How To Fold a Tetrahedron
Motivation for Procedural Writing
Stage of Literacy Development:
Stage 2: Consolidation / FluencyStage 3: Literacy for Growth
Ages:
7-10
Grade Range:
2nd 3rd 4thFood Groups:
Primary:
Motivation for Literacy, Text Structures & Genres
Activity Description
Preparation:
1. Gather materials
2. Cut one large paper circle at least 12 inches in diameter
3. Create 3 smaller paper circles for each student
a. Use an old CD to trace the circles and then cut them outUse the link at the bottom of the recipe to familiarize yourself with how paper tetrahedrons are made
4. Copy one worksheet per student
Implementation:
Session 1:
1. Model how to create a paper tetrahedron
2. Model how to tape the edges together to create a sculpture
a. Tell the students that it is better to use small pieces of tape
b. Invite students to create a tetrahedron with you
• Model the process again in a slow, step-by-step manner
3. Have the students go to their desks and try to create more tetrahedrons
4. Invite students to tape tetrahedrons together to make a sculpture
Session 2:
1. Review the steps taken to fold a tetrahedron
a. Prompt the students by asking “What did we do next?”
2. Review the steps for procedural writing
a. Remind students that the reader should be able to learn how to do the activity by reading their instructions
b. Tell students that transition words—such as “first,” “next,” “then,” and “finally”—provide structure and flow to one's writing
• Provide a short, oral example by stating the steps it take to put on a pair of shoes
• Tell students that they must include these words in their writing
c. Provide each student with a How To Make a Tetrahedron worksheet
3. Support students as they complete their worksheets
4. Have students share their writing in small groups. Encourage students to talk about their strategies for ensuring information was accurate and chronological
Adaptations For
English Language Learners/ESL:
- Allow students to work with a partner who speaks the same first language or who can provide language support
LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:
- Allow students to use an electronic word processorProvide pictorial representations of the steps to facilitate procedural writing
Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:
- Inclusion of all students through common, shared experience
Differentiated Instruction:
- Challenge advanced students to create more complex structures
Related References
Source: Adapted from: Hansen-Smith, B. (2005). The Hands-On Marvelous Ball Book. New York: W.H Freeman & Co.
Evidence: Troia, G., Graham, S. (2003). Effective Writing Instruction Across the Grades: What Every Educational Consultant Should Know. Journal of Educational & Psychological Consultation, 14, 75-89.
Activity Objective
The goal of How To Fold a Tetrahedron: Motivation for Procedural Writing is to provide students with a purpose for doing procedural writing by having them create their own tetrahedrons.
What You Need
Prep Time:
20-30 minutes - Gather materials - Cut one large paper circle at least 12 inches in diameter - Create paper circles for each student - Familiarize yourself with how paper tetrahedrons are made - Copy worksheets for each student
Task Time:
2, 30-minute sessions Session 1: - Teacher models how to fold a paper circle into a tetrahedron - Teacher folds another circle in a slow, step-by-step manner while students simultaneously fold their own circleTeacher demonstrates how to tape several tetrahedrons together to make a sculpture - Students create their own paper tetrahedron sculptures Session 2: - Teacher reviews the folding procedureTeacher reviews the steps for procedural writing - Students complete the How to Make a Tetrahedron worksheet - Students share their worksheets and sculptures with one another
Materials Required:
Teacher: - One large paper circle - An old CD - Tape - Chart - paper and markers Students: - Paper - circles - Tape - How To Make a Tetrahedron worksheet - Pencils
What You Do
Teacher Role:
Modeling: - while showing students how to make tetrahedrons Supporter - during the folding of the paper circles Consultant - while students individually attempt procedural writing activity Facilitator - during sharing of student sculptures and writing
Student Grouping:
Whole class: - during modeling of how to make tetrahedrons, reviewing the steps for procedural writing, and final sharing Individual: - when students fold their paper tetrahedrons and write the procedural explanation
Assessment Ideas:
- Observe students' ability to follow instructions during folding of tetrahedrons - Review written procedures for flow, structure and use of key words
Quick Tips
Activity Extensions:
- Have students teach their peers in another class how to fold paper tetrahedrons. - As homework, have students teach an adult how to fold a paper tetrahedron - Have the students evaluate themselves as teachers and reflect on what they did well and how they could do better next time - Discuss the geometric shapes that are formed as students fold their paper to create the tetrahedron.
Additional Comments:
- Have lots of paper circles available as first attempts are not always successful. You may wish to allow older students to trace and cut their own paper circles. - Have paper circles available for students to fold as a "free time" activity during the day.
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