Smekens Consultant Secret Site: Mini-Lessons
IDEAS Mini-Lessons
Add more details using sticky dots
(K-2)
Revise ideas with Spider-Leg sentences
(K-2)
Puff up pre-write with the space-saver compression bag
(3-12)
Writing a strong summary using ESPN SportsCenter
(3-12)
Add details with 4 types of picture details
(K-2)
Develop ideas with table tops & legs
(2-12)
Pump up details using a balloon – 4 specific ways to develop an idea
(3-12)
Pump up your writing using a balloon
(K-2)
Add details with Colorful Sentences using different color pens
(K-2)
Develop a paragraph using a pizza table
(6-12)
Narrow the topic using nesting boxes
(3-12)
Adding details with the ABC Chart using the light bulb trigger
(2-12)
Top your writing with a title sing a present with a bow
(K-12)
Stay on topic with a title using a cereal box
Supporting opinions, conclusions using evidence from the text with Yes, MA’AM
Engaging the reader by inserting facts in research writing using Snapple lids
(2-12)
ORGANIZATION Mini-Lessons
Add beginnings & endings to middles with 3-part train BME paper
(K-2)
Support writers with frames
(2-12)
Writing transition sentences that are smooth – the train connectors between cars
(6-12)
Pre-write a grocery-list of details Step 1
(6-12)
Organize your details – using shoe organizer images
(K-2)
Writing smooth transitions to connect ideas using variegated yarn
(3-12)
Pre-write with a grocery list Part 1
(3-12)
Pre-write with a grocery list Part 2
(3-12)
Connect narrative beginnings and endings with a yo-yo
VOICE Mini-Lessons
Use facial expressions & words to show feelings using Voice poster
(K)
Choosing sides using a Rubik’s cube
(2-12)
WORD CHOICE Mini-Lessons
Choose the best adjectives using cookie comparison Part 1
(K-2)
Choose the best adjectives using different sports balls Part 2
(K-2)
Strengthen action verbs “Get” outta’ here – replace weak verbs
(3-12)
Use action verbs in a pre-write using a battery (Verbs are the engine to the sentence.)
(3-12)
Weaving description among facts using braiding versus kerplunking facts
(3-12)
Show, Don’t Tell using action verbs
(3-12)
Omitting “really” and “very” using a toothpick versus a spatula
(1st Grade)
Secret Settings using 3 different targets with arrows
Painting a picture with comparison details using 3 different bullseyes
SENTENCE FLUENCY Mini-Lessons
Changing sentence speeds
(2-12)
Supersizing sentences with prepositional phrases
(5-12)
Passing the Tower Test using wooden blocks
(K-2)
Supersizing sentences suing McDonald’s French fry containers and the magic straw
(1-12)
Hearing punctuation using the fluency phone
(2-12)
Charting fluency using the Slinky test
(2-12)
CONVENTIONS Mini-Lessons
Determine nouns v pronouns with basketball players & Walter the Farting Dog
(3-12)
Hearing end marks
(K-2)
Stuck on spelling—creating an Anchor Chart
(K-2)
Stuck-Spelling strategies with Anchor Chart
(2-5)
Readers need spaces—spacing between words using dominoes
(K-1)
Read up, write down using the toolbox and acting like a student
(3-12)
X-ray editing using colorful glasses and matching pens
(2-5)
WRITING PROCEDURES, PROCESS, & MODES Mini-Lessons
Revise ideas with Spider-Leg sentences
(K-2)
Write for different reasons:
Choose a position in 4 steps using red/blue caps
(3-12)
Revise in 3 steps with Play-Doh
(3-12)
Use Peer Revision Cards 4 questions to improve ideas
(6-12)
Adding details with carets using a door wedge
(2-12)
Creating a “Done” List
(3-12)
Story Surgery using the analogy of cutting it open and messing with the guts
(3-12)
Make room for revision
(3-12)
