Props for Paragraphs

byKim Szajka

What’s a paragraph?

• A basic paragraph contains 5 sentences that serve different functions.

• When these 5 sentences work together they are a language team

Position on hand color Strategy wordsthumb green Go! Only write about this subject in the

entire paragraph.Index, middle, ring finger yellow Caution! Be sure these tell more only about

the topic.pinky red Stop! It is time to end and connect back to

the topic sentence.

The “CLAW”• Thumb – Topic Sentence

• 2nd finger – Supporting Sentence

• 3rd finger – Supporting Sentence

• 4th finger – Supporting Sentence

• Pinky – Closing Sentence

Bare Bones Strategy

“Who” is the noun.Who?

Or what?

_____________________The boy (or alien)

“What” happened is the verb.

These can have 3 different jobs.#1 ACTION – It can describe behavior or thoughts.#2 LINKING – It can link the “who” or “what” with the rest of the sentence.#3 It can help ACTION and LINKING words._________________________________ranIs running will run

Bare Bone Strategy

How?

This can be used to describe the subject or the action.

When?

This places the action in a certain time frame.

Where?

This places the action in a location.

Why?

This gives the purpose of the event.

young fast

yesterdaytodaytomorrow

On the sidewalk because he wanted to win a medal

Let’s Make Sentences

• Who or what- dad, sister, girl scout, grandpa, bus driver, teacher, (your name), animal, truck foot, tree, pencil, alien

• What happened- hugged the baby, sold candy, swam, jumped, fell, slithered, bought candy

• How- gently, loudly, slowly, with care, with caution• When- last night, today, next year, after school, yesterday,

always• Where- at the hospital, at school, in the woods, under a rock,

on a farm, at church, on a plane• Why- because he loves her, so she could earn a prize, for a

vacation, for freedom, to apologize, to meet the deadline

Example

• McDonald’s is a fast-food restaurant that sells hamburgers. One hamburger is called the Big Mac. Another burger is called a Quarter Pounder. There is also a Double Cheeseburger. When someone is looking for a restaurant that sells hamburgers, McDonald’s is a place to go.

Example

High school football on Friday nights, in Cincinnati is awesome. Many schools have talented football teams. The players are excited to play just because of their love for football. Fans at the games are in good spirits while they support their teams and bands. There is nothing I would rather do on a fall Friday night, in Cincinnati, than be at a high school football game.

Get Ready, Get Set, Go!!!!!