Classroom Activities: Writing a Paragraph
These classroom activities are designed to complement the Writing a Paragraph topic on BrainPOP Jr.
Hook-On Sentences
Split the class into groups of four. Together as a class, choose a topic to write about. You may want to pick a subject students are familiar with from the science or social studies curriculum, such as oceans, migration, brushing teeth, Abraham Lincoln, etc. Come up with the main idea and the first sentence. Then have the first student in each group add a supporting detail. The student can pass the paragraph to the next student who will add another supporting detail, and so on. The fourth student can write the closing sentence.
Paragraph Dissection
Have small groups or pairs choose a paragraph from an informational nonfiction book. Have them point out the topic sentence and identify the main idea. Then have students find the supporting details and explain how they back up the thesis of the paragraph. Finally, have students point out the closing sentence. If possible, have students underline or circle all the different parts.
Daily Writing
Take time each day for students to write. You can provide writing prompts for them or have them make up their own. Students can submit writing prompts to you and you can post one on the board each day for students to follow. Invite students to share their writing with the class and offer words of encouragement. At the end of the year students can bind their writing into a book. This will provide them an opportunity to see how their writing has improved from the beginning of the year.