Teaching Strategies - Augusta Mann

He Said/She Said Recitation
Students learn and memorize a significant number of words that can be substituted for the word ”said” at the beginning or end of a quotation. They must then use these words in their writing and speech.

Process

1. Write the recitation on four charts approximately 14” X 28” each.
   
   
2. Using familiar literature books, show students examples of at least five words that authors use as alternatives to the word “said” at the beginning or end of a quotation.
   
   
3. Discuss the overuse of the word “said” and review the word charts and the purpose of the recitation of the charts.
   
   
4. Elicit from students what they already know about the word meanings on the charts. Then clarify and discuss the meanings. Begin with the first six words and continue the discussion over a period of days.
   
   
5. Always COVER all the charts except the two (plus any that you are reviewing) that you will be reciting. Lead the recitation starting with one group of six words, reciting approximately two lists a day, reviewing previously recited lists, gradually adding a list every few days. Do not add new lists too quickly. Give students plenty of practice in the recitation of two lists at a time before going on.
   
   
6. Always repeat the recitation of a list once and then go on to the next list.
   
   
7. Using a pointer, point to each word and say “He” or “She” or “We” or “They” only once as you begin the recitation of a list.
   e.g. “He added (pause), agreed (pause), answered (no pause), argued, (no pause), asked (no pause), and began.” Repeat it. “He added (pause), agreed (pause), answered (no pause), argued, (no pause), asked (no pause), and began.” Go on to the next list “She blurted (pause), bellowed (pause), called (no pause), cautioned (no pause), confessed (no pause) and commented”. Repeat it. etc.
   Don’t forget the and before the last word.

Charts for He Said/ She Said
He
added
agreed
answered
argued
asked
and began

She
blurted
bellowed
called
cautioned
confessed
and commented

They
concluded
continued
cried
demanded
exclaimed
and explained

We
gasped
groaned
insisted
interrupted
lied
and joked

They
mentioned
moaned
muttered
observed
objected
and ordered

She
remarked
replied
reported
responded
screamed
and shouted

He
stated
told
whined
whispered
uttered
and yelled