Steps:
1. What makes a paragraph. Finding the topic (main idea), details, and closing in a paragraph. Really reading and understanding why it is written the way it is before we ever begin writing our own.
2. Off Topic: Well that is what I call it. It's the little details that get thrown in that we don't need and don't help the paragraph. Kinda like the old saying.... "Squirrel.... " .
3. Adding More: Everyone may say, add more, but what does this mean. Spend some time discussing adding more to strengthen the writing and staying On TOPIC. Not always an easy thing to do when you are 8!
4. Putting it all together. Writing about the topic we just directed/read/edited. This will be a students own time to see what they have learned and write a paragraph (simple at first). Stick with the basics.. Topic Sentence, 3 Detail Sentences, Closing Sentence. Then graduate to more......