Stage 2 – Direct Instruction
In this stage, the teacher uses a student exemplar (from an actual student, from the teacher, or something found online) and “maps” out the paper using the mnemonic. For example, if I were mapping an exemplar argument paper, I would use the DARE mnemonic to label those parts of the essay so students can see how the outline looks in the finished product. Students would receive a copy of the mnemonic in the form of a graphic organizer or outline, and if time allows, the teacher would also show students what a weaker writing sample looks like. Ideally, the less ideal writing sample would not have all the parts of the mnemonic on it. (Just be careful if you decide to use a student’s sample from your class; make sure the name is omitted. I would personally mish-mash different weak samples into one to avoid hurting any one student’s feelings.)
Click here for stage 3.
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