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.