Strategies during a writing assessment

For my juniors I am having them memorize ten SAT words.  Then they have to apply the meanings in paragraph form.  This is very hard for the language learner that thinks differently about language.  Here are some strategies:

1.  Monday:  Introduce the SAT word and definition.  Provide a quizlet for homework.

2.  Tuesday:  Have students verbally put the SAT word in a sentence.  Study definitions for homework.

3.  Wednesday:  Students write the SAT word in a sentence and try to connect the words together.  Start working on a theme.  Students can work on the sentences at home.

4.  Thursday:  Students put the sentences in a paragraph form.  Teacher goes around to make sure students are using the words correctly in the sentence.

5.  Friday:  Students have to use all ten SAT words correctly in context for the assessment.


This student wrote out the definitions of the SAT words on a dry erase board.  As she wrote her paragraph she would cross off the words she used.

This student opted out of using the dry erase board all together.

This student wanted to write her paragraph on the dry erase board so she could make changes as she wrote.  Then once the paragraph was to her liking, she copied her work onto the paper.

For this student, I was able to apply spelling rules to words she was having difficulty spelling.

And this student wrote the definitions on her page and then crossed off the words as she wrote for the assessment.

Here is an example of one of the assessments.  Sorry it is sideways.