Teaching Tips

SQ Write

Verbal Mediation

Verbal mediation is an essential step in the writing process. SQ Write employs a 4-step writing process:

1. Self-Questioning
2. Answering Questions
3. Verbal Mediation
4. Writing.

In steps (1) and (2) students ask self-questions and record the answers onto the Thought Organizer. Then, they convert the organizer boxes/phrases into complete sentences. Students learn to verbalize their ideas into a cohesive oral story, or argument. Most students most effectively organize information orally into an “oral rough draft”. If students have a hard time making their writing “sound right”; the auditory feedback prompts them to alter the content. By adding, deleting, resequencing , and rephrasing ideas, students refine their rough drafts before even beginning their rough drafts. From a neurological standpoint, students are actively converting working memory information into long-term memory through repeated oral practicing. Students write in a more autoized manner when recalling information from long-term versus working memory.

SQ Organize

Time Management

Of all the components of the SQ Organize Planner, the Time Management schedule is the ultimate goal. The Time Management section requests students to record their daily schedule based on priority and time estimates. The act of recording a daily “plan of attack” is a conscious commitment to initiate. By putting the plan down on paper, students hold themselves accountable to the schedule. As we say, if we don’t bother to write down the plan, then deep down we likely don’t expect to accomplish the plan. However, by recording the plan we are making public the intention to initiate and complete the homework tasks. As we always tell our students, if you don’t bother to record your plan then you probably know you don’t intend to do it. So write down your daily plan and let the world know your intention!