C.U.C.C. (CIRCLE, UNDERLINE, COUNT, CHECK)
Purpose: To help students follow written directions
Reading directions can be a challenge for kids. This strategy card can help by requiring
students to follow a simple four-step process – circle, underline, count, and check – as
they read for key words and phrases. It ensures that students complete all the directions.
Materials
Individual copies of the strategy card
An overhead containing directions for carrying out a task
Colored overhead pens
Mini-Lesson
1. Begin the lesson by asking students what strategy they use to follow written
directions. List their strategies on the board or a chart.
2. On the overhead transparency, model each step of C.U.C.C. using a different
colored overhead pen:
Circle the direction word(s) in the text. For example, in the direction,
“Write a business letter to request information…,” circle the word “Write.”
Underline the directions that follow the direction words. For example,
underline “a business letter” in the directions, “Write a business letter to
request information…” Explain to the students that this information lets
you know the type of product you need to create.
Count the directions by numbering each direction word that you’ve circled.
Explain to the students that this shows us how many steps we have to
complete in order to create the final product.
3. Allow students time to complete the task with you. For instance, ask them to help
you draft the business letter according to the directions.
4. Confirm that you’ve followed all directions by reading your piece aloud and
referring to the directions. Check off each direction word to confirm that you’ve
done every step.
Guided Practice:
Allow students to practice using the C.U.C.C. strategy card
on a variety of authentic tasks, such as creating a map for social studies or writing a
report for science. Giving “bonus points” to students who use C.U.C.C. encourages them
to use the strategy independently.
When Following Written Directions
Circle
Circle the direction words
Underline
Underline the directions that follow the direction words
Count
Count up the number of directions
Check
Check that you’ve followed all the directions.
When Following Written Directions
Circle
Circle the direction words
Underline
Underline the directions that follow the direction words
Count
Count up the number of directions
Check
Check that you’ve followed all the directions.
Write a business letter to request information
from the Washington, D.C. Chamber of Commerce.
You may request any type of information related to
your interest of museums, buildings, the zoo, or any
other place. Be sure to remember PENCIL and
language usage in your business letter. Be specific
with your requests and include proper letter format.
Use your home address so the information requested
will hopefully be sent to you during the summer.
Before you write, consider the type of
information you want to request. Consider hours of
operation, location, cost, etc.
Address:
Washington, D. C. Chamber of Commerce
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW # 309
Washington, D. C. 20004