Teacher Idea Factory

Teacher Idea Factory

WOW vs. BLAH SENTENCES – BUILDING BETTER WRITERS

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Now that my October Break is in full swing, I am all rested up and have settled ever so nicely into a creative mode (I credit much of this to my daily cat naps). With this said, I was finally able to finish up my most recent packet . . . WOW vs. BLAH Sentences. 

I came up with this random and rather “out of the box” way of teaching detailed sentence writing to my kiddos my first year of teaching.  It was such a success in my room, that I have built upon it year after year.  And now, 6 years later, it has grown and morphed into this . . .
Aren’t these just delightful . . . these are two of my extra special kiddos!!
BOOM!  How’s that for a writing project??  You can’t help but giggle when you see these and the kids totally got what I was “sellin’!”  Let me explain.
WOW vs. BLAH is a way for me to create a “hook” to help my kiddos remember to add details when they are constructing sentences.  By showing the kids the differences between a BLAH or basic sentence and a WOW or detailed sentences in a silly way, they always seem to remember it more.  These sentence “labels” also come with movements.  Oh, yeah baby . . . we’re going after all of those wonderful modalities!
BLAH SENTENCES:  A BLAH sentence is your basic sentence (ex: The cat sat). When we read one of these in my class, the kids give two thumbs up and swoop ’em down to the thumbs down sign while making a crazy crashing sound.    
Yes, Mrs. Dolling is a total freak!
WOW SENTENCES:  A WOW sentence is your quality detailed sentence (ex: The hungry cat sat on the green mat outside the butcher shop).  It paints a picture for our readers.  When we read one of these sentences in class, the kids put their hand on their cheeks and gasp, “WOW!”  
LOVE THIS KID . . . she is such a cutie pie both inside and out!
Now that you have a little background on the whole WOW v. BLAH concept, let me outline what I do in my little roomy-room.  First, we analyze and categorize basic and detailed sentences pocket chart style.  Then, we move onto rewriting BLAH sentences as more of a shared writing experience.  Finally, when my kids are ready to fly solo with this, I launch them into re-working sentences on their own via sorts, sentence games, and the craftivity you see below.  
Another couple of amazing kids from my room.
They went the extra mile on their sentences and completed them independently!
Now, I get that this method might not be for everyone, but I wanted to share.  I have had WONDERFUL success with this delivery and my kiddos always seem to step up to the writing challenges I dish their way following this little mini-unit. Interested in learning more about what this packet has to offer?  Click on the image below to read more about it in my TPT Store.  
These are just a few of the pages/activities offered! 
24 Different Craftivity Writing Templates provided as well as multiple practice sheets 🙂
Alright sweet friends, I am off to finish up my Patriotic Unit and start on those November Good Morning Work Packets.  Yup . . . I am rollin’ in the creative mojo department this week.  Thanks so much for visiting sweet friends.  Check back on Friday as I will have a super awesome Halloween freebie up for grabs!!  
Peace out.

Comments

    • teacherideafactory says

      Awwwww . . . good to know, friend. But, the best thing is . . . when I pass my babes on, I know that they are going to continue to be challenged and encouraged in the writing department 😉

  15. lwatters24 says

    I saw this post a while back, and when I started teaching adjectives this week I knew I had to come back and find it. I introduced WOW and BLAH sentences today, and my kiddos ate it up! They could not get enough – they actually groaned when I told them it was time to get ready for lunch. I know they are going to be so excited to make the WOW sentences for the bulletin board tomorrow. Thank you, thank you, thank you – from me and my 18 happy firsties!
    Lindsay

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