Language Frames: Models for Speaking and Writing

As a district, we have been using accountable talk stems to support our routines for working in groups. (Here's one resource....and here's another).

As a part of our work with writing to learn, we have revisited the use of writing frames. (Summary Frames)

Both the talk stems and writing frames are scaffolds that:

• support students in a close examination of styles of speaking and writing;
• provide differentiation--they can be used as much or as little as students need;
• model expectations for writing and civil discourse;
• strengthen the use of academic language.

Our students are exposed to arguments every day--from political barbs exchanged in television ads to life topics polarized through social media. Providing a structure to disagree in a respectful way is an effective way to have your voice heard.  Writing and language frames increase the possibility that arguments will result in action rather than just noise.  

I was happy to see the 200 argumentative writing prompts from the NY Times Learning Network.  These prompts are relevant for both writing and speaking, and frames could be designed and used to further support the ideas.  These prompts and frames have the potential to provide the models we wish we had more of.  

Do you have some favorite resources to support writing and speaking? What are some of your most effective writing or speaking prompts?  How do you use them in your teaching?