How to Write a Proper Paragraph
About four years ago, a parent of one of my students recommended that I have kids write how-to paragraphs on how to write a paragraph.
It was a brilliant idea because it not only provides students with an opportunity to write a paper that gives clear and concise directions but also reinforces what they have been learning in my Writing Critique classes about proper paragraph construction.
Saharsh, one of my sixth-grade students, recently completed one of the aforementioned paragraphs, and I wanted to share it with you below to give you more insight into the approach your child is using when writing single-paragraph papers for my writing classes.
Before the steps Saharsh laid out in his paper can be properly executed, any holes students may have in their writing foundations (i.e., spelling, grammar, editing, etc.) need to be identified and addressed, which can be a huge undertaking for students depending on how many foundational holes they have are and how big they are.
Also, because almost all kids today misuse words in their writing regularly, they need to learn how to use a reputable dictionary (e.g., The Britannica Dictionary, which has a plethora of usage examples) properly and use one frequently while writing, toggling back and forth between it and their draft to ensure that they understand the part of speech, definition(s), and usage of all words in their writing piece.
There are a lot of components of writing instruction and a lot of moving parts for students to track seemingly all at once while writing, which, as Saharsh pointed out in his paragraph, can be challenging at first. That said, the students who are dedicated to the process become confident writers over time and encounter fewer challenges pertaining to writing at school and the "real world," making their time and effort well spent.
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How to Write a Proper Paragraph
by Saharsh (sixth grader)
Before writing a single-paragraph paper, you should select a very specific topic. After deciding on a topic, spend adequate time prewriting. Begin that step in the writing process by clearly stating your main idea. Then write your purpose using only a few words (e.g., “to persuade,” “to inform,” “to tell a story,” etc.). Once you have done that, state who you envision as your audience for your paper. The next thing you need to do is write a list of approximately five keywords or key phrases you believe will be used in your topic sentences. Use that list to write three possible topic sentences and then underline those words in each sentence. Next, select the topic sentence that best expresses your main idea. Use the keywords or key phrases in that topic sentence to help you write your supporting details. After you've written as many details as possible, decide which ones (approximately seven to ten) you want to use in your paragraph and order them in a logical sequence. Before you start drafting, create a polished copy of your prewriting. With that copy next to you, type your selected topic sentence and begin turning your details into supporting detail sentences, piecing them together one at a time. Ensure that each new sentence connects well with the previous sentence. If possible, refrain from word repetition, especially at the beginning of each sentence. Also, make sure you reread your paragraph many times while drafting it to help generate transitions and make sure you are on track with your writing. Once you have added your last supporting detail sentence, write your concluding sentence, wording it differently than your topic sentence and leaving your readers with a final thought. Although your draft is finished, you have to edit it several times for spelling, capitalization, grammar, and punctuation errors. Then, a catchy title must be added to the paragraph. Learning how to follow all of these steps in order to write a proper paragraph is challenging, but doing so will make you a more confident writer.