Smekens Education Access logo

Improve constructed-response writing | HANDOUT

Convert the last thought as a reader into the first thought as a writer

Explain inferences in writing: Grades 2-3
Vimeo | YouTube

Explain inferences in writing: Grades 4-6
Vimeo | YouTube

Explain inferences in writing: Grades 7-12
Vimeo | YouTube

Take advantage of a consistent formula.

Grow an anchor chart.

Anchor Chart Pieces | PDF to print

Scaffold practice opportunities.

“Write” orally and with peers.

Yes, MA’AM Template
Jamboard

RACE Template
Jamboard

CER Template
Jamboard

Write the 1st sentence

Restate key words.

Write the 2nd and 3rd sentences

Support inferences with textual evidence.

Crystal Calloway uses these sentence starters during text-based conversation with her Bailly Elementary (Chesterton, IN) fourth graders.

Introduce evidence with blended sentences.

Write the 4th sentence

Connect the dots in a concluding statement.

Subway resources

Return to previous Inference Silhouettes to convert them into constructed responses.

World Series photograph resources

Return to previous Inference Silhouettes to convert them into constructed responses.

Insert elaboration

Connect elaboration to the Thinking Voice.

Double the ratio of evidence to explanation.

Basic Formula
  Black & White  PDF  |  Google Slide  |  Jamboard
Pink, Green, & Yellow  PDF  |  Google Slide  |  Jamboard

With Elaboration
  Black & White  PDF  |  Google Slide  |  Jamboard
Pinik, Green, & Yellow  PDF Google Slide  |  Jamboard