CSI Is On The Scene! (Composition Style

Investigation)

Presented by: Kaye Price-Hawkins Priceless Literacy in Abilene, TX

www.pricelessliteracy.homestead.com

CRIME SCENE

Any rough draft or a revising and editing or proofreading selection is the perfect

crime scene in a composition class.

FORENSICS TEAM

Experts---Writers--know the rules; pay attention to details—mentor texts

Peers---community of writers--help one another—peer models of good writing

Teacher ---demonstrates, models, conferences and collaborates with the students

“Concentrate on what cannot lie . . . the evidence.” ...Gil Grissom

• Physical ---- Capitalization, usage, punctuation, spelling (something you can see or hear)

• DNA----Details, word choice, syntax, grammar, usage (that which must be processed/examined)– D=delete—What should you delete? (unconnected

details/information, empty dialogue) – N=need—What could you add to the paper?

(details/information, meaningful dialogue)

– A=adjust—What specific adjustments are needed? (usage, paragraph placement, word choice)

TOOLS • “Self”-Phone (Equipped with

a camera – to visualize the scenes)

• Lab (Handbooks, Dictionary, Guides (mini-folder of strategies), Writing Community)

• Records on file (professional models, mentor texts, teacher models, peer samples, or completed essays in portfolio)

Input from the Boss! Conference might include these steps:

1. Ask open-ended questions.

2. Ask follow-up questions.

3. Listen to the student and then give feedback.

4. Compliment the writer on something they have done well or the attempt they made.

COLLECTING EVIDENCE

• Talkshots (Dialogue)– Conversation should

reflect character’s attitude/personality.

– Connect dialogue with snapshots

-Modified with permission from Barry Lane’s …After the End

Collecting Evidence, continued

• Thoughtshots– Exposes feelings,

attitudes, reflections, opinions or reactions to others

– Editorial comments

-Modified with permission from Barry Lane’s …After the End

Collecting Evidence, continued

• Snapshots (Description)– Includes sensory details (see next slide for

Sensory Strip)

– reveals more about the characters, relationships, or the plot

– Creates mood

-Modified with permission from Barry Lane’s

…After the End

Description depends on careful word choice.

Sensory Strip Details create a picture for the reader.

-inspired by Kathy McCutcheon/

modified by Kaye Price-Hawkins

Available on Kaye’s website…

What do you see?

What do you hear?

What do you smell?

What do you taste or say?

What sensations or textures do you feel?

What are you thinking? What is the “big idea” that is implied?

What are you feeling?

Revising and Editing Questions

• Conference questions

• Peer Group questions

• Independent Checklist

Mini-Folder of Strategies

• Revision

• Editing

Revision Walk *

Check for text evidence:– Active Verbs (Subject performs

action)– Striking Verbs (unusual verbs or

verbs that create images)– Extraordinary Vocabulary/

Literary Devices– Graphic Description

* use mentor texts and student texts

Check the Introduction…

Possibilities for conclusion

BA DUH! BOOM!!!!!

Looking back… Lesson Future,

Reflection Learned; thoughts;

Thoughts Decision Next time;

Emotions made Plans, Hopes

Memory and Wishes

Connect to the introduction (or beginning).

My Website!

CASE CLOSED!

• Ready for publication!– Submit

– Read aloud

– File (portfolio)

• Next case…