Day One Lesson Plan Day 1 of 3 15:1 Primary Writing Unit
The Core 3-Step Flip (30-Min Plan)
Writing Level: Grade 1 Pacing: 30 Mins
Focus Objective
With visual color coding, students will cross out the question word and fill in a recycled sentence frame using 1st-grade sight words.
Success Criteria
Students restate 3 simple questions ("Where is...", "What color is...") by copying the stem and writing one answer word with a period.
Classroom Supports
Red crayon for X-ing question words, green highlighter for recycled stems, primary lined paper, picture word bank.
The 3-Step Flip Routine (Chant & Gestures for 1st Grade)
1
1. Cross It Out! ✂️
Put a red X on the question word (Where, What, Who ) and the question mark.
2
2. Slide It Down! 🛝
Slide the remaining green words down to start the sentence with a capital letter.
3
3. Stop & Dot! 🛑
Write the answer word from the word bank and put a strong stopping period.
30-Minute Instructional Pacing (15:1 Setting)
04 Mins
Hook & Chant: "One Word vs. Big Kid Sentence"
Teacher asks: "What is your pet?" Teacher pretends to be a baby saying just: "Cat!" Class laughs. Teacher models: "The cat is my pet!" Teach the 3-step hand chant: Cross, Slide, Dot!
08 Mins
Direct Instruction: Slides 1–4 (Visual Model)
Show question on board: "Where is the red fox?" Use red marker to X out Where . Use green highlighter on the red fox is . Model copying the green words onto primary dashed lines.
12 Mins
Guided & Partner Practice: Day 1 Worksheet
Distribute Day 1 Worksheet. Students trace the recycled starter and fill in the blank with picture word bank support (e.g. "in the box", "in the sun"). Teacher & TA provide 1:1 finger-spacing prompts.
06 Mins
Quick Check & High-Five Exit
Students point to their capital letter and period. Teacher gives each student a quick stamp or sticker for a complete sentence.
Paraeducator / TA Role
Guide students who struggle with fine motor to use finger spacers.
Prompt students: "Read the green words before writing."
Provide yellow highlighter underlays for students needing tracing.
Multi-Sensory Cues
Red crayon = stop/cut the question word.
Green highlighter = go/copy the recycled stem.
Tap finger on the period dot to reinforce sentence closure.
Question Flippers (15:1 Edition) • 30-Minute Lessons Teacher Guide • Day 1 of 3
Day One Slides ✏️ Day 1 • 30-Minute Sprint
Drop & Flip!
Turn questions into BIG KID sentences!
✂️ 1. Cross It → 🛝 2. Slide It → 🛑 3. Dot It
Which One is Better?
Question: "Where is the cat?" 🐱
Baby Answer 👶
"Box."
Just one word! Too short.
Star Writer! 🌟
"The cat is in the box."
A full sentence that sounds smart!
Our Secret Code
The 3-Step Flip Chant
✂️
1. Cross It!
Put a red X on:
Where, What, Who
🛝
2. Slide It!
Slide words down:
Capital letter first!
🛑
3. Dot It!
Add the answer:
Lock with a period (.)
Teacher Model
Watch Me Flip!
The Question:
Where is the dog ?
Flipped Sentence:
"The dog is in the sun."
We Do Together
Let's Try One Together! ☕
"What color is the cup?"
Picture clue: RED
The cup is red.
⭐️
Pencils Up!
Open your Day 1 Worksheet. Cross out the question word, trace the starter, and write your answer!
1. Cross ✂️ • 2. Trace ✏️ • 3. Dot 🛑
Day One Worksheet ✂️
Day 1 • Turn The Question Around
Drop and Flip Practice
Name:
Date:
1 Cross Out ✂️ → 2 Slide Down 🛝 → 3 Add Period 🛑
Word Bank (Choose your answer word): Trace or copy
📦 in the box ☀️ yellow 🐸 in the mud
1. Question 🐱: Cross out "Where"
Where is the cat ?
Slide down words & finish the sentence:
The cat is ____________________________________ .
2. Question ☀️: Cross out "What color"
What color is the sun ?
Slide down words & finish the sentence:
The sun is ____________________________________ .
3. Question 🐸: Cross out "Where"
Where can the frog hop ?
Write your complete sentence:
The frog can hop ______________________________ .
🌟 Star Check: Capital letter Finger spaces Period at end .
Turn The Question Around • 15:1 Primary Unit Day 1 Practice Sheet
Day One Answer Key Teacher Key Day 1 • 15:1 Primary Unit
Day One Answer Key & Guide
Writing Level: Grade 1 Total Points: 6 Pts
Scoring Philosophy for 1st-Grade Writing in 15:1:
At this developmental level, focus on the concept of sentence completeness: Did the student copy the starter? Did they choose a word from the bank? Did they end with a period? Phonetic spelling of non-bank words is 100% acceptable.
1. Prompt: "Where is the cat?" 🐱 2 pts
Target Response: "The cat is in the box."
1 pt: Recycled stem ("The cat is...")
1 pt: Word bank answer + period ("in the box.")
Scaffolding Note: If student wrote just "in the box", prompt them to trace/copy the stem first.
2. Prompt: "What color is the sun?" ☀️ 2 pts
Target Response: "The sun is yellow."
1 pt: Recycled stem ("The sun is...")
1 pt: Color word + period ("yellow.")
Acceptable Variation: "gold" or "bright" if the student generated their own word.
3. Prompt: "Where can the frog hop?" 🐸 2 pts
Target Response: "The frog can hop in the mud."
1 pt: Complete recycled starter ("The frog can hop...")
1 pt: Logical setting + period ("in the mud.")
Paraeducator Quick Prompting Protocol
If student writes only 1 word: "Read me the question. Now slide your finger along the green words. Let's write those first!"
If student forgets a period: "What does every sentence need at the very end to stop? Put your dot right here!"
If student reverses letters (b/d): Model on a mini whiteboard; praise sentence structure effort.
Question Flippers (15:1 Primary Unit) • Answer Key Day 1 of 3
Day Two Lesson Plan Day 2: We Do Practicing Writing the Restate
Guided Restate Writing (30-Min Plan)
Writing Level: Grade 1 Pacing: 30 Mins
Focus Objective
Together with teacher and peers, students practice locating the question stem and writing the restate on primary lines with a capital letter.
Core Skill
Writing the Restate: Transforming question words into statement starters (e.g., "Where is the dog?" → "The dog is...").
Materials
Day 2 Slides, Day 2 Guided Practice Sheet, individual whiteboards, dry-erase markers, green highlighters.
The Restate Writing Protocol (We Practice Writing It!)
Step 1: Cross the Question Word
Cross out Where, What, Who . These words never start our answer!
Step 2: Highlight & Write the Stem
Highlight the recycled words in green. Write them first with a capital letter!
Step 3: Add Answer & Period
Add the answer word from the picture bank and finish with a dot period.
30-Minute Instructional Pacing (15:1 Setting)
04 Mins
Warm-up: "Spot the Restate" Game
Teacher displays: "Where is the duck?" Ask class: What words do we recycle? Students shout together: "The duck is!" Teacher writes it on the board with a big capital T.
10 Mins
We Do Whiteboard Writing Drill: Slides 1–5
Project questions onto the board. Every student writes ONLY the restated starter on their dry-erase board (e.g. "The pig is..." , "The cat can..." ). Hold boards up for an immediate visual check.
12 Mins
Guided Worksheet Practice: Writing Full Restates
Students complete the Day 2 Worksheet with guided pacing. For each item, teacher guides students to highlight the restate words, write them on primary lines, and complete the sentence.
04 Mins
Choral Reading & Exit High-Five
Students read their restated sentences aloud to their elbow partner. Teacher confirms capital letters and periods before students pack up.
Handwriting & Motor Supports
Students who fatigue quickly can write the restate starter on primary lines, then point and glue or circle the answer picture to maintain focus on the restate.
Restate Success Criteria
(1) Question word is crossed out. (2) Restated stem starts with a capital letter. (3) Words match the question spelling. (4) Ending period is present.
Question Flippers (15:1 Gradual Release) • Day 2: We Do Teacher Guide • 30 Mins
Day Two Slides ✏️ Day 2: We Do Writing!
Writing the Restate!
Today we practice writing the restated starter together, word by word!
1. Cross ✂️ → 2. Write the Stem ✏️ → 3. Dot It 🛑
The Magic Trick
Where Does the Restate Come From?
Look at the question:
Where is the duck ?
✨ The words you need to write are ALREADY in the question!
Flip it and write: "The duck is..."
Our Writing Rules
3 Rules for Writing the Restate
✂️
1. Never Write "Where"
Cross out question words! They NEVER start our sentence.
🔤
2. Big Capital Letter
The very first recycled word gets a tall capital letter! (T-h-e)
🛑
3. Lock with a Dot
Add your answer and lock it down with a neat period dot!
We Write Together #1
Where Is the Red Fox? 🦊
Question:
Where is the red fox ?
Picture Clue: in the den 🌲
Write with me on your board:
The red fox is in the den .
We Write Together #2
What Can the Green Frog Do? 🐸
Question:
What can the green frog do ?
Picture Clue: hop in the pond 💦
Write with me on your board:
The green frog can hop in the pond .
✏️
Pencils Ready!
Open your Day 2 Worksheet. Cross the question word, write the restate starter, and finish like a champion!
1. Cross It ✂️ • 2. Write Restate ✏️ • 3. Dot Period 🛑
Day Two Worksheet ✏️
Day 2: We Do • 15:1 Primary
Practice Writing the Restate
Name:
Date:
How to Write the Restate: 1. Cross out the question word ✂️ • 2. Write the restate with a Capital letter 🔤 • 3. Add period 🛑
Answer Word Bank: Pick your finish words
🌲 in the den 💦 hop in the pond 🐷 in the mud
1. Practice Item 🦊: Cross out "Where"
Where is the red fox ?
Write the restated sentence starter & answer:
The red fox is _________________________________ .
2. Practice Item 🐸: Cross out "What can"
What can the green frog do ?
Write the restated sentence starter & answer:
The green frog can _____________________________ .
3. Practice Item 🐷: Cross out "Where"
Where is the pink pig ?
Write the restated sentence starter & answer:
The pink pig is ________________________________ .
⭐️ Restate Check: Question word crossed Capital "T" in The Period at end .
Turn The Question Around • Day 2: We Do Restate Writing Practice Sheet
Day Two Answer Key Teacher Key Day 2: We Do • 15:1 Primary
Day Two Answer Key & Guide
Writing Level: Grade 1 Total Points: 6 Pts
Focus for Day 2 Guided Writing:
Verify that students physically crossed out the question word and accurately copied the stem words onto their lines starting with a capital "T". The goal is building confidence in generating the restate.
1. Prompt: "Where is the red fox?" 🦊 2 pts
Target Response: "The red fox is in the den."
1 pt: Restated stem written ("The red fox is...")
1 pt: Setting detail from bank + period ("in the den.")
2. Prompt: "What can the green frog do?" 🐸 2 pts
Target Response: "The green frog can hop in the pond." (or: "hop.")
1 pt: Restated stem written ("The green frog can...")
1 pt: Action predicate + period ("hop in the pond.")
3. Prompt: "Where is the pink pig?" 🐷 2 pts
Target Response: "The pink pig is in the mud."
1 pt: Restated stem written ("The pink pig is...")
1 pt: Setting detail + period ("in the mud.")
Paraeducator Quick Prompting Notes
• If student asks: "How do I spell the words?" Point to the question! "Look, r-e-d f-o-x is right here in the question! Copy it carefully."
• If student writes lowercase 't': Have them erase and make a tall, proud capital "T".
• Motor break reminder: If hands fatigue after item 2, do a quick 10-second finger wiggle before writing item 3.
Question Flippers (15:1 Primary Unit) • Answer Key Day 2 of 3
Day Three Lesson Plan Day 3: You Do Independent Restate Writing
Solo Restate Writing (30-Min Plan)
Writing Level: Grade 1 Pacing: 30 Mins
Focus Objective
Students independently cross out question words and write complete restated sentences on primary lines using picture word banks.
Core Skill
Independent Restate: Full student ownership of starting with capital letters, recycling prompt words, and capping with periods.
Materials
Day 3 Slides, Day 3 Independent Practice Sheet, pencils, finger spacer sticks, Champion Star stickers.
The Solo Restate Routine (3 Steps for Independence)
1. Cross It First ✂️
Student puts a bold X right through the question word (Where, What ).
2. Write the Stem ✏️
Copy the question stem onto primary lines with a big capital letter.
3. Dot & Star Check 🛑
Add the answer from the word bank and check the 3 star boxes!
30-Minute Instructional Pacing (15:1 Setting)
04 Mins
Warm-up: The 3-Day Journey Review
Review the progression: "Day 1: I showed you. Day 2: We did it together. Today: YOU DO IT! You are ready to write restates all on your own!"
06 Mins
Speed Flip Warm-up: Slides 1–4
Show sample question on Slide 4. Have students point to the words they will recycle. Review the 3-star checklist (Capital, Spacing, Period).
15 Mins
Solo Writing Practice: Day 3 Worksheet
Students independently complete 3 restate writing items. Teacher and TA circulate to observe, encourage finger spaces, and offer praise for completed restates.
05 Mins
Champion Celebration & Badge Award
Students read one of their completed restates aloud to the group with author pride. Award each student their "Question Flipper Champion" sticker!
Observational Rubric Check
Record who successfully transfers the stem words without transposing letters. Praise students who use the question itself as their spelling dictionary!
Celebrating Growth
Remind students: "On Monday you wrote only one word. Today on Wednesday, you are writing whole complete sentences!"
Question Flippers (15:1 Gradual Release) • Day 3: You Do Teacher Guide • 30 Mins
Day Three Slides 🌟 Day 3: You Do Solo!
Solo Restate Writing!
You know the secret code. Today YOU write the full restate!
Day 1: I Do 👨🏫 → Day 2: We Do 🤝 → Day 3: YOU DO! 🌟
Look How Far You Came!
You Don't Need Tracing Lines Anymore!
Before This Week 👶
One Word Fragment
"Rug."
Only one word. A mystery answer!
TODAY: Star Author! 🌟
Complete Restate
"The brown dog is on the rug."
Full sentence! Starts big, ends with a dot!
Your Solo Formula
3 Steps to Write Your Restate
✂️
1. Cross Out
Put a bold X on Where, What, Who !
✏️
2. Write the Stem
Slide the recycled words down with a tall capital letter!
🛑
3. Period Dot
Add your answer from the picture bank and put your period dot!
Solo Preview
Watch How You'll Write It! 🐶
Question:
Where is the brown dog ?
Picture: on the rug 🧶
What you write on your primary lines:
The brown dog is on the rug .
Before Turning In
The 3-Star Author Checklist ⭐
⭐️
1. Capital Letter at the Start
Start your restate with a big capital letter (e.g. "The").
⭐️
2. Finger Spaces Between Words
Leave space so every word can be read clearly.
⭐️
3. Period at the End
Lock your sentence down with a solid dot (.)
🥇
Write Like a Champion!
Open your Day 3 Sheet. Cross the question word, write your restates, and earn your Champion Sticker!
🌟 You've Got This! 🌟
Day Three Worksheet 🌟
Day 3: You Do • 15:1 Primary
Solo Restate Writing
Name:
Date:
Solo Author Rule: 1. Cross out question word ✂️ • 2. Write the restated sentence on primary lines ✏️ • 3. End with a dot 🛑
Picture Word Bank: Choose your ending words
🧶 on the rug ☀️ yellow ☕ in the cup
1. Question 🐶: Cross out "Where"
Where is the brown dog ?
Write your complete restated sentence:
The brown dog is _______________________________ .
2. Question 🚌: Cross out "What color"
What color is the big bus ?
Write your complete restated sentence:
The big bus is _________________________________ .
3. Question 🐜: Cross out "Where"
Where can the black bug hide ?
Write your complete champion restated sentence:
The black bug can hide _________________________ .
🌟 Champion Badge Check: Capital letter at start Recycled stem words Period at end .
Turn The Question Around • Day 3: You Do Solo Restate Writing Sheet
Day Three Answer Key Teacher Key Day 3: You Do • 15:1 Primary
Day Three Answer Key & Rubric
Writing Level: Grade 1 Total Points: 6 Pts
Final Mastery Assessment Goal:
Students demonstrate independent mastery of writing the restate: crossing the question word, copying the recycled stem onto primary lines, and ending with a period. Give full credit for phonetic spelling of non-bank words.
1. Prompt: "Where is the brown dog?" 🐶 2 pts
Target Response: "The brown dog is on the rug."
1 pt: Independent restate written ("The brown dog is...")
1 pt: Bank choice + period ("on the rug.")
2. Prompt: "What color is the big bus?" 🚌 2 pts
Target Response: "The big bus is yellow."
1 pt: Independent restate written ("The big bus is...")
1 pt: Color word + period ("yellow.")
3. Prompt: "Where can the black bug hide?" 🐜 2 pts
Target Response: "The black bug can hide in the cup."
1 pt: Independent restate written ("The black bug can hide...")
1 pt: Setting detail + period ("in the cup.")
Primary Restate Writing Rubric (Day 3 Solo Mastery) Holistic Criteria
🌟 Level 3: Star Author (Independent)
Writes full restated sentence without assistance. Capital letter at start, legible finger spacing, and terminal period on all items.
⭐️ Level 2: Growing Author (With Prompt)
Crosses question word with prompt. Writes restated stem with 1-2 minor spacing or capitalization reminders.
🌱 Level 1: Seedling Author (Supported)
Still writes single-word fragments or requires highlighter underlays / hand-over-hand prompting to write the restated stem.
Question Flippers (15:1 Primary Unit) • Final Assessment Key Day 3 of 3
