We will get to that goal by working on how to organize our writing, so our first lesson were on how to write complete and organized paragraphs. We learned about the three parts to a paragraph, the topic sentences, the detail sentences, and the concluding sentence.
Through the Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR), first I wrote a paragraph, then we wrote a paragraph together, then the students wrote one on their own. We used sentence stems to help guide students through the process.
We also discussed the important use of transition words when writing these kinds of paragraphs. Here is a list students taped into their writer's notebook so they would always have a reference.
We now focus more closely on other parts of writing standard 5 W2:
5.W.2a
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I can introduce a topic clearly, provide a general observation and focus, and group related information logically; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
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5.W.2b
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I can develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.
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5.W.2c
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I can link ideas within and across categories of information using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., in contrast, especially).
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5.W.2d
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I can use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
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5.W.2e
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I can provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.
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We began with a reading on Zebras, which lead us to Close Reading, annotating, note taking, and sentence writing. We using these two organizers to help with the step by step process of turning new information into well written, organized paragraphs.
Ask your child about they work they did today with information on Raccoons.
