Four Square: The Total Writing Classroom for grades 5-9

Rating:
Summary: Not real writing
Review: I teach 2nd graders, and I feel that 4 SQUARE is one of the best graphic organizers out there. The books do go beyond just organizing. They detail 4 writing styles along with examples and activities to help the children understand.

Not only are my 2nd graders are able to write on topic, they produce 4 paragraph papers by the end of the year!

I have been pushing 4 Square in my building for years. This year other teachers finally started using it. Now they come up to me thanking me for suggesting it.

Rating:
Summary: I LOVE 4 SQUARE!!
Review: I teach 2nd graders, and I feel that 4 SQUARE is one of the best graphic organizers out there. The books do go beyond just organizing. They detail 4 writing styles along with examples and activities to help the children understand.

Not only are my 2nd graders are able to write on topic, they produce 4 paragraph papers by the end of the year!

I have been pushing 4 Square in my building for years. This year other teachers finally started using it. Now they come up to me thanking me for suggesting it.

Rating:
Summary: Not real writing
Review: I understand that this is a "structure" or "form" of writing but too many teachers are only using this in their classroom. Professional writers don't write like this! You have taught the kids how to do well on a state test, but outside of 4 square can they process their own piece of writing? We are having a terrible time getting our students to create and process their own writing without limiting themselves to "the four squares."

Try it, use it - then put it away and let your students write!