Brain Frame Cheat Sheet Brain Frame Cheat Sheet
Make a Plan Step: Choose Your Container
Squares = Topics
Ovals = Ideas
Showing Relationships
Verbs: Connect, Link, Relationship
Comparing/Contrasting
Verbs: Compare, Contrast, Same
Sequencing
Verbs: Steps, Order, First/Next
Showing Causes/Effects
Verbs: Why, How, impact
Categorizing
Verbs: Group, sort, class
Telling
Verbs: Describe, Tell, Show
Topic
Make a Plan Phase: Evaluate Verbs → Select Container
Prompt Blueprint Anchor Chart The Evaluate Step
"What am I being asked to do?"
1
Identify Action Verbs
Circle the words that tell you to DO something.
Explain Describe List
2
Underline the Topic
Underline the noun or phrase that follows the verb.
Describe the steps to plant a seed
3
Count the Parts
How many separate tasks did you find?
1
One Part
→
1+2
Two Parts
→
1+2+3
Three!
No Blueprint,
No Building!
Always evaluate before you write.
Blueprint Breakdown Slides Prompt Blueprinting
Mastering the Evaluate Step of EmPOWER Writing
The Big Question
Before we write a single word, we ask:
"How many parts will my answer have?"
Modeling Phase
Example 1: The Simple Prompt
"Explain the steps for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich."
Detective Work:
Circle: Explain
Underline: the steps...
1 Part
The Blueprint is simple!
Modeling Phase
Example 2: The Double Task
"Describe the supplies you need to clean your room AND explain the best order to clean them."
1
Describe the supplies
2
Explain the order
Count: 2 Separate Parts!
Challenge Round
The "Triple Threat" Prompt
"Explain what a seed needs to grow, describe the steps of planting it, and list the tools required for gardening."
What needs
Needs to grow
Describe
Steps to plant
List
Tools required
TOTAL PARTS: 3
Your Turn!
Pick up your Prompt Blueprint Worksheet.
Brain Frame Selection Script Teacher Guide Choosing Brain Frames Script
Make a Plan Phase: Connecting Verbs to Containers
EmPOWER Method
Instructional Script
The Big Idea
"Once we've finished the Evaluate step and circled our action verbs , we need to choose the best container for our ideas. This is the Make a Plan step. The verb you circled is your biggest clue!"
1. Telling Verbs: Describe, Tell, Show, List
"I circled the verb 'Describe' . The prompt wants me to give details about one specific thing. I'll use a Telling frame for my Make a Plan step. I'll put my topic in the center square and cluster all my detail ideas in ovals around it."
2. Sequencing Verbs: Steps, Order, Process, First/Next
"The prompt says 'Explain the steps' . That's a process that happens in a specific order. When I Make a Plan , I'll use a Sequencing frame. I'll link my main steps together in a chain of squares to show the flow."
3. Comparing/Contrasting Verbs: Compare, Contrast, Same, Different
"I circled 'Compare' . I have two topics to look at. In my Make a Plan phase, I'll use the Comparing/Contrasting H-frame. I'll put the topics in the big squares and use ovals to show what's unique and what's shared."
4. Showing
"The word 'Explain how' tells me that one thing makes another thing happen. For the Make a Plan step, I'll use Showing Causes/Effects . I'll link my action boxes to the main event, and then show the results in more boxes."
5. Categorizing Verbs: Sort, Group, Classify, Types
"I see the verb 'Categorize' . I need to organize my ideas into families or sets. When I Make a Plan , I'll use the Categorizing tree. My big topic goes at the top, group squares below it, and my detail lines at the bottom."
6. Showing
"The prompt asks for a 'Relationship' . I'll use the line frame to Make a Plan for how these ideas connect along a path. My starting topic is a square, and I'll hang my idea ovals along the relationship line."
Make a Plan: The Verb is the Key!
Help students match the circled action word to the right container.
Evaluate Script Teacher Guide Evaluate Step Script
EmPOWER Instructional Guide
E M P O W E R
Method Overview
The EmPOWER Steps
EEvaluate
MMake a Plan
PPut in Frames
OOrganize
WWork
EEvaluate
RRe-do
Instructional Objective
Students will analyze writing prompts to determine the number of parts (tasks) by identifying action verbs and their topics. This is the first step before they Make a Plan .
Materials
• Blueprint Slides
• Blueprint Worksheet
• Brain Frame Cheat Sheet
1. Teacher Modeling
Display this prompt:
"Describe the supplies you need to clean your room and explain the best order to clean them."
Think-Aloud Script:
"Before we write, we Evaluate . I'm looking for 'To-Do' words so I can eventually Make a Plan ."
"I see Describe . I circle it. What do I describe? 'Supplies.' That's Part 1 ."
"I see 'and'—that's a signal! Next is Explain . I circle it. What do I explain? 'The order.' That's Part 2 ."
"This prompt has 2 parts. Now I'm ready to move to the next step: Make a Plan !"
2. Guided
Complete Prompt 1: Dog Wash together. Focus on identifying the 2 parts before choosing the Telling and Sequencing frames for the plan.
3. Independent
Students attempt Prompt 2: Game . Check if they are missing the second verb and correctly identifying the blueprint parts.
Answer Key
1. Dog Wash
Explain / Describe
2 Parts
2. Favorite Game
Describe / Explain
2 Parts
3. Challenge
Describe / Explain / List
3 Parts
Story Blueprinting Guide Story Blueprinting
Evaluate & Make a Plan for Narrative Writing
Yes! The Evaluate step works perfectly for fiction . Even though you're being creative, you still have to follow the prompt's rules. Once you've blueprinted the parts, you can Make a Plan using Brain Frames to organize your story ideas.
Fiction Prompt Sample
"Write a story about finding a magic lamp. Describe the setting where you find it and include a conversation with the genie."
Evaluate Count:
1
2
3
Make a Plan Step:
Plot = Sequencing
Setting = Telling
Narrative Action Verbs
Write
Describe
Include
Imagine
Show
Create
"Always Evaluate first. Even stories need to Make a Plan to make sure you include everything your teacher is looking for!"
Prompt Parts Worksheet Prompt Blueprint
Evaluate Step: How many parts?
Name:
Date:
Directions: Read each prompt. Circle the Action Verbs. Underline the topic. Then count the parts!
Prompt 1: Dog Wash
"Explain the steps to wash a dog and describe what items you need to get the job done."
Parts
Prompt 2: Favorite Game
"Think about your favorite outdoor game. Describe how the game is played and explain why it is fun for you."
Parts
Prompt 3: Challenge Round
"Describe how to make a paper airplane, explain what makes it fly far, and list three different designs you could try."
Parts
EmPOWER Writing Checklist EmPOWER Checklist
Writing Strategy Guide
E mP O W E R
Evaluate
What do I have to do?
How many parts will my paper need?
make a Plan
What's my job?
__ compare
__ summarize
__ contrast
__ retell
__ describe
__ give information
__ persuade
__ give an opinion
Which Brain Frames® will help me plan and organize my ideas?
__ Showing Relationships
__ Showing Causes/Effects
__ Categorizing
__ Comparing/Contrasting
__ Sequencing
__ Telling
Organize
Make my Brain Frames®.
Work
Bits
Order
Language
Details
Which template should I use?
How should I order my ideas?
Write my paper.
Evaluate
What needs to change?
Re-work
How should it change?
Name: __________________________
Date: __________________________
Blueprint Check Exit Ticket Exit Ticket
Blueprint Check
The Evaluate Step
Name:
The Prompt:
"Describe the steps to build a birdhouse and list the materials you will need."
Task:
1
Circle the action verbs .
2
Underline the topics.
Total Parts:
Exit Ticket
Blueprint Check
The Evaluate Step
Name:
The Prompt:
"Describe the steps to build a birdhouse and list the materials you will need."
Task:
1
Circle the action verbs .
2
Underline the topics.
Total Parts:
Blueprint Success Sample Exemplar Blueprint Success Sample
Exemplar: How the Evaluate step leads to a great answer
The Evaluate Step (Marked Up)
"Explain the steps to wash a dog and describe what items you need to get the job done."
1
2
2 Total Parts
The Result: A Good Answer
To wash a dog successfully, you will need a few key items: dog-safe shampoo, a large towel, and a soft brush. First, you must brush your dog's fur to get out any tangles. Next, use warm water to get the fur wet before scrubbing in the shampoo. Finally, rinse the soap off completely and dry your pet with the towel so they don't get a chill.
Part 1: The Items
This section describes exactly what you need to get the job done.
Part 2: The Steps
This section explains the process from start to finish.
Why is this a success?
Because the writer followed their blueprint ! They didn't just write a story; they made sure to include every part they found in the prompt.
Triple Threat Exemplar Triple Threat Exemplar
Student Sample: Managing 3 Tasks in One Response
The 3-Part Blueprint
"Describe how to make a paper airplane, explain what makes it fly far, and list three different designs you could try."
1
2
3
Blueprint Ready!
The Result: A Triple-Threat Response
To build a classic paper airplane, start with a rectangular sheet of paper. Fold it in half vertically, then fold the top corners down to the center crease to make a point. Fold the slanted edges to the center again, and finally fold the wings down. To make your plane fly far, you need a sharp point for better airflow and balanced wings so it stays straight. The weight should be centered near the front. There are many designs to try, such as the pointy "Dart," the wide-winged "Glider," and the speedy "Stunt Plane."
Part 1: How To
Steps to fold the plane.
Part 2: Flight
Reasons for good flight.
Part 3: Designs
Naming three types.
The Blueprint Secret
"I didn't stop at the first part. I used my blueprint to check off all 3 tasks as I finished them. That's how I got a perfect score!"
Fiction Success Exemplar Fiction Success Sample
Exemplar: Blueprinting a Story Prompt
The Narrative Blueprint
"Write a story about a character who finds a magic lamp. Describe the setting where they find it and include a conversation with the genie."
1
2
3
3 Total Tasks
The Result: A Complete Story
Leo was exploring his grandfather's attic when he spotted a golden glow. The attic was freezing and smelled of old paper. Thick cobwebs hung from the rafters like curtains. In the far corner, behind a stack of moth-eaten blankets, sat a tarnished brass lamp. Leo rubbed the lamp with his sleeve. Suddenly, a plume of violet smoke exploded into the room! A giant genie with a kind smile floated before him. "Greetings, master," the genie boomed. "You have freed me from my tiny home. What is your first wish?" Leo gasped, "Wait, you're actually real? I want to wish for... more wishes!" The genie laughed and shook his head, "Nice try, Leo. Rules are rules."
Part 1: Story
Leo finds the lamp.
Part 2: Setting
Details of the attic.
Part 3: Dialogue
The genie talks.
The Secret to Story Success
Leo didn't just write a story. He followed his blueprint by including specific setting details and character dialogue . No parts were left behind!
Dog Wash Brain Frame Model Brain Frame Model: Dog Wash
Step 2: Make a Plan
Evaluate Result
2 Parts Identified
Items needed + Steps to wash.
Plan Choice
• Part 1: Telling Frame (Items)
• Part 2: Sequence Frame (Steps)
Plan: Telling (Items)
Dog Wash Supplies
Shampoo
Large Towel
Soft Brush
Warm Water
Plan: Sequence (Steps)
Brush fur to remove tangles
Get fur wet and scrub in shampoo
Rinse soap and dry with towel
Make a Plan: Notice how the student uses two different frames because the prompt has two parts. The plan is the roadmap for the writing!
Airplane Brain Frame Model Triple Threat Brain Frames
Step 2: Make a Plan (3 Parts = 3 Brain Frames)
Part 1
Sequence Frame
Plan the folding steps.
Part 2
Relationship Frame
Plan the "Why it flies."
Part 3
Telling Frame
Plan the design list.
Plan 1: Sequence
Fold in half
Corners to center
Fold wings down
Plan 2: Relationship
Sharp Point
Better Airflow
Longer Flight
Plan 3: Telling
3 Designs
The Dart
The Glider
The Stunt
Step 2: Make a Plan
"When prompts get complex, we use multiple Brain Frames to organize our ideas. Each 'part' from Step 1 gets its own plan!"
Fiction Brain Frame Model Fiction Brain Frame Model
Step 2: Make a Plan (Sequence & Telling for Stories)
Evaluate Result
1
2
3
Write story + Describe setting + Include dialogue.
Plan Choice
Sequence Frame (Plot Events)Telling Frame (Setting Details)
Plan 1: Sequence (The Plot)
Leo explores the attic and sees a glow
He rubs the lamp and smoke appears
The Genie talks and Leo asks for wishes
Plan 2: Telling (The Setting)
Attic Setting
Freezing cold
Old paper smell
Thick cobwebs
Sun beams
Step 2 Tip: In stories, students Make a Plan by using Sequence for events and Telling for descriptions.
Relationship Success Exemplar Relationship Success Exemplar
Step 2: Make a Plan (Relationship Frame)
The Evaluate Step
"Explain how wearing a helmet keeps you safe while riding a bike."
1
1 Part: Relationship Focus
Step 2: Make a Plan (Relationship)
Wear a Helmet
The Cause
Leads to
Outer shell shields brain from bumps
Straps keep helmet in correct spot
Protected & Safe Rider
The Result
The Result: A Good Answer
Wearing a helmet is the best way to stay safe while riding a bike. When you wear a helmet, the hard outer shell acts as a shield that protects your head from hard bumps or falls. Additionally, the chin strap ensures that the helmet stays exactly where it belongs even if you hit a bump. Because of these safety features, you can ride your bike knowing your brain is protected from injury.
Step 2: Make a Plan
"Your plan shows how ideas connect. In a Relationship frame, it shows how one thing leads to another!"
Categorizing Success Exemplar Categorizing Success Exemplar
Step 2: Make a Plan (Categorizing Frame)
The Evaluate Step
"Describe different types of musical instruments and categorize them by their families."
1
2
2 Tasks to Plan
Step 2: Make a Plan (Categorizing)
Strings Woodwinds Percussion Violin
Has 4 strings
|
Flute
Blow across hole
|
Drums
Hit with sticks
|
|
Cello
Deep, low sound
|
Clarinet
Uses a wooden reed
|
Xylophone
Bell-like notes
|
Step 2: Make a Plan
"Your plan helps you sort and organize your information. This categorical plan will turn into organized paragraphs!"
Compare Success Exemplar Compare Success Exemplar
Step 2: Make a Plan (Compare & Contrast Frame)
The Evaluate Step
"Compare and contrast riding a bicycle to riding a scooter."
1
2
2 Tasks for the Plan
Step 2: Make a Plan (Compare)
Bicycle
• Larger wheels
• Uses pedals to move
• Has a seat
Same
Have wheels
Need steering
Outdoor fun
Scooter
• Smaller wheels
• Uses one foot to push
• Standing only
Step 2: Make a Plan
"Your plan organizes the same and different ideas into columns. This makes writing a balanced paragraph much easier!"
Telling Success Exemplar Superhero Telling Success Exemplar
Step 2: Make a Plan (Telling Frame)
The Evaluate Step
"Describe a day in the life of a superhero, focusing on their costume and powers. Use at least 3 adjectives."
1
2
3
3 Verbs = 3 Checklist Parts
Step 2: Make a Plan
My Hero: "Solar Bolt"
Costume Bright gold cape
Powers Super-fast flight
Glowing mask
Adjectives Gold, Fast, Brave
Step 2: Make a Plan
"Your plan uses squares for the main topic and circles for the details. This helps your brain see the structure before you write!"
EmPOWER Verb Logic Guide EmPOWER Verb Logic
Instructional Guide for the Evaluate Step
Method Logic
Evaluate
The "To-Do" Word Hierarchy
In EmPOWER, students circle Action Verbs to "Evaluate" the prompt. However, not every verb creates a new paragraph. The curriculum distinguishes between verbs that define structure and those that define details .
Primary Verbs
Structure Builders
These major verbs dictate how many major parts (Brain Frames) the student needs in their plan.
Constraint Verbs
Detail Drivers
Focusing on
Including
Using
These are supporting verbs . They specify the content within a frame.
Primary Verb
1
New Part / Frame
Constraint Verb
D
Details / Specifics
A Visual Logic Breakdown
The Step 2 Check
"The EmPOWER method uses the Make a Plan step to verify the count. If a student circles 'Describe' and 'Including,' they should ask: 'Do I need two separate plans, or is the Including just a part of my first plan?' This prevents repetitive or incomplete writing."
Superhero Writing Exemplar 3rd Grade Success Exemplar
Solar Bolt's Busy Day
Task: Describe a Superhero
Goal: Costume + Powers + Adjectives
Solar Bolt is a powerful superhero who protects our city every single day. First, he puts on his bright gold cape and his glowing mask so everyone knows he is here to help. When a scary villain appears, Solar Bolt uses his super-fast flight to zoom into action. He uses heat vision to melt any traps. Solar Bolt is a brave hero who always saves the day!
Costume
Describes exactly what the hero wears to be recognized.
"bright gold cape..."
Powers
Details the special abilities used to fight villains.
"super-fast flight..."
Adjectives
Uses descriptive words to paint a clear picture.
gold glowing brave
