Writing Paragraphs

Posted by Elizabeth Yetter Mar 8, 2007

Getting children to write complete paragraphs can be a difficult task for parents and teachers. With this lesson, children will write a basic topic sentence and follow it up with examples.

Subject: language arts.

Objective: to write a paragraph using a topic sentence and supporting sentences.

1. Topic Sentence. Children begin with two words, “I like.” Have each child complete the sentence.

“I like to take walks in the park.”

2. Give Examples. Have the children give three examples of why they like what they chose.

“It’s the only time I get to be alone with my thoughts.”

“The fresh air invigorates me.”

“Sometimes I see squirrels holding on to the tree trunks.”

3. Conclusion. For the final paragraph sentence, the children draw a conclusion as to why they like what they do.

“I always feel better after my walk in the park.”

A simple worksheet can be prepared for students that allows them to fill in the lines, “I like ___,” list three examples, and draw a conclusion. After they complete the worksheet, have them rewrite the paragraph in its entirety on paper. Make sure that they include indentation at the beginning of the paragraph.