Do your students dread having to write? Do you struggle to get your students to write complete responses? I have a solution for you that has changed the way my students respond to text dependent questions: RACES.
What is RACES?
RACES is an acronym that gives students a step by step formula on how to answer text-based or constructed response questions. RACES can be used in all subject areas which gives students a go-to strategy when answering any open ended question. RACES can be used in a variety of grades and ages.
Why Use RACES?
RACES is a successful strategy because it allows students to easily organize their writing. It is almost like a checklist to help students ensure they include all necessary elements to a complete response. When using RACES, students are able to write a more complete and detailed response.
What do the letters in RACES stand for?
R: Restate the question
A: Answer the question
C: Cite evidence
E: Explain & elaborate your thinking
S: Sum it all up (this is optional. Some teachers just use RACE)
How should I introduce it?
When I first introduce RACES, I always give my students a model constructed response. Together, we highlight the different parts in different colors. I use one color for restate, one for answer, one for cite evidence and one for sum it all up.
After we do this together, I read a picture book. Enemy Pie is the one I usually use. We then practice writing a response together using RACES.
Consistency Matters
I have found that students really need to practice this in a variety of different methods. This isn’t a topic that you can teach once and students will instantly master. Teaching it earlier in the year and spiraling back is crucial. It is also important to expose students to different genres when practicing RACES.
Do you use RACES in your classroom? What is your favorite way to practice using it? This year, to try to use it more consistently, I have started giving a Bingo Choice Board to my students. They can choose a prompt of their choice to answer about an independent reading book using RACES. I have found this to be a great way to circle back and practice while keeping it engaging and fun.
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