Easy List

Jennifer Partrick
Jul 14, 2008

Writing instruction is a critical component of a comprehensive literacy program. However, many students struggle with writing and are reluctant to write. There are some simple activities that teachers can use to help struggling writers. One is the "Easy List" (Partrick, 2007). This strategy acts as a scaffold and gives students the support they need in order to write. Strickland, Ganske, and Monroe (2002) noted that "another key strategy is to scaffold instruction. It may be the single most important approach to teaching that makes a difference in how well learners succeed." (p. 48). This strategy can be used with any content.

Imagine that your students are learning about plants. Ask them to make a list of all the words they can think of that are related to plants. Students then write their list.

  • Stem

  • Water

  • Roots

  • Leaves

  • Sun


The next step is to have the students write a describing word for each word on their list.

  • Strong stem

  • Cold water

  • Ugly roots

  • Green leaves

  • Hot sun


Next, students choose one set of words and writes a sentence using those words.
Ugly roots are under the ground.

Next, ask your students to think and write about everything they know about roots.

  • Water gets into the plant by going through the roots.      

  • Roots are under the ground.                                               

  • Some roots are ugly.

  • There are different kinds of roots.                                        

  • Plants cannot live without roots.


Using this strategy, students begin the writing process using one word and gradually adding more words, so they move from a list to a small paragraph. This strategy gives students confidence as they move at their own pace and are able to add information in small chunks.

References:
Hill, B. & Partrick, J. (2007). Learning to write. (2008). Boone, NC: LEARNING-FOCUSED.
Strickland, D. S., Ganske, K., & Monroe, J. K. (2002). Supporting struggling readers and writers: Strategies for classroom intervention 3-6. Portland, ME: Stenhouse.