Caption a Model
Identify the concept represented by the model and the features essential to its meaning.
Worked classroom example
Mathematics
For a particle model: “Particles are close together but irregularly arranged, representing a liquid.” A caption about neat circles would not explain the model’s meaning.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Identify the concept represented by the model and the features essential to its meaning.
- Write a caption linking a feature to its subject meaning.
- Check the caption against the model and state one limitation where needed.
Materials and purpose
a physical or drawn model
A visible model and one manageable writing move help learners communicate their subject thinking with increasing independence.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use a physical or drawn model. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Identify the concept represented by the model and the features essential to its meaning.
Check independent transfer
Check the caption against the model and state one limitation where needed.
Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.
Teacher language
Teacher language
Which model feature does your caption interpret?
“What does your reader need to understand at this point?”
“Which revision makes the relationship between your ideas clearer?”
Respond to the learner
Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.
Adjust support and challenge
Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.
Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →
More support
Use oral rehearsal, a brief model and a limited sentence frame. Remove one support for the fresh writing task. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.
Greater independence
Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.
Choose the next step
If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.