Three-Paragraph Writer’s Workshop Lesson Plans

Day 1

· Introduce the term “paragraph.” A paragraph discusses information related to one topic using more than one idea.

· Explain the parts of a paragraph (introduction, body, and conclusion)

· Discuss the topic of the three-paragraph essay the students will be completing (My Year in Second Grade)

· Brainstorm ideas that fit into three separate categories (I learned…, My favorite event/activity was…, and The field trip I enjoyed most was…)

· Put the list in writing folders for the next day.

Day 2

· Review effective introductory sentences and concluding sentences. Explain how an introductory/beginning sentences “pulls the reader in” and an ending/concluding sentence summarizes the entire story/paragraph.

· Brainstorm a list of effective beginning and ending sentences for the three-paragraph essays.

· Put the list in writing folders for the next day.

Day 3

· Show finished body of an essay. Explain how each paragraph includes at least 4-5 sentences and how the details relate to the topic of each paragraph (use voice – exciting verbs and adjectives).

· Allow students to begin writing their “sloppy copies” of each paragraph using a separate piece of paper for each. This will allow them to edit and revise their paragraphs more easily.

Day 4

· Students will continue working on their “sloppy copies.”

· Once the “sloppy copies” are completed, they must reread their paragraphs and edit and/or revise if necessary.

Day 5

· Students will begin writing their “neat sheets” of their three-paragraph essay.

· Once the essays are completed, the students will then design an illustration page to match their writing.