4. Use the Frame Routinely

https://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=2343462


Above is attached link to my LiveBinder, where you can view a few samples in my portfolio of FRAME routines that I have done.

We used the frame in coordination with our regular notes as we introduce new math concepts.  Although I was resistant to the change from our normal form of ‘functional’ notes (foldable notes), we have found that the Frame Routine is great for introducing or re-introducing the vocabulary used for different processes.  Our regular notes provide more detail in the process used to solve problems with a brief definition of the concept.  By using the frame, we have been able to give our students a more in depth understanding of the vocabulary prior to teaching them the process.  I now see the frame as an addition to our regular routine instead of something used in place of our normal notes.  One of the more successful implementations occurred with equations and inequalities.  Seeing the two terms and their coordinating characteristics allowed our students a more concise, organized way to compare the differences between equations and inequalities despite a similar process for solving. 

The main challenge we have faced is the amount of time it takes our students to write/copy the notes.  Our students are continually using laptops for note taking, document drafting, etc, which makes the act of writing more tedious and laborious for our students.  In the future, we may consider providing students with an electronic copy of the blank notes so they may type as we construct together.   

In addition to comparing the concepts of equations and inequalities, we also completed a frame to introduce tax, tip, and discount prior to discussing the process for solving for each.  We have completed and planned to use a frame for our unit on quadrilaterals and our hope is that the students will be able to see the similarities and differences based on the linear structure of the frame. 

We used the Frame Routine to diagram an 8th grade student's essay using the NCS Mentor website. The FRAME Routine forced us to identify the thesis statement, topic sentences, supporting details, and the conclusion within an essay. The Frame Routine is versatile in that it can be used for both a prewriting strategy or a learning tool once an essay is complete.

I was trained in FRAMing in August, 2005.  Since then, for almost 13 years, the FRAME has become an important part of my classroom instruction.  The FRAME is often used as a concise way to give notes about key concepts in my English 8 classroom as well as content specific vocabulary.  The FRAME has also been beneficial for students to use when identifying parts of the plot and other story related concepts for which they must provide specific examples.  
Before I was introduced to the paragraph writing strategy and theme writing, I used the FRAME as a method for students to organize their key details when writing an essay.  
It is important to use the FRAME with fidelity, and it is also important not to overuse FRAMEs in class.  FRAMES are effective for note taking, etc. but lose their effectiveness if done every single day without variety.  Some of the students I taught have now returned to my building as teachers, and many of them have high praise for the FRAMing routine. When students are able to generalize the FRAME and use it in ways that benefit them long after they have gone from my English 8 classroom, then you know you've given them a great tool for their "tool belt"

My classes loved the frame routine when I introduced it when comparing integers.  We struggled with ordered integers and this was a great way to revisit the concept and solidify the details. We plan to use it again next week with our measurement unit.