Title: Successful Paragraphs
Adapted from Martha Adams; Jefferson Elementary, Everette, WA and Mitzi Merrill; Staff Development Specialist, Snohomish, WA
Grade Level:
4-6
Subject:
Language Arts, Writing
Overview:
When 4th - 6th graders are asked to write a paragraph, the result is often a few short, choppy sentences beginning with the, an, a, or I. This activity guides students through the writing process for a successful five-sentence paragraph with varied sentence beginnings. Repeating this process frequently with many, varied topics teaches students to use variety to create interesting paragraphs.
Objective:
As a result of this activity, the students will each write a five-sentence paragraph with varied sentence beginnings, correct spelling and punctuation, and appropriate margins.
Resources/Materials: Teacher sample, paper and pencil for students.
Activities and Procedures:
Each step in this activity should be modeled by the teacher and result in a sample paragraph for the students. I pass out a sample paragraph as well as the student directions so that they can easily follow the format very carefully.
Step One:
Each student must decide on three wishes. The first wish must be a thing. The second wish must be a happening. The third wish must be a place to visit. Wishing for more wishes or money is not allowed. Remind the students that these wishes should tell the reader something about themselves that is unique.
Step Two:
Each student must write a topic sentence. They can begin the sentence with one of the following suggestions:
The topic sentence must include their three wishes but do not let them explain them yet. The topic sentence will simply list their wishes.
Step Three:
The second sentence must begin with an "-ing" word and will explain the first wish.
The third sentence must begin with a "To" plus and action word and must explain the second wish.
The fourth sentence must begin with a "prepositional phrase" and explains the third wish. Some prepositions are on, over, besides, of, under, with, from, at, near, above, if, by and without.
The last sentence is a closing sentence beginning with a word such as finally, certainly, surely, etc..
Step Four:
Students should use peer editing to make sure the intended format is achieved. Point out that the topic sentence should simply list the wishes and that each of the following sentences must start in a very specific way.
Step Five:
Collect the papers and edit for spelling errors and help the students that were not able to achieve the proper format with suggestions. Encourage students to be very specific in their explanations regarding their chosen wishes.
Step Six:
Discuss margins and any other criteria you will be using for scoring (ink, cursive, typed, illustrations, etc.). The final product can be used as a bulletin board display, a class book, or published on the web. Celebrity authors such as teachers, principals, or well known community members may add their "Three Wishes" paragraphs to add interest to the project.
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Most recent revision Saturday, January 04, 1997