Common Core Curriculum - Overview
Paragraph Punch and other Punch writing programs* are closely aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). A detailed description is provided below:
The Punch programs help students write opinion, narrative, or fact-based pieces on topics or texts, and support their point of view with reasons and information (CCSS W. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3).
Built-in hints and tips support students? efforts to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience (CCSS W. 4.4, 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4).
Before publishing their work, all users are directed to a revising section where they have opportunities to revise, edit, rewrite, or try a new approach (CCSS W. 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5 and grade 4-8 Language Progressive Skills).
The Punch programs are technology-based and designed for use on the Internet. Pupil writing is automatically stored at various stages of development in an online portfolio that learners and educators can easily access. Opportunities for collaboration and interaction are increased and encouraged (CCSS W. 4.6, 5.6, 6.6, 7.6, 8.6).
In Book Punch, students are given topics where they draw evidence from literary texts. Open Punch is designed so teachers can assign their own topics and writing prompts, within the boundaries of the Punch framework, for use with literary or non-fiction texts (CCSS W. 4.9, 5.9, 6.9, 7.9, 8.9 and CCSS R. 1-4, 8 for grades 4-8).
The Punch writing programs are flexible and support efforts for students to write routinely over a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences (CCSS W. 4.10, 5.10, 6.10, 7.10, 8.10).
*The Punch line-up currently includes the following products:
- Starter Paragraph Punch
Interactive, guided writing prompts for grades 4, 5, and older students who need support. - Paragraph Punch
Interactive, step-by-step writing prompts for grade 5, as well as older students who need support. - Essay Punch
Interactive, guided essay writing help. - Open Punch
Helps students write paragraphs in response to pre-set topics, their own topics, or teacher assigned topics.