Proper Paragraphs
Matt Leggat
State Standards and
Objectives:� Competency Goal 6:� The learner will apply conventions of
application of grammar and language usage.
Objective 6.01- using a
variety of sentences correctly, punctuating them properly, and avoiding
fragments and run-ons.
Purpose:� This minilesson is
designed to show students how to create effective and grammatically correct
paragraphs.� This minilesson
is an essential part of the writing curriculum for the 7th grade
language arts experience.� The minilesson will show student the proper construction and
ingredients required for writing a paragraph.�
This is an essential element in the curriculum for the year, as it
teaches students how to better compose essays.
Materials and
Resources:� Pencils, colored pen, paper
Total Time Required: 20
minutes
Script:� �Hello class, can anyone tell me what makes a
good, clear paragraph?� Why are well
written paragraphs so important?�
Paragraphs are the components that make up an entire piece of
writing.� A well-written paragraph
supports and expresses the idea that the writer is trying to get across.�� Can anyone tell me how many different ideas
should be found in on single paragraph?�
A paragraph should contain and support one main idea.� Where do you find that idea in the
paragraph?� The main idea of the
paragraph is found in the topic sentence, which is the first sentence in the
paragraph.� If the topic sentence is at
the beginning of the paragraph, then what are all the rest of the sentences
there for?� They are there to provide
evidence that supports the topic sentence.�
This is important to learn as we go through the rest of the year,
because the paragraph will at the heart of what we are doing as writers.� Here is an example:�
��������� Black bears are omnivores, but they eat mostly roots,
berries, leaves, and
Topic Sentence
insects.�� When a
black bear is very hungry, and there is no vegetation or insects
�������� Supporting
Sentence
to eat, they will go after other mammals.� Although this is true, it is not very
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Supporting��������������������������
likely to happen.� A
regular black bear diet consists mainly of berries, nuts, roots,
Sentence������������������������������������������������������ Supporting
Sentence
leaves, and insects.�
Most black bears are quite happy to eat grubs, crickets,
������������������������������������������������������
Supporting Sentence
black berries, and wild onions, among other things (10
min).
��������� �Now, Think of a fan.� The cylinder in the middle is the topic
sentence and the fan blades are the supporting sentences.� Notice that all the fan blades come directly
out of the main cylinder.� In a
well-written paragraph all of the supporting sentences are directly related to
the topic sentence.� Now get out a piece
of paper and draw the fan.� With your
colored pen label the topic sentence and the supporting sentences.� Here is a fan drawing I did for a paragraph
about an otter.�
The teacher shows the class
the drawing and walks around the room to help and guide the students (10 min).
Resources:� The chosen textbook, and an additional
writing handbook.���