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Develop paragraphs–one sentence at a time

november 15, 2022

Develop paragraphs—one sentence at a time

The paragraph is the building block of solid writing. A paragraph (or set of paragraphs) develops a part of the topic; it explains a facet of the topic. Strong writing includes multiple facets of a bigger idea explored among several paragraphs.

However, writing a single, strong, cohesive paragraph is difficult. For some, writing an entire essay of strong paragraphs can be nearly impossible! Your students will need lots of support on how to develop an idea. So start at an early age!

Write multiple sentences on a broad topic

With beginning writers, brainstorm words and phrases related to a single, broad topic (e.g., school, family, animals). Make a list on the board. Model how to stretch those individual words and phrases into sentences, producing a single paragraph on a broad topic. Encourage students to then write multiple sentences on their own topics by offering them the use of different colored gel pens. For every additional sentence students write on the topic, they get to switch their pen colors. Colorful Sentences add a fun element to the daunting task of writing more. (For additional ideas on Stretching Ideas in the Primary Grades, see the Learning Center.)

Colorful Sentences Student Sample
Tables & Legs Graphic Organizer - One Table

List tiny details per facet

Although young writers generate sentences all about one topic (e.g., family), that topic is broad. Eventually, students need to advance beyond simply “listing” facets of a topic in single sentences. I have a mom. I have a dad. I have a brother, etc. They need to develop each facet using small, specific details. Spend time just generating lists of details. For example, under “mom,” there might be a list of details including: good cook, pretty, loves me, helps me when I get hurt, etc. Embrace the idea that this list is the writing for a while. Primary students don’t actually have to turn these details into sentences and a paragraph. Just focus on generating details and words for each facet (e.g., for each family member).

Develop a traditional paragraph

Being able to generate multiple details on an aspect or facet of the topic is key even for older students. Students are typically good at mentioning or listing the general topic sentence, but they leave it undeveloped and unsupported. And when teachers ask students to “add more details,” they include more undeveloped topic sentences.

Convey to students that what they need to add are supporting sentences that explain and describe their topic sentence. It may be helpful to use the single table top & legs graphic organizer for this. The table top serves as the topic sentence for one facet or part of the big topic. And each table top needs to be held up and supported by details, examples, and proof in the form of additional “leg” sentences.

FOUR Tables with Legs of SupportAs students get better at developing a single paragraph, they are ready to tackle a full piece with multiple facets, each developed within their own paragraph. The pre-writing will be essential in the writing process. Students need to consider the different aspects of the topic they will explore and then the specific details and examples, per facet, that will compose the different paragraphs. The multi-table & legs organizer can be helpful for this. Or, if your students are familiar with the traditional web organizer, consider the Dissected Web to encourage additional small details. (Check out the Snowball Fight example.)

Dissected Web Snowball Fight Revision Pre-Write
Dissected Web Snowball Fight Revised Draft

Teacher Comments:

During her time as literacy coach for Seymour Community Schools (Seymour, IN), Whitney Reinhart (Crothersville Elementary School Principal, Crothersville, IN) used the Smekens Education tabletop organizer with third graders at Jackson Elementary to develop their paragraph writing. The process took them from a pre-write to a final, typed draft.

Whitney Reinhart Classroom Table & Legs Anchor Chart
Whitney Reinhart Classroom - Table & Legs - Student Handout
Whitney Reinhart Classroom - Table Top & Legs - Student Working
Whitney Reinhart Classroom - Student Developing Paragraph from Table & Legs Organizer
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Gaye Kershaw
Gaye Kershaw
2 years ago

Brilliant, simple engaging strategies that will make a big difference to students seeing their writing skills develop. Love it!

Kbaaa
Kbaaa
1 year ago

Could this organizer also be used to identify the central/main idea of informational text?

Liz Shockey
Liz Shockey
Admin
Reply to  Kbaaa
1 year ago

That’s an interesting idea! I suppose you could work backwards and list details on the legs and then the main idea could go on top. For other ideas for teaching main idea, check out this article: Helping Students Identify the Main Idea of Any Text.

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Overcome "listy" writing with idea development

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Overcome “listy” writing with idea development

Access free download for 20 ways to develop an idea

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Access free download for 20 ways to develop an idea

Add 6 types of supporting details

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Add 6 types of supporting details