? for Teaching Paragraphing

[meliss8599]

My third graders are having real difficulty knowing when to start a new paragraph. Just plain explaining it is when you start a new thought or idea or topic or event, is definitely not working. I tried looking for mini-lessons online but all I found was info on how to write A paragraph, not info on how to teach WHEN to paragraph.

I'm mainly looking for mini-lessons you've successfully used in your classes or if you know of any sites that have helped you in the past.

My only other thought is to have the class critique a piece of writing from another third grade class and discuss why we need to start a new paragraph.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

At that grade level, and essentially for any paragraph, one topic/concept/thought is what is written about, using 3-5 sentences at a minum.

Demonstrate what you want them to do, how you want them to do it, and then have them show each other what they've done.

Use the Jigsaw Classroom concept for the best approach (or at least one that has quite a bit of data to support that it is a very powerful approach).

Consider using a visual, such as a Christmas Tree (or something more secular if needed) and having the class write a paragraph about each aspect of the tree. The size, the type (real/artificial) the lights, the glass decorations, the tinsel, the tree topper, the skirt... that will help them visualize the different "thoughts" of a whole concept.

All the best to you!

 

[JohnsPrincess]

I think I can actually remember learning paragraphs. LOL I just recall being told that each paragraph needed to be 3-5 sentences and that they each had to be on a different "area". I like the above posters idea of taking something like a Christmas tree and breaking it down For them and then having them write up each paragraph.

 

[Piecey]

I'm still in school for elementary education... but I work in a 3rd grade classroom. So basically you can feel free to take what I say with a grain of salt if you'd like!

My assigned teacher was working on paragraphs while I was there last week. I missed the beginning of the lesson but the students had a list of sentences about the various life cycles of a frog and a 4x6 index card.

They had to write the sentences on the 4x6 card, in order, and bring their card to the teacher when they were done. She checked to make sure the paragraph was written properly, in the right order, indented, etc. and told them if it wasn't and gave them a new card to try again.

Once they got it, they got a sheet of paper to draw the stages of the frog and then the card got stapled to the bottom.

So... art, science, vocabulary, sentences/paragraph all in one. It was kinda neat but I'll admit a bit chaotic!!

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

Sometimes it helps to have the kids looks thru books and see for themselves how paragraphs are separated, maybe they could look through a book, determine why they think the parags are the way they are, then share w/ class. I've always found discussion/kids teaching each other/visuals work best.

former 2/3 gr teacher

 

[patsal]

Show them examples in chapter books, model what you want from them as a group and show them when there is a shift in the main thing they are talking about there needs to be a new paragraph. Try the 5 sentence rule for each paragraph in the beginning. A topic sentence, three details and a conclusion. Give them a topic that asks for two or three specific things to show them the natural progression of paragraphs. For example have them write about an animal. Say you would like to know where the animal lives (first development paragraph), what the animal eats (second development paragraph), and common characteristics of the animal (final development paragraph). Intro and conclusion and you have a nice 5 paragraph essay each of them can be very proud of.

If you have a few who still don't seem to get it then begin some differentiated tasks that will allow the kids who get to keep working while you work with those who don't quite get it yet. This may end up being one essay for the whole little group with each child working on one of the paragraphs and then showing how since each is a separate fation of the topic they then fit together in paragraphs. The style and voice will be off a bit, but the general idea of paragraphing will shine through!

 

[Wishing on a star]

I am teaching a little enrichment class on Creative Writing.

And, yes, this is a real kicker.....

It is true that these kids simply do not have the concept of paragraphs.

I really think that this is something that is 'hard' for kids at this age.
I have mentioned to my son that "Each new idea should be the start of a new paragraph". But, that is just way too vague and general.

I do like the index card idea...
Instead of simply writing on notebook paper.
Whatever they are writing can be written on index cards.
Just a couple three sentences on each card.
This kind of 'forces' them to divide up what they are writing.

Then, the next assignment would be to Write What is on Each Index Card on a Sheet of Paper, Making Sure That You Leave a Blank Line Between Each Index Card.

 

[meliss8599]

FABULOUS ideas everyone, thank you! I especially like the Christmas tree, Life Cycle, and index card ideas. They should be very helpful as they are EASILY broken down into separate ideas/entities/paragraphs and the index cards remind them when they need to start a new paragraph/idea.

 

[meliss8599]

What are some other easily separated concepts (like the Christmas tree and life cycle ideas) to model how to start new paragraphs?

 

[Pikester]

Not a teacher but I remember when my son was in 3rd grade and they learned how to write paragraphs by using a "hamburger paragraph".

Just search for "Hamburger paragraph" and lots of stuff comes up. You can even get charts to show how each sentace is placed.

 

[Magic Mom]

Using graphic organizers helps with that. It helps them to actually see the information/details that goes in each paragraph grouped together apart from the other information.

 

[Cindy B]

Not a teacher but I remember when my son was in 3rd grade and they learned how to write paragraphs by using a "hamburger paragraph".

Just search for "Hamburger paragraph" and lots of stuff comes up. You can even get charts to show how each sentace is placed.

The hamburger technique is how I taught essays. You can look for fantastic graphic organizers out there that can show paragraphings. Look up paragraph graphic organizers!

Tell students that a paragraph has a beginning middle and end. If they see a linear approach that will help them.

 

[maman_et_fille]

How about stretching their Beg/Middle/End summaries from a sentence to a paragraph on each? Other multi-paragraph topics: the much-loved three things that are special to them in a paper bag (don't know if you really want to get into introductions, though), any celebration, their school day, social studies connections (not sure about your state's curriculum but our 3rd graders learn about Ancient Greece and Rome, so three different topics relating to either of those, like a mini-report.

We use an extended web graphic organizer with the topic in the middle, 3-4 bubbles extending from the middle for the subtopics, then straight, horizontal lines extending from each subtopic for the paragraph details.

I've also heard about a "PAT" strategy for teaching when to switch paragraphs - if there's a change in place, action, or topic. But, I've never seen or taught a lesson w/ this strategy.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

Hmmm... my 24-year-old graduate students haven't mastered paragraphing. Thank you PPs for the visual guides.

 

[Pikester]

I re-read the OP and think I may have missed what you were asking for by offering the Hamburger Paragraph. Here is another idea. My son who is in 6th grade has been learning over the last couple of years how to write a "Painted Essay". Here is some info I found about it. For more info just google "Painted Essay".

Paint and Writing?

by Diana Leddy
Creator of the Painted Essay™
In classrooms all over New England, students are learning to write nonfiction pieces using color, shape and movement. The Painted Essay™ was created as a tool for teaching young students the components of a well-written piece. Developed by a former kindergarten teacher, the Painted Essay™ combines a traditional writing form - the basic essay - with color, activity and oral practice. Different colors are used to represent different parts of an essay. For example, the introduction is red, to catch the reader's attention.

Students begin by writing short pieces on simple topics and gradually progress to more complex pieces. In a memorable and developmentally appropriate way, children learn to focus their nonfiction pieces and to support that focus with evidence and reasoning. The Painted Essay™ format, enables students to develop a deeper understanding of content, while learning how to organize and clearly express their thinking. Most importantly, writing instruction expands to include many learning styles, reaching even those who traditionally struggle with a purely "paper and pencil" approach.

The Painted Essay™ is a primary component of Exemplars Developing Writers series. It is a method that is easy to teach and easy to learn. Teachers and students alike are enjoying this new, "colorful" way to teach writing.

 

[meliss8599]

I re-read the OP and think I may have missed what you were asking for by offering the Hamburger Paragraph. Here is another idea. My son who is in 6th grade has been learning over the last couple of years how to write a "Painted Essay". Here is some info I found about it. For more info just google "Painted Essay".

Paint and Writing?

by Diana Leddy
Creator of the Painted Essay™
In classrooms all over New England, students are learning to write nonfiction pieces using color, shape and movement. The Painted Essay™ was created as a tool for teaching young students the components of a well-written piece. Developed by a former kindergarten teacher, the Painted Essay™ combines a traditional writing form - the basic essay - with color, activity and oral practice. Different colors are used to represent different parts of an essay. For example, the introduction is red, to catch the reader's attention.

Students begin by writing short pieces on simple topics and gradually progress to more complex pieces. In a memorable and developmentally appropriate way, children learn to focus their nonfiction pieces and to support that focus with evidence and reasoning. The Painted Essay™ format, enables students to develop a deeper understanding of content, while learning how to organize and clearly express their thinking. Most importantly, writing instruction expands to include many learning styles, reaching even those who traditionally struggle with a purely "paper and pencil" approach.

The Painted Essay™ is a primary component of Exemplars Developing Writers series. It is a method that is easy to teach and easy to learn. Teachers and students alike are enjoying this new, "colorful" way to teach writing.

This definitely sounds worth looking into. I'm currently working on report card grades and comments UUUUUGGGGHHHHHHH!!!! but I will get to it eventually! Thanks for sharing.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I teach second grade and just taught a unit on paragraph writing. It's a little different from 3rd because it's just one paragraph...not teaching them how to write a paper with many paragraphs and how to end one and start another...but just in case it helps, I'll tell you what I do.

I spend one lesson just on main idea/topic sentence. Then in another lesson we talk about details and how the details MUST support the topic sentence. (This might help for them to be sure their thoughts are in a proper paragraph.) I tell them there should be 3-5 details. Then we talk about a closing sentence. That means altogether, a paragraph should have 5-7 sentences. Then of course, we talk about adjectives and other things to make a paragraph better but the structure is really what it sounds like your kids need.

Good luck!

 

[Pikester]

So how did it go? Did the kids understand whatever method you chose?

 

[meliss8599]

Thanks for asking; we didn't do it yet but, when I do, I'll update.

 

[Imzadi]

My third graders are having real difficulty knowing when to start a new paragraph. Just plain explaining it is when you start a new thought or idea or topic or event, is definitely not working.

You're asking on the DIS when to start a new paragraph? Many people here need to learn that lesson for themselves.

I hate those long, single paragraph, run on posts where people ask for advice, expecting readers to sort through the whole thing in order to help them.