GED 2002 Teachers' Handbook of Lesson Plans

Activity Title - Running the Bases

Goal/Objective

To assist students in writing an essay.

Lesson Outline

It is imperative that the student be able to write an essay that expresses the idea in a meaningful and precise way.

Activity

Students will draw a baseball diamond. Next provide a topic to the group. Have them fill in the base information. Assist students in developing good topic sentences, three ideas with vivid detail, and a conclusion that restates and concludes the main idea.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

After students develop their essay, have them restate the "game plan" for a successful writing sample.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

Extension Activity

Have students umpire by evaluating essays to see it they are "home runs."

ESE Accommodations

Provide students with pre-made diagrams to use for the activity. Have students verbally identify main idea, supporting detail statements, and concluding remarks.

Real-Life Connection

Have students fill the bases with different steps required to complete these real life tasks.

Activity Title - Running the Bases

Introduction

Say: The essay is an important part of the test. The use of a graphic organizer can help get you started.

Main Activity

Ask: What does a baseball diamond look like? On a sheet of paper draw a baseball diamond with all of the bases and the pitcher's mound.

Use the handout as an overhead.

Say: Today your essays will be______. Put the topic at home plate. Next list the three ideas about the topic at first base, the pitcher's mound and third base. Once you have written in your three supporting ideas, write down descriptors for each idea words or phrases that describe what you want to say. Finally fill in your conclusion at second base.

Ask: What is the purpose of this baseball diamond? How many paragraphs do you think you will have? Do you have enough information to begin your essay?

Closure/Conclusion

After students have completed their essays share with the class and see if they hit a homerun.

Follow-up Lessons/Activities