CSI
Is On The Scene!
(Composition Style Investigation)
Presented by: Kaye Price-Hawkins
Priceless Literacy in Abilene, TX
www.pricelessliteracy.homestead.com
CRIME SCENE
Any rough draft or a revising and editing
or proofreading selection is the perfect
crime scene in a composition class.
FORENSICS TEAM
Experts---Writers--know the rules; pay attention
to details—mentor texts
Peers---community of writers--help one
another—peer models of good writing
Teacher ---demonstrates, models, conferences
and collaborates with the students
“Concentrate on what cannot lie . . .
the evidence.” ...Gil Grissom
• Physical ---- Capitalization, usage, punctuation,
spelling (something you can see or hear)
• DNA----Details, word choice, syntax, grammar,
usage (that which must be processed/examined)
– D=delete—What should you delete? (unconnected
details/information, empty dialogue)
– N=need—What could you add to the paper?
(details/information, meaningful dialogue)
– A=adjust—What specific adjustments are needed?
(usage, paragraph placement, word choice)
TOOLS
• “Self”-Phone (Equipped with
a camera – to visualize the
scenes)
• Lab (Handbooks, Dictionary,
Guides (mini-folder of
strategies), Writing Community)
• Records on file (professional
models, mentor texts, teacher
models, peer samples, or
completed essays in portfolio)
Input from the Boss!
Conference might include these steps:
1. Ask open-ended questions.
2. Ask follow-up questions.
3. Listen to the student and then give
feedback.
4. Compliment the writer on something they
have done well or the attempt they made.
COLLECTING EVIDENCE
• Talkshots (Dialogue)
– Conversation should
reflect character’s
attitude/personality.
– Connect dialogue with
snapshots
-Modified with permission from Barry Lane’s
…After the End
Collecting Evidence, continued
•
Thoughtshots
– Exposes feelings,
attitudes, reflections,
opinions or reactions
to others
– Editorial comments
-Modified with permission from Barry Lane’s
…After the End
Collecting Evidence, continued
• Snapshots (Description)
– Includes sensory details (see next slide for
Sensory Strip)
– reveals more about the characters,
relationships, or the plot
– Creates mood
-Modified with permission from Barry Lane’s
…After the End
Description
depends on
careful word
choice.
Sensory Strip
Details create
a picture for
the reader.
-inspired by Kathy McCutcheon/
modified by Kaye Price-Hawkins
Available on Kaye’s website…
What do you see?
What do you hear?
What do you smell?
What do you taste or say?
What sensations or textures do
you feel?
What are you thinking? What
is the “big idea” that is implied?
What are you feeling?
Revising and Editing Questions
• Conference questions
• Peer Group questions
• Independent Checklist
Mini-Folder of Strategies
• Revision
• Editing
Revision Walk *
Check for text evidence:
– Active Verbs (Subject performs
action)
– Striking Verbs (unusual verbs or
verbs that create images)
– Extraordinary Vocabulary/
Literary Devices
– Graphic Description
* use mentor texts and student texts
Check the Introduction…
Possibilities for conclusion
BA
DUH!
Looking back… Lesson
Reflection
Learned;
Thoughts
Decision
Emotions
made
Memory
BOOM!!!!!
Future,
thoughts;
Next time;
Plans, Hopes
and Wishes
Connect to the introduction (or beginning).
My Website!
CASE CLOSED!
• Ready for publication!
– Submit
– Read aloud
– File (portfolio)
• Next case…