Information on a Learning Strategy

SUBA-D

What is it?

Often referred to as, “A planning strategy for writing,” the SPACE strategy is intended to help students both develop a writing plan and think about the details that they should be including in their stories.    

Why is it useful?

      The main purpose of the SPACE strategy is to help students to plan out what they will write in a writing assignment, such as a story or an essay.  The SPACE strategy includes five prompts: setting, purpose, action, conclusion, and emotions.  First, students must focus on the setting of their story.  In order to focus on the setting, students must think about how they will introduce the main character.  Students must also think about the time of the story as well as the location of the story.  Developing the setting also requires students to come up with the plot for the story.  Second, students must figure out the purpose of their respective stories.  Essentially, this means that students must decide what they want the main character to strive to achieve in the story.  Third, students must think about action in their stories.  In other words, students must plan what the main character will do in order to achieve the goal.  Fourth, students must develop a conclusion to their stories.  In developing a conclusion, students should focus on the results of the action.  Finally, students must focus on the emotions of the characters in the story.  In focusing on the emotions of the characters, students must think about the main character’s reactions and feelings about the events that take place throughout the story.  By using the five steps of the SPACE strategy, students are able to plan what they will say in their writing.

Who is it useful with?

      The SPACE strategy is useful with any student who is completing a writing assignment.  The

SPACE strategy can be used with students of all ages both with students in a general education

classroom and with students who have been identified with a disability.

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Harris, K.R., & Graham, S. (1992). Helping young writers master the craft: Strategy

instruction and self-regulation in the writing process. Cambridge, MA: Brookline Books, pg. 76. Retrieved from: https://resources.oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/group/FA12-BL-EDUC-K352-27410/Learning%20Strategies/space%20wriitng%20strategy.pdf