SHOP RESOURCES
How to Teach Paragraph Writing with a Hamburger!
Writing a good, solid paragraph is the basis of writing composition. In fact, the ideas we teach our elementary students about paragraph writing will be used throughout their lives. Secondary school research projects need good paragraphs. College entrance essays need good paragraphs. Professional writing for any number of careers needs good paragraphs, too! So why not engage your students with something they love and make the concept of a good, solid paragraph stick? Teaching hamburger paragraph writing for elementary students using the hamburger style model is my favorite (and the most effective) way of teaching how to write a paragraph.
Teaching the Hamburger Model for Writing Using a Guided Approach
Over the years I have taught paragraph writing in many different ways. Some worked and some, well… not so much. One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the years is that teaching the paragraph as a whole and then sending my students off to write a paragraph is not the best approach. I now use a guided approach to teaching paragraph writing with much more success.
A guided approach involves breaking the task down into its parts and teaching each part individually. Once students have learned and practiced each part, then, and only then, do we put it all together to develop a full understanding of the topic. Here’s what it looks like in my classroom.
Introducing Hamburger Paragraph Writing for Elementary Students
On the first day, I love to engage my students with the hamburger. I mean, who doesn’t love a good, juicy hamburger? We will spend some time talking about hamburgers and what makes them so special, inviting their favorite restaurants into the discussion. We chat about our favorite hamburger toppings. And then, just about the time our mouths are watering, I let them know that hamburgers can teach us something too!
This is when I introduce the learning topic of paragraph writing. Depending on the grade level, the paragraph writing process might be something new or might be something they were introduced to the year before. Either way, our focus becomes learning to write a cohesive paragraph using the hamburger paragraph method.
Then, I begin by showing the students the hamburger paragraph graphic organizers. As we look at the model we identify the different types of sentences that make up a paragraph. Our focus will be the main idea (introduction sentence), supporting details, and the closing or concluding sentence.
One of the first learning tools we use are these anchor chart pieces or posters for each sentence type. I have found this to be really helpful so that as we continue all students have been exposed to the same terms and language. We use these posters throughout the paragraph writing unit. They hang in the classroom as a reminder and learning tool for the students.
Focusing on the Main Idea
We begin with the topic sentence or the main idea of the paragraph. The main objective here is for students to understand that a paragraph is a group of sentences about one topic. The main idea sentence describes the topic of the paragraph. We go back to the full hamburger graphic to reinforce what the main idea does.
To help my students understand this concept we play a little game. I read or say complete sentences and my students tell me whether it would be a good main idea sentence. Some examples might be:
- Elephants are amazing animals. {Yes – this is a main idea sentence}
- An elephant has four legs. {No – not a main idea sentence}
- Percy Jackson has an adventurous life. {Yes}
- Percy Jackson went to Olympus and met Zeus. {No}
Once my students are doing a great job identifying main idea sentences, we then take our game to the next level. I give my students a general topic, like ‘animals’, and they brainstorm a different main idea or topic sentence that could be used.
Students then practice doing this on their own or with a partner. It’s always fun to read some of their independent answers aloud for the class. This is a great way to show that there are many ways you can reword the same main idea.
A quick review of student answers gives me a really good idea of whether the class is ready to move on. If students need more practice, you should pause here and try other ways to teach the main idea to your students. Main idea is such an important concept in reading and writing that you want to make sure your students fully understand the topic.
We finish our lesson on main idea or a topic sentence with students practicing. We use the topic sentence worksheet to have student practice writing their own topic sentences for a provided paragraph.
Finally, we work on listening to a paragraph that doesn’t have an opening sentence. After hearing the paragraph we work on writing a good topic sentence for the paragraph. Not only does this help students work on writing the main idea in the form of a sentence, but it also helps them see how the different types of sentences in a paragraph work together.
Supporting Details
After a quick review of the main idea, we will next cover supporting details. The goal is for students to understand that supporting details give more information to explain and support the main idea. Before jumping in with sentences, we start with a hamburger. I start by holding up the top of a bun (real or a picture – both work). Then I ask my students if this is a hamburger? Obviously, the answer is a resounding NO! Then, I ask the students a simple question, “How do you build a hamburger?” The answers are pretty straightforward: bun, meat, cheese, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, etc.
Next, I ask the question that will connect building a hamburger to supporting details. I might say something like “What about the mashed potatoes?” To which my students usually stare at me like I’m crazy. Inevitably, someone will say something like ‘Mashed potatoes don’t go on a hamburger!’ And that is what I’m waiting for! I explain that they are absolutely right. And just like we build a hamburger with hamburger ingredients, we have to choose supporting details that support our main idea.
We again start by practicing this skill as a class. We start with a main idea sentence like “I had a horrible sick day.” I used this sentence, typed it out on a top bun, and displayed it on the board. Then I read a variety of other sentences and the students decide if the sentence supports the main idea.
For each sentence that does support the main idea, I display it on the board under the main idea. As we do this, students can see the progression of building the hamburger with a main idea and supporting details. Sometimes I may print these out and place them in centers for students to manipulate. I’m a fan of hands-on student engagement.
We do this a few times with different main ideas to give the students practice with identifying good supporting “juicy” details.
Another way to do this is to provide two main ideas, that are similar in context but different. For example, you could use “Riding a horse was a great experience.” and “Riding a horse is very scary.” Then as you read supporting detail sentences, students can choose which main idea the sentence best supports. This is really great if your students have experience with multi-paragraph writing. This activity shows them how they can break down different aspects of their topic to have multiple main ideas through multiple paragraphs.
The next day we tackle supporting details again. But this time our focus is on making sure that the supporting details are relevant to the main idea. I remind the students of the mashed potatoes from the day before. We talk about how mashed potatoes with a fried chicken dinner are great. They are relevant to completing that meal. But mashed potatoes on a hamburger just don’t work. They are not relevant even though they are a food and we could put a spoonful on the burger.
Like the mashed potatoes, even though it is possible to add them to a hamburger – we don’t. The same goes with supporting detail sentences. There may be sentences that relate to the main idea but that are not relevant. To help students understand this better we do some examples together.
I give students a topic sentence and a few supporting detail sentences. They then choose which sentences are relevant and which are not. We talk about what makes them relevant and why some sentences just don’t belong with this main idea.
After our group practice, students worked on this worksheet to practice taking out the sentences that were not relevant to the paragraph. Students can do this independently or with a partner. If they work with someone I have them explain the reason why they don’t feel a specific sentence is relevant.
After a few days of working on the main idea and supporting details, the students usually have a good understanding. If, however, your students are struggling with the concept, again, I would encourage you to not move on. There are amazing main idea and details worksheets to help assist with this progress.
MAIN IDEA & DETAILS SAMPLE FREEBIE
These main idea and details worksheets offer a perfect combination of practice for students from identifying the main idea and details from a set to writing them in on their own!
👉🏼 TRY A SAMPLE SET TODAY!
Concluding Sentences
Once students have a good grasp on the main idea and supporting details, it’s time to add the final bun to our hamburger. The bottom bun represents our closing or conclusion sentence. As I introduce the concluding sentence we talk about how the buns of a hamburger are what make it easy to eat. They hold together all the ‘messy’ stuff in the middle. While you could eat a hamburger with just one bun, it’s not quite as neat or convenient as with two buns. Just like the buns of a burger, the first and last sentences of a paragraph really hold the paragraph together for the reader.
Students usually pick up the concept of concluding sentences quickly because they are similar to the main idea sentence. We talk about how rewording the main idea into a concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph.
We practice doing this with some simple paragraphs that are missing the closing or concluding sentence. After reading the paragraph we first identify the main idea sentence. Then we talk about ways we can reword the main idea into a conclusion.
That leads us right into our final lesson on closing sentences. We talk about different ways to make our closing sentences really good. I do this by introducing students to . . . the clincher!
The clincher is a way to make the closing sentence interesting – and not just a repeat of the main idea sentence. Students learn that there are a variety of ways to write a good clincher. These are the ones that I teach my students:
- asking a question;
- excitement; and
- reflection.
We dig into each of these types of clinchers by writing different sentences for the same paragraph. The students love using their creativity to come up with good clinchers!
Applying the Hamburger Structure to Writing
After learning about all the parts, it’s time to put the pieces together and start working on writing a good paragraph. So many times in the past, this is where I would start. As I look back now I see how much important learning my students were missing. It’s just one of the many things that makes me remember the value of learning in baby steps.
We finish up by going through the entire process again, together. But, we do this in steps too. I give students a very general writing topic just so that we all have a place to start. Then using the hamburger writing templates, we write out one sentence at a time using the hamburger model as a guide. Once students have completed the hamburger paragraph template they write their final paragraph.
Students also use a rubric to guide them through writing their paragraph. This helps them to remember the details and what to include. Before you know it, students will be writing their own paragraphs with very little guidance!
This hamburger essay guided paragraph approach has been very effective for my students and I know it will be with yours too! Keep the finished product in a writer’s notebook to show growth throughout the year!
Hamburger Paragraph Writing Unit
As a teacher, you are more than qualified to put together an amazing paragraph writing unit using these or other ideas. But if you are looking for some time-saving resources to help students in mastering the hamburger paragraph, this Paragraph Writing Lessons Resource may be what you’re looking for. This resource is perfect for 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and any remedial students.
This ready-to-use resource includes everything you need to teach an entire paragraph unit using the paragraph hamburger model. You receive anchor charts and posters for the different types of sentences, the hamburger model, example paragraphs for guided practice, no prep worksheets for independent practice, the hamburger writing organizer, the coordinating paper for the final draft, and the grading rubric. All of this for the price of a Starbucks drink! You can find this Hamburger Paragraph resource in my Teachers Pay Teachers store .
Save these Hamburger Paragraph Writing Ideas
Not quite ready to add these ideas to your lesson plans? Just pin this to your favorite classroom Pinterest board so you can quickly come back when it is time to teach paragraph writing to your students.
You May Also Enjoy...
JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE ISLAND CLUB TODAY!
Grab 4 weeks of my challenge phonics today for free.
- Classroom Management
- Teaching Ideas
- Online Catalogue
- 2024 Elementary Island
- Site design by Laine Sutherland Designs
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Character Education
- Classroom Management
- Cultural Responsive
- Differentiation
- Distance Learning
- Explicit Teaching
- Figurative Language
- Interactive Notebooks
- Mentor Text
- Monthly/Seasonal
- Organization
- Social Emotional Learning
- Social Studies
- Step-by-Step Instruction
- Teaching Tips
- Testing and Review
- Freebie Vault Registration
- Login Freebie Album
- Lost Password Freebie Album
- FREE Rockstar Community
- In the News
- Writing Resources
- Reading Resources
- Social Studies Resources
- Interactive Writing Notebooks
- Interactive Reading Notebooks
- Teacher Finds
- Follow Amazon Teacher Finds on Instagram
- Pappy’s Butterfly: A Tale of Perseverance
- Rockstar Writers® Members Portal Login
- FREE MASTERCLASS: Turn Reluctant Writers into Rockstar Writers®
- Enroll in Rockstar Writers®
If you are looking for ideas to teach PARAGRAPH WRITING , you are in the right place! It is part of a STEP-BY-STEP WRITING® series of mini-lessons for writer’s workshop designed to scaffold through the writing process. Paragraph writing will extend through three posts (lessons 5 topic sentences, 6 relevant details, and 7 closing sentences). Now that your students are WRITING COMPLETE SENTENCES using the previous mini-lessons, they are ready to learn how to write a paragraph !
PARAGRAPH GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
To begin, show students a hamburger or turkey or vegan burger 😋 anchor chart . Tell them that you will be using a burger to explain how to write a paragraph. This will introduce all three lessons on paragraph writing and give them a visual. Get ready to write juicy paragraphs by learning about:
- TOPIC SENTENCE
- RELEVANT DETAILS
- CLOSING SENTENCE
The topic sentence is the top bun. It introduces the main idea of the paragraph. The relevant details talk about that main idea. It is the meat and veggies of the burger. The closing sentence is the bottom bun. It finishes the paragraph. Having this visual will help them “see” how to put a paragraph together!
TOPIC SENTENCES
MINI-LESSON #5 TOPIC SENTENCES is the first mini-lesson for paragraph writing.
Paragraphs need to have topic sentences. It is a way of organizing and expressing the main idea of the paragraph! (That is why I use MAIN STREET for the visual. Main Street-Main Idea. Get it?) This is the top bun of the burger!
A topic sentence:
- Answers questions like why, how, or where.
- Has supporting sentences or relevant details.
- Can prove, explain, or describe something.
Prompt example: What is your favorite season?
Paragraph : Fall is my favorite season. The weather is perfect for outside activities. I like going on hikes with my brother and fishing with my dad. I look forward to the smell of a fire and the taste of burnt marshmallows. I love fall weather!
Notice the underlined sentence is the topic sentence . It is the main idea of the paragraph. Everything else in the paragraph refers to fall being the favorite season. There are details that follow to answer “why” it is the favorite season.
2. TEACH INDENTS
This is the perfect time to introduce INDENTS ! Point out paragraph indentions in text books or stories to reinforce this lesson! Indents are when you move the first line of a paragraph to the right and create a space.
- It is usually 5 letter spaces.
- The first sentence of every paragraph should be indented to show where the paragraph begins.
- The rest of the sentences should be lined up on the left. If using notebook paper, these sentences should line up on the pink or red line.
3. TAKE NOTES
If using interactive notebooks , create something similar to the following. Students should take notes and give examples. This will provide them with an amazing reference to flip through when writing paragraphs in the future. When I walk around during a writing assignment and notice students who forgot to add a topic sentence, I remind them to use their notebooks. It works wonders! It is an effective tool to use in small groups and reteaching too.
If using a digital format, you can still have students write with interactive notes by having them move pieces and filling in text boxes!
4. PRACTICE
Provide students with practice. Practice, Practice, Practice! I like to scaffold the practice. First, students should identify topic sentences in paragraphs. Then students can write their own topic sentences. This can be done by giving writing prompts and only writing the topic sentence for each prompt. It can also be saved for the following lessons, so students can build paragraphs from the prompts. When all three lessons are completed, they will have all the components of a paragraph for those specific prompts! Use graphic organizers to keep flow of the lessons.
Task cards and self-check slides are a great way to give students extra practice in centers or at home.
5. GO DEEPER
Do you want your students’ topic sentences to have Rockin’ Beginnings? This can be used to differentiate in your classroom as well. Use the following anchor chart to help students write better topic sentences. I usually wait to introduce this skill with essay writing, but sometimes there are students who are ready earlier!
6. APPLY AND SHARE
Provide a prompt or have students brainstorm ideas for a paragraph. Then they can use these ideas to write a paragraph using a topic sentence. It is OK that you haven’t covered the other paragraph writing skills yet. You are only looking at the topic sentence! OR give students a paragraph without the topic sentence and have them add the topic sentence.
After everyone is finished, students can present their paragraphs in groups or whole group and other students can point out the topic sentence . Discuss why it is a topic sentence. Is it the main idea of the paragraph?
Whole group idea : As students are reading their paragraphs, ask other students to hold a hand up to their ears when they hear the topic sentence. It may help keep their attention!
7. ASSESS AND TRACK
NEXT LESSON: RELEVANT DETAILS
I hope this helps with your instruction! GET READY TO TURN YOUR RELUCTANT WRITERS INTO ROCKSTAR WRITERS ® !
Check out my FREE writing masterclass! CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST OF WRITING MINI LESSONS
RESOURCES PREPPED AND READY FOR YOU
INTERACTIVE STEP-BY-STEP® WRITING PROGRAM ULTIMATE BUNDLE
Paragraph Writing Google Version
Paragraph Writing Prompts | Paragraph of the Week | Distance Learning
Sentence Structure and Paragraph Writing Google Version
Step-by-Step Paragraph Writing
Step-by-Step Paragraph Writing and Sentence Structure Unit
STEP-BY-STEP WRITING® Program for GOOGLE and POWERPOINT
The Perfect Paragraph Bundle | Lessons | Guided Prompts | Videos | Paragraph Writing
Upper Elementary STEP-BY-STEP WRITING® Grades 3-5
This lesson is also included in the STEP-BY-STEP WRITING ® Program with mini-lessons designed to scaffold through the writing process. Writing units included are sentence structure, paragraph writing, narrative writing, opinion writing, and informative writing. See what is included in the image below and click on it to learn more about them! You will turn your reluctant writers into ROCKSTAR WRITERS ® !
ROCK ‘N WRITE!
SEE RELATED BLOGS:
Writing Mini Lesson #4- Run-On Sentences
Writing mini lesson #6- relevant details.
- Skip to main content
Why Settle? Get EVERYTHING you need for reading and math .
- All-Access Login
- Freebie Library
- Search this website
Teaching with Jennifer Findley
Upper Elementary Teaching Blog
Persuasive Writing Anchor Charts for Struggling Writers {Lots of Pictures}
Here are some of my favorite persuasive writing anchor charts that I have used to help my struggling writers write strong, detailed persuasive papers. These charts contain a lot of sentence stems and step by step directions for each paragraph. It may seem a bit formulaic in nature, but once the students feel comfortable, they will branch out and add their own style and unique voice.
Here is a brainstorming poster. A Yes/No chart is one way that I teach students to organize their thoughts before they begin writing. This particular prompt showed a picture of an old, abandoned house and had the students determining if the local children should be allowed to play in the house.
After the students brainstorm several reasons for each side of the argument and they choose a side, we move into writing a clear and strong position statement. Here are some of the stems I offer the students as options.
After the students have a solid position statement, we move into our introductory paragraph (nicknamed Top Bun from a hamburger model). I instruct the students to explain what the situation or problem is then to state their position. Finally, they finish their top bun by listing out their three main reasons in a sentence.
Before writing the body paragraphs (or Juicy Middle), we make a chart together with opinion words and phrases to link reasons and details together.
Next, we move into different details that the students can use to support their reasons. This is a chart that I print for the students to glue in their interactive notebooks. Click here to download this printable. At this point, I tell my students about the Power of 3: 3 reasons with 3 supporting details for each reason. Using the charts to guide them, they write their body paragraphs (using transition words and phrases and varying details).
If you want the prompt pages that go along with this download, click here to subscribe to my newsletter to have access to my freebie library. The prompt is an an older newsletter freebie that is now available in my exclusive freebie library for email subscribers only.
Finally, we discuss the concluding paragraph (Bottom Bun). This is where I tell my students to mention the “nod to the other side” or counter argument and prove it incorrect. Then they restate their main point and end their essay. I also offer a few suggestions with ways to end the paper.
These anchor charts and scaffolds have worked wonders with my struggling writers in the past. Do you have any charts or scaffolds that help your students write persuasively?
Share the Knowledge!
Reader interactions, 13 comments.
November 22, 2015 at 10:13 pm
November 23, 2015 at 7:18 pm
You are very welcome, Collette!
February 12, 2016 at 12:41 am
Hi Jennifer I just subscribed to your blog and pages but cant find where to download the persuasive writing prompts from last year
February 13, 2016 at 9:30 am
Hi Elizabeth, you can access it by signing up for my newsletter at the link below. Once you sign up, the first email you get will have directions for accessing the freebie library where you can find the prompt. it is a Halloween Persuasive Writing prompt but can be used at any point of the year.
http://teachingtoinspire.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3277466fc24e8e08f8d489936&id=939cf54793
February 13, 2016 at 8:26 pm
Ok. Thanks. I got that but was interested in the poster type help which I first saw on Pinterest. Is that available to print.
February 15, 2016 at 11:21 am
Oh I am sorry. I was confused by what you were asking for and still am a little. Are you referring to this poster? https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8DtIUhMGc9qMG1nalRmNWhMaWs/view
February 15, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Oh dear. Going round in circles. I think you call them anchor charts. Or brainstorming charts. There are 5 I believe , relating to the hamburger bun poster. Yes/no, statement etc. they’re above on this page. Handwritten on large sheets.
February 15, 2016 at 3:54 pm
Okay, I understand now. Unfortunately, I don’t the anchor charts available in a printable form. You are free to print the pictures from the blog for reference or retype them for your own use. Glad we were able to finally get on the same page. 😀
December 7, 2016 at 9:01 am
Hello, Jennifer. I’m a Third Grade teacher and am loving your blog. Thank you for reaching out and supporting us. I am looking for better ways to teach Information Reading and Writing, specially Text Structures. Do you have any tips?
October 25, 2017 at 6:46 pm
I’ve tried 3 times now, with 2 different email addresses to sign up for you freebie newsletter and it is not working. I am not receiving an email. Is the freebie library not an option anymore? Or has it changed in some way?
Thanks, Jessica
May 12, 2020 at 9:04 am
Hi Jennifer! I just subscribed to your blog and started following your TPT account! I am loving the amazing resources I am finding here! I am currently teaching 6th grade math at a middle school, but am changing schools after this year because of changes I don’t agree with (Who knows what education will look like with the pandemic though.). Anyway, I have accepted a position at an elementary school and will teach 5th grade. Even though I have K-6 licensing, I have have always taught departmentalized in my short career. I say all that to say THANK YOU for this blog! It is already easing my fears as I look through many of your posts. I am already starting to work through how I might teach the core subjects and what items I want to purchase through TPT.
October 25, 2020 at 6:49 pm
HI, I had a question about your abandoned house writing slide. I am new to teaching fifth grade and writing and was wondering if it is asking students to write five paragraphs or just three.
September 25, 2021 at 2:07 pm
This was super awesome! I just did a quick write on persuasive writing to see where my students are at…CLEARLY, they need these anchor charts. THANK YOU!
Leave a Comment Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
You may also love these freebies!
Math Posters
Reading Posters
Morphology Posters
Grammar Posters
Welcome Friends!
I’m Jennifer Findley: a teacher, mother, and avid reader. I believe that with the right resources, mindset, and strategies, all students can achieve at high levels and learn to love learning. My goal is to provide resources and strategies to inspire you and help make this belief a reality for your students.