Unit: Recess Writing Revolution Page 1 (Roadmap)
Stage 4: Student Work Exemplars & Answer Keys Recess Writing Teacher Guide
WE DO: GUIDED PRACTICE ANSWER KEY (Workbook Page 2)
[T] To begin, recess is highly beneficial for students' physical health and wellness. [E] According to the text, doctors recommend that kids get at least 60 minutes of active exercise every single day, which they do by running and jumping. [X] This is important because running and exercising on the playground helps to develop strong muscles and bones, keeping children healthy and active. [T] Clearly, having daily playtime is essential to ensure that students grow up strong and maintain great overall physical health.
PARTNER DO: COLLABORATIVE EXEMPLARY RESPONSE (Workbook Page 3)
[T] In my opinion, recess is an incredible opportunity for students to learn how to make friends and solve problems. [E] The text says that on the playground, kids learn to negotiate game rules, share equipment, and resolve peer arguments peacefully. [X] This demonstrates that playing recess games teaches students how to talk to each other and fix arguments on their own without always needing an adult. [T] Therefore, school playtimes are vital for teaching kids how to build lifelong social skills and get along with others.
YOU DO: INDEPENDENT EXEMPLARY PERSUASIVE PARAGRAPH (Workbook Page 4)
[T] I strongly believe that schools must make daily recess longer than it is now. [E] Research indicates that physical play breaks act like a mental "on-switch" that helps students stay focused and calm during lessons. [X] By increasing recess time, schools would be giving kids more opportunities to refresh their brains, which ultimately results in better focus and higher grades in class. [T] In conclusion, extending recess is a brilliant way to help students become happier, more concentrated learners.
| Part | Criteria | Score |
|---|---|---|
| [T] Topic | Clearly states a specific opinion that answers the prompt directly. | / 1 pt |
| [E] Evidence | Accurately cites or quotes facts from Paragraphs 2, 3, or 4. Avoids irrelevant trivia (sneakers, slides, etc). | / 1 pt |
| [X] Explain | Thoroughly explains *how* the evidence proves the stated opinion. Does not just repeat the fact. | / 1 pt |
| [T] Tie-Up | Effectively wraps up the paragraph by restating the primary opinion in a fresh way. | / 1 pt |
Unit: Recess Writing Revolution Page 2 (Exemplars)
Stage 5: Printable Quiz-Quiz-Trade Card Pack Recess Writing Teacher Guide
Print this page and cut along the dashed lines to make 10 quick-quiz student cards. Distribute one card to each student before starting the game.
Card #1:
"Children need at least 60 minutes of active exercise daily."
Answer: ⭐ STRONG EVIDENCE (Health)
Card #2:
"The average elementary student takes 2,000 steps during recess."
Answer: ❌ DISTRACTOR TRIVIA
Card #3:
"Active play acts like a mental 'on-switch' for focus."
Answer: ⭐ STRONG EVIDENCE (Brain focus)
Card #4:
"The first playground slide was invented in 1922 out of wood."
Answer: ❌ DISTRACTOR TRIVIA
Card #5:
"On playgrounds, students learn to resolve peer arguments peacefully."
Answer: ⭐ STRONG EVIDENCE (Social skills)
Card #6:
"Soccer is the most popular game, followed by four-square."
Answer: ❌ DISTRACTOR TRIVIA
Card #7:
"The word 'recess' comes from a Latin word meaning to withdraw."
Answer: ❌ DISTRACTOR TRIVIA
Card #8:
"Active play is a vital ingredient for overall student success."
Answer: ⭐ STRONG EVIDENCE (Development)
Card #9:
"Playgrounds act as classrooms where students learn to share equipment."
Answer: ⭐ STRONG EVIDENCE (Social skills)
Card #10:
"A recent survey showed that soccer is followed closely by tetherball."
Answer: ❌ DISTRACTOR TRIVIA
Unit: Recess Writing Revolution Page 3 (Quiz Cards)
Slide 3
Paragraph Architecture
T Step 1
State your opinion clearly.
Our Formula:
E Step 2
Cite facts from our reading.
Our Formula:
X Step 3
Connect the fact to your point.
Our Formula:
T Step 4
Restate opinion & wrap up.
Our Formula:
Discuss the purpose of each step, and fill out the formula boxes on the board together!
Slide 4
I DO: Teacher Modeling
❓ Prompt: Does recess help students concentrate in class? Let's use Paragraph 3 below to write our T.E.X.T. paragraph!
Paragraph 3
Scientists have discovered that active play acts like an "on-switch" for the brain. Students who get physical play breaks are much better at focusing in class, solving complex math equations, and staying calm.
T Topic Sentence: _____________________________________
E Evidence Fact: _____________________________________
X eXplain: _____________________________________
T Tie-Up Sentence: _____________________________________
Project and write your model paragraph. Students observe the structure!
Slide 5
WE DO: Guided Practice
❓ Prompt: Why is recess important for a student's physical body? Let's use Paragraph 2 below to build our paragraph!
Reference: Paragraph 2
Doctors and pediatric health experts report that children need at least 60 minutes of active exercise every single day. Recess is the main time at school where students run, jump, and get hearts pumping to build strong bones and healthy muscles.
T
Recess is ____________________________ for a student's physical body.
E
According to the text, doctors recommend that kids get _______________________________________________________________.
X
This is important because running and exercising helps to ____________________________________________________________.
T
Clearly, having daily playtime is essential to ensure that students ____________________________________________________________.
Read the frame together. Complete the scaffold sentences live on the board!
Slide 6
Kagan Cooperative Game
How to Play
🏆 Goal: Review what makes a strong scientific fact vs. a weak distractor!
"The first playground slide was made of wood." DISTRACTOR
"Kids need at least 60 minutes of daily exercise." STRONG FACT
"Play resets the brain and acts like an on-switch." STRONG FACT
"Four-square is the second most popular game." DISTRACTOR
Stand up, hand up, pair up! Trade cards and keep your energy high!
Slide 7
Stage 2: Collaborative Practice
❓ Prompt: Does recess help students make friends and resolve conflicts? Use Paragraph 4 below to plan and write!
Reference: Paragraph 4
School playgrounds are natural classrooms for social development. During recess, students learn how to negotiate game rules, share equipment, collaborate in teams, and resolve peer arguments peacefully without needing an adult.
Kagan Routine: RallyRobin!
Take turns sharing facts back-and-forth before planning!
T Our Topic Idea: _____________________________________
E Our Chosen Evidence: _________________________________
X Our Explanation: _____________________________________
T Our Tie-Up Wrap: _____________________________________
Collaborate with your partner to find facts. Write your notes on Workbook Page 3!
Slide 8
Stage 3: Independent Application
❓ Prompt: In your opinion, should schools make recess longer for students? State your stance clearly and write!
My Checklist
💡 Review any paragraph (2, 3, or 4) on Page 1 to back up your claim!
T My Topic: _____________________________________
E My Evidence: _________________________________
X My Explanation: _________________________________
T My Tie-Up: _____________________________________
Draft your final paragraph on Workbook Page 4. Use the star ratings to self-grade!
Slide 9
