Colorful-Coding Using Color as a Revision Tool

1. Colorful-Coding Using Color as a Revision Tool Mindy Torres SJVWP 2011

2. Lesson Rationale Research Color • This lesson focuses on revision by using a process called colorful coding (Marshall, 2003). • “Color is a major player in opening and connecting the 12 intelligences that we have. Color helps concepts become more logical. Color opens the mathematical process, makes reasoning and memory easier. Color opens creativity. Any scientific subject becomes much easier through the use of color” (http://www.avillion.org/PDF/Learning_Through_Color.pdf). • “The strategy of color-coding has been used in a variety of ways, including to improve student literacy analysis of essays” (Olson, 2003) Modeling • “When learners have a skill or strategy modeled, and not just merely told, they gain a deeper understanding for when to apply it, what to watch out for, and how to analyze their success” (Fisher, 2008). Collaboration • “Regardless of the subject matter or content area, students learn more, and retain information longer, when they work in small groups” (Fisher, 2008) Image • “But as a writer and a reader, you should appreciate not only the power of images to convey feelings, ideas and information but also how images do so…They also have to understand how images convey messages and how the visual can be an important part of a writing task” (Yagelski, 2007).

3. California State Standards-English Grade 9 • Writing 1.1 Establish a controlling impression or coherent thesis that conveys a clear and distinctive perspective on the subject and maintain a consistent tone and focus throughout the piece of writing. • Writing 1.9 Revise writing to improve the logic and coherence of the organization and controlling perspective, the precision of word choice, and the tone by taking into consideration the audience, purpose, and formality of the context. • Writing 2.2 Write responses to literature: a. Demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the significant ideas of literary works. b. Support important ideas and viewpoints through accurate and detailed references to the text or to other works. c. Demonstrate awareness of the author’s use of stylistic devices and an appreciation of the effects created. d. Identify and assess the impact of perceived ambiguities, nuances, and complexities within the text.

4. Brainstorm! • Each table has a poster that contains one of the following as a header: • Introductions • Body • Conclusions • Evidence/Supporting Details • Thesis/Main Idea Directions: At your table brainstorm as many ideas, examples, quotes, images and/or connections you can make to the subject on your poster.

5. Colorful-Coding Using a Student Rough Draft • Read the essay on your own and label the thesis, topic sentences, specific details/evidence and commentary/analysis. • In your group, come to a consensus by sharing your findings. Be ready to justify why you think your label is correct. • As each group shares, follow along with the document camera and colorful code the essay. Thesis Topic Sentence Specific Details/Evidence Commentary/Analysis

6. Reflection • In your think books, analyze where revision is necessary based on the abundance or absence of color. Your focus should be on the development of meaning. Has the writer developed too much or too little in a certain area? • When finished, in groups write three clear and detailed suggestions for revision. Be ready to share.

7. Respond: What is the significant idea in this image? Your response must include the five elements we’ve focused on in the colorful-coding.

8. Partner RevisionColorful-Coding • Once 1st draft is finished, trade with a table partner and colorful-code their drafts. Thesis Topic Sentence Specific Details/Evidence Commentary/Analysis

9. ABC Reflection • Awesome: How might you adapt this to your grade level/ subject? What worked for you? • Bothersome: What didn’t work for you? • Change: What might I focus on when presenting to another group of teachers?