Words are like crayons. They add color to your writing. How Can We Write Better? Words are like crayons. They add color to your writing. Change words

Four Squares Think of writing in steps. First, get a topic. Then, get three reasons to support your topic. Finally, wrap up by restating your topic.

Here’s an example… * My break was relaxing. Connecting Word: First Reason 1: hanging with my cats and kids kickeroo with Topaz baking cookies Connecting Word: Also Reason 2: reading books Sherlock Holmes Christmas stories comic books My break was relaxing. Connecting Word: Next Reason 3: watching movies It’s a Wonderful Life How the Grinch Stole Christmas Horton Hears a Who Wrap-Up Sentence In a nutshell, my break was relaxing because I spent time with my family, read a lot, and watched movies.

My Winter Break What did I do from December 23rd to January 3rd? I had a very relaxing break. In fact, I just hung around, read, and watch movies the whole time. “Where’s your kickeroo, Topaz?” One of my favorite toys I played with was my cat’s toy. It’s a narrow pillow that has a tail that I pull to lure Topaz into a pounce. Then I make sure that my hands retreat because Topaz immediately starts hugging it with her sharp claws and kicking it with her back feet. It’s so fun seeing Topaz attack something other than my arms! Self-preservation wasn’t the only thing I did. I also enriched my brain by reading a lot of Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Reading a who-dun-it from over one hundred years ago was very satisfying. Using clues to make deductions, helped the detective and his companion solve lots of problems. Now I look more closely at footprints! Imagine being curled up on a couch while it’s snowing. Outside the weather is chilly, but inside Luci and I watch an inspiring movie called It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie really makes me think about enjoying family and friends over money and ambition. To summarize, I enjoyed relaxing with my cats, books, and family over the break. New toys, good books, and holiday movies refresh my heart and make me ready to return to school. What did you do from December 23rd to January 3rd?

Now, try it yourself! Start with a topic sentence. Write reasons to support your topic. Use strong verbs and sensory details. Finish with a wrap-up paragraph.