6th Grade Writing Lesson: Keyword Outlining and Argumentative Writing

Lesson Overview

Topic: Using keyword outlines to create an argumentative essay about hybrid penny boards Grade Level: 6th Grade Standards Alignment: Arizona 6th Grade Writing Standards for Argument and Opinion Duration: 2-3 class periods (45-60 minutes each)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and categorize key parts of speech using Montessori grammar symbols
2. Create a keyword outline using flashcards
3. Develop an argumentative paragraph using the keyword outline method
4. Support an opinion with logical reasoning and relevant evidence from text

Hybrid Penny Boards: Revolutionizing the Ride

Skateboarding enthusiasts worldwide are buzzing about the latest innovation in board design: hybrid penny boards. These remarkable rides combine the nimble maneuverability of traditional penny boards with the stability and smooth performance of downhill longboards. The result is a versatile board that perfectly bridges the gap between different skating styles.

The Perfect Blend

Hybrid penny boards cleverly incorporate oversized downhill trucks, which are significantly wider than standard penny board trucks. These wider trucks dramatically improve stability, especially when riders navigate steep hills or execute sharp turns at high speeds. The enhanced width creates a more balanced platform, allowing skaters to confidently carve through challenging terrain.

The wheels on these hybrids feature softer polyurethane compounds, typically measuring between 78A and 85A on the durometer scale. These softer wheels eagerly absorb sidewalk cracks, pebbles, and rough pavement that would abruptly stop harder wheels. The plush feel translates into a substantially smoother ride, while maintaining excellent grip on various surfaces.

Compact Powerhouse

Despite their advanced features, hybrid penny boards maintain the compact size that made penny boards popular initially. Most measure between 22 and 27 inches in length, significantly shorter than traditional longboards. This compact design means riders can easily carry their board when not riding, stash it under a desk, or store it in a locker.

The deck typically features a reinforced construction that combines layers of bamboo and maple. This thoughtful engineering creates a board that flexes pleasantly under weight but remains remarkably durable through demanding sessions. Many models incorporate a subtle concave shape that cradles the rider's feet securely during energetic carving.

Performance Benefits

Skaters who frequently transition between cruising and technical riding particularly appreciate hybrid penny boards. The responsive trucks enable quick, precise turns when weaving through crowded areas. Meanwhile, the wider wheelbase provides steadiness when bombing hills that would make traditional penny boards wobble dangerously.

Beginners often gravitate toward these hybrids because they forgive many common mistakes. The stable platform reduces the likelihood of speed wobbles, while the softer wheels rarely catch on small obstacles. Experienced riders value the versatility, using the same board for commuting through busy streets and tackling challenging downhill runs on weekends.

Growing Popularity

The hybrid penny board movement initially emerged from small, independent board builders who experimented with combining different skateboarding components. Today, several major manufacturers offer factory-built hybrid options, with customizable features to suit individual preferences and riding styles.

College campuses worldwide have become hotspots for hybrid penny board enthusiasts. Students appreciate the practical transportation solution that fits conveniently in limited dorm spaces. The boards' eye-catching designs, often featuring bold colors and artistic graphics, have transformed them into fashion statements as much as functional riding equipment.

As skateboarding continues evolving, hybrid penny boards represent an exciting direction that respects traditional designs while embracing innovative engineering. They perfectly embody the skateboarding spirit – constantly pushing boundaries while having tremendous fun along the way.

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Word Bank

Nouns: innovation, enthusiasts, maneuverability, stability, trucks, wheels, polyurethane, compounds, durometer, scale, pavement, grip, surfaces, deck, construction, bamboo, maple, concave, shape, wheelbase, wobbles, obstacles, movement, manufacturers, campuses, transportation, dorm, designs, graphics, equipment, boundaries

Verbs: buzzing, combine, bridges, incorporate, improve, navigate, execute, creates, feature, absorb, translates, maintaining, measure, carry, stash, store, features, combines, flexes, remains, cradles, transition, enable, weaving, provides, bombing, wobble, gravitate, reduces, catch, value, commuting, tackling, emerged, experimented, offer, suit, appreciate, fits, transformed, respects, embracing, embodying, pushing

Adjectives: hybrid, remarkable, nimble, smooth, versatile, wider, dramatic, enhanced, challenging, softer, abrupt, plush, excellent, various, compact, popular, shorter, reinforced, pleasant, durable, demanding, subtle, secure, energetic, responsive, precise, crowded, steadiness, dangerous, common, stable, busy, practical, limited, eye-catching, bold, artistic, exciting, traditional, innovative

Adverbs: worldwide, dramatically, especially, significantly, eagerly, substantially, initially, easily, pleasantly, remarkably, securely, particularly, quickly, precisely, meanwhile, dangerously, rarely, frequently, conveniently, perfectly, constantly, tremendously

6th Grade Writing Lesson: Keyword Outlining and Argumentative Writing

Lesson Overview

Topic: Using keyword outlines to create an argumentative essay about hybrid penny boards Grade Level: 6th Grade Standards Alignment: Arizona 6th Grade Writing Standards for Argument and Opinion Duration: 2-3 class periods (45-60 minutes each)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and categorize key parts of speech using Montessori grammar symbols
2. Create a keyword outline using flashcards
3. Develop an argumentative paragraph using the keyword outline method
4. Support an opinion with logical reasoning and relevant evidence from text

Materials Needed

• Copies of "Hybrid Penny Boards: Revolutionizing the Ride" article
• Index cards or flashcards (10-15 per student)
• Montessori grammar symbols chart (black triangle for noun, red circle for verb, blue triangle for adjective, orange circle for adverb)
• Highlighters in 4 colors corresponding to grammar symbols
• Keyword outline graphic organizer
• Sample keyword outline and argumentative paragraph
• Pencils and writing paper

Lesson Procedure

Day 1: Introduction and Parts of Speech Review

1. Hook (5 minutes)

• Display an image of a hybrid penny board and ask students if they've ever ridden one
• Explain that today they'll be reading about these innovative skateboards and using the information to create an argument

2. Introduce Montessori Grammar Symbols (10 minutes)

• Review the four main parts of speech using Montessori symbols:
  • Black triangle = Noun (person, place, thing)
  • Red circle = Verb (action, being)
  • Blue triangle = Adjective (describes a noun)
  • Orange circle = Adverb (describes a verb)
• Provide simple examples of each

3. Article Read and Word Sort (20 minutes)

• Distribute the article "Hybrid Penny Boards: Revolutionizing the Ride"
• Have students read the article individually
• As they read, students highlight words according to parts of speech:
  • Black/dark color = Nouns
  • Red = Verbs
  • Blue = Adjectives
  • Orange = Adverbs

4. Flashcard Creation (15 minutes)

• Students create flashcards for keywords they find important
• On each card, students write the word and draw the appropriate Montessori symbol
• Encourage students to create at least 5 cards for each part of speech

Day 2: Keyword Outlining and Argumentative Writing

1. Introduction to Keyword Outlining (10 minutes)

• Explain that Benjamin Franklin used a keyword method to organize his thoughts
• Show the structure of a keyword outline with Roman numerals
• Emphasize that each section should have three keywords

2. Model Keyword Outline (15 minutes)

• Display the sample keyword outline
• Explain how keywords were selected from the article
• Show how each Roman numeral represents a main idea with supporting details

3. Create Keyword Outlines (20 minutes)

• Distribute the keyword outline graphic organizer
• Students use their flashcards to organize keywords into an outline
• Remind students that each section needs exactly three keywords
• The outline should focus on why hybrid penny boards are logical choices for students

4. Converting Keywords to Sentences (15 minutes)

• Demonstrate how to turn keywords into complete sentences
• Show how three keywords can be incorporated into one cohesive sentence
• Have students practice with the first section of their outlines

Day 3: Drafting and Finalizing

1. Complete Argumentative Paragraph (30 minutes)

• Students use their keyword outlines to write a complete argumentative paragraph
• The paragraph should argue why hybrid penny boards are the best choice for students
• Each sentence must include at least three keywords from their outline

2. Peer Review (15 minutes)

• Students exchange papers with a partner
• Partners check for:
  • Use of at least three keywords per sentence
  • Logical organization following the outline
  • Strong argument for hybrid penny boards
  • Correct grammar and sentence structure

3. Finalize and Share (15 minutes)

• Students revise based on peer feedback
• Volunteers share their completed argumentative paragraphs
• Class discusses the effectiveness of the arguments

Sample Keyword Outline

Topic: Why Hybrid Penny Boards Are the Best Choice for Student Transportation

I. Design Benefits 

A. compact, versatile, maneuverability 

B. stability, trucks, balance 

C. lightweight, carry, store

D. ------------,------------,-----------

E. --------------,-------------,--------

II. Performance Advantages 

A. softer, absorb, obstacles 

B. responsive, execute, turns 

C. stability, prevents, wobbles

D. ------------,------------,-----------

E. --------------,-------------,--------

III. Practical Applications 

A. campuses, transportation, convenient 

B. fits, lockers, desks 

C. commuting, busy, efficient

D. ------------,------------,-----------

E. --------------,-------------,--------

Sample Argumentative Paragraph

Why Hybrid Penny Boards Are the Logical Choice for Student Transportation

Hybrid penny boards offer compact, versatile designs with exceptional maneuverability that makes them perfect for navigating crowded college sidewalks and streets. The enhanced stability provided by wider trucks creates better balance when carrying heavy backpacks between classes. These boards are remarkably lightweight, easy to carry up stairs, and simple to store in any school environment. The softer wheels effectively absorb impacts from various obstacles like cracks and pebbles that litter school walkways. Students appreciate the responsive nature of these boards that execute tight turns necessary for weaving through groups of people. The improved stability effectively prevents dangerous speed wobbles that could cause accidents on campus hills. On school campuses, hybrid penny boards provide efficient transportation in a convenient package that saves valuable time between classes. Each board fits perfectly in standard school lockers or under classroom desks without creating disruptions. For students commuting through busy school grounds, hybrid penny boards represent the most efficient way to travel while maintaining safety and style. Clearly, the logical choice for student transportation is the hybrid penny board.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on:

1. Correct identification of parts of speech using Montessori symbols
2. Creation of a complete keyword outline with three keywords per section
3. Development of an argumentative paragraph incorporating keywords
4. Use of evidence from the text to support logical reasoning
5. Adherence to Arizona 6th grade writing standards for argument

Extension Activities

1. Have students create a counterargument explaining why a different type of transportation might be better
2. Create a visual advertisement for hybrid penny boards using keywords from their outlines
3. Research actual prices and specifications of hybrid penny boards to add numerical evidence to their arguments