Races
What does the letter "R" stand for in the RACES acronym, and how do you do it?
Restate the question. Turn the prompt/question into a statement.
What does the L In Legacy stand for? WHAT does it mean?
Leadership: Lead by example, follow directions...
Write one complete sentence on the white board naming your favorite hobby or sport. (spelling does not matter)
Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? "Climbing the 120 spiral stairs every morning."
Fragment
What is the central idea of the short story "The Old Clocktower"?
Passing down knowledge, care, and dedication to the next generation creates a lasting legacy. (Accept similar wording highlighting mentorship/dedication).
What does the "A" stand for, and how is it usually combined with the "R"?
Answer the question. It is usually combined with the restated prompt into a single clear thesis/topic sentence.
What does the E In Legacy stand for? WHAT does it mean?
Excellence...
Share your favorite book or movie, and give ONE piece of evidence (reason) why you like it. (Use a complete sentence)
(Student response must state a preference and back it up with a reason/evidence).
Complete or Fragment: "The bronze pendulum inside the clocktower."
Fragment
Which piece of direct evidence from the text shows Mr. Henderson's dedication to his work?
"For fifty years, Mr. Henderson climbed the 120 spiral stairs of the town clocktower every single morning at 6:00 AM" OR "Rain, snow, or blistering heat, he carried his heavy toolbox..."
What does the "C" stand for, and what must you include when using it?
Cite evidence. You must use direct quotes or specific paraphrased details from the text.
What does the G In Legacy stand for? WHAT does it mean?
Gratitude...
Use an adjective in a single sentence to describe your personality.
(Student response must correctly identify/use both parts of speech, e.g., "I am an energetic person who leaps into new challenges.")
Is this a complete sentence or a fragment? "Mr. Henderson oiled the gears every day."
Complete
Quote the evidence from the text that explains why mechanical clocks are special to Mr. Henderson.
"Digital clocks tell time... but mechanical clocks hold memories."
What does the "E" stand for, and why is it the longest part of a RACES paragraph?
Explain. It is where you explain how your evidence supports your answer in your own words.
What does the A In Legacy stand for? WHAT does it mean?
Academic...
Restate this prompt into a complete sentence: "What is one goal you have for 7th/8th grade?"
"One goal I have for 7th/8th grade is..."
Fix this fragment to make it a complete sentence on the white board (spelling does not matter): "Spent his final week teaching young Maya."
who= whoever you choose
Explain how Mr. Henderson's actions in his final week support the story's central idea.
Rather than complaining about automation, he spent his last week teaching Maya how the clock works, ensuring his knowledge and care would live on through her.
What does the "S" stand for, and what is its main purpose in a response?
Sum it Up/Summarize/State conclusion. It wraps up the response and reinforces the main point.
What does the C and Y In Legacy stand for? WHAT does it mean?
Character...Opportunity
Write a 2-sentence on the board using mini-RACES response answering:
"What is the most important trait of a good friend?"
(Student restates/answers in sentence 1, and provides a short explanation/example in sentence 2)
EX: The most important trait a good friend should have kindness. The reason why is...
Complete or Fragment: "Yolanda spent her final week skating through the mountains."
Complete
Write a full 2-sentence RACES response answering: "Why did the clock continue to run smoothly after Mr. Henderson retired?" (ON the white board or Piece of paper)
ex: The clock ran smoothly after retirement because Mr. Henderson taught his skills to someone else. In the text, it states, "he spent his final week teaching young Maya... how the mechanical heartbeat of the town worked." This shows that because he passed his knowledge to Maya, the clocktower was left in good hands.