the article. The second square has students crafting a main idea sentence and providing supporting details. The third and fourth boxes require them to create their own think back and look back questions. When I use this in my class, the students can switch their sheets with another student/group and answer each others questions.

This checklist can be used by multiple content areas to streamline expectations for written response across all academic subjects. It is easy to use for grading purposes as well. The checklist comes with color coded examples for Social Studies, Math, and Science. The checklist is based on the RACE idea- Restating a prompt/question, answering, citing, and explaining/elaborating.