Third and fourth periods tried their hand at their first Schaffer paragraph, which was about, somewhat ironically, the usefulness of the Schaffer paragraph.

Third period

Schaffer helps writers plan in an organized fashion what to write next. For example, there is a set order of sentences, which will help with organization. Writers know what to write in the next sentence because each sentence connected to the previous sentence. It’s easier than spending time thinking about what you’re going to write. In addition, each sentence has a purpose that is specific and defined. Writers who know the purpose of the sentence know what the sentence must do. If we know what the sentence must do, we know more or less what it must say.

Fourth period

Schaffer uses its inherent organization to help figure out what to write next. For example, the sentences have a specific order. A topic sentence is always followed by a concrete detail, which is always followed by commentary. This never changes, and that makes it easier to organize the paragraph because it has, in fact, organized itself. In addition, each sentence has a specific purpose. If you know what the purpose is, you know what the sentence has to do. This narrows the possible topic of the sentence so much that it really tells you what to write.

Afterward, students worked with a partner to create their first Schaffer paragraph for the class.

English 8 students went over a refresher of how to work in groups effectively — one of those soft skills in the “Communication” standards — and then re-conferenced (a neologism, for sure) to finish yesterday’s work.

Homework

• English 8 Studies: none.
• English I Honors: complete the Schaffer paragraph you began working on with a partner.