Lesson Plan : Introductory Paragraph Lesson

Teacher Name:
 Michael Parent
Grade:
 Grade 7-8
Subject:
 Language Arts

Topic:
 - Creating an Introductory Paragraph
Content:
 - Interesting/catchy opening sentence - General essay outline - Thesis statement
Goals:
 - The student will be able to identify, understand, and create their own introductory paragraph to an essay
Objectives:
 - The student will be presented with well written and poorly written introductory paragraphs so they can determine the elements of an effective introductory paragraph - The student will be able to write their own introductory paragraph - The student will be able to incorporate an effective thesis statement into their introductory paragraph
Materials:
 - Handouts of introductory paragraph elements - Well written and poorly written introductory paragraph examples - Transparencies of the handouts - Overhead machine - Worksheet of sample paragraphs for homework
Introduction:
 - Beginning of the class will focus around the every day random MCAS preparation question (5 minutes) - The students will then receive an introductory statement for the days lesson (the effective writing of an introductory paragraph) and why it is important for the rest of their writing (5 minutes)
Development:
 - The students will receive the handouts of the introductory paragraph elements and will follow the introductory lesson presented on the overhead (10 minutes) - The students will then receive the handouts of well written and poorly written introductory paragraphs and will participate in a whole class discussion of positive and negative elements of the examples (15 minutes)
Practice:
 - The students will then be given 15 minutes to work on their own short introductory paragraph on a made-up topic of their choosing - The students will then break into small groups (3-4 students) and trade paragraphs for peer revision (10 minutes) - Once the students are finished with their group work of peer revision they revised paragraphs will be collected for quick grading (check +, check, check - for effort)
Accommodations:
 
Checking For Understanding:
 - The whole class discussion and teacher observations of the group revision work will be used to check for understanding of the lesson - The students are always encouraged to ask questions regarding the material
Closure:
 - While the homework is being handed out a quick 2-5 minute oral review of the main points of writing introductory paragraphs
Evaluation:
 - The observations of the group work will help evaluate, as well as future essay work
Teacher Reflections:
 - This lesson is one of the most important for early advanced writers. A captivating and well written introductory essay is one of the most important elements of essay writing.

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