1. Writing Strategy Share
Melissa Doll
SPED 503MM
Writing Strategy Share

2. Parts of a Paragraph Paragraph Chains
Each student should have six strips of construction paper:
One white strip
One green strip
Three yellow strips
One red strip

3. White strip = Title of the paragraph
All writing assignments need a title
Green strip = Topic sentence
Just as green means “Go” on a stoplight, this signifies the beginning of the paragraph
Yellow strips = Supporting details
Yellow is the middle color on a stoplight, so this represents the middle of the paragraph
Red strip = Concluding sentence
Just as a red light means “Stop” to a driver, this signifies the end of the paragraph

4. On the White Strip, write…
Title of the paragraph
On the Green Strip, write…
Introduce the content of the paragraph

5. On the Yellow Strips, write…
Details about the topic sentence
On the Red Strip, write…
Restates what the paragraph is about

6. How to Use this Tool
Staple or tape the six paper strips in correct order.
Have students touch each link and explain the meaning of each part.
Chains may be taped to desks or tables as references for paragraph writing activities.

7. Benefits of this Tool
Excellent for teaching to various strengths and learning preferences, teaching English learners, and teaching students with learning disabilities because…
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8. Benefits of this Tool Appeals to Multiple Intelligences:
Verbal-Linguistic:
writing sentences
restating the parts of a paragraph
writing paragraphs
Math-Logic:
charting the parts of a paragraph
using a paragraph chain
writing paragraphs about numbers
Spatial:
creating a paragraph stoplight
using color to identify the parts of a paragraph
Source:

9. Benefits of this Tool Appeals to Multiple Intelligences:
Bodily-Kinesthetic:
assembling paragraph chains
touching the chain links while explaining the parts of a paragraph
Interpersonal:
write paragraphs with a partner
Intrapersonal:
write an autobiographical paragraph
Source:

10. Benefits of this Tool Appeals to Multiple Intelligences: Musical:
clap out paragraph parts to a rhythm
Naturalist:
write paragraphs describing nature scenes
Existential:
write paragraphs for character education topics
Source:

11. Possible Classroom Applications
Students can quiz each other on the meaning of each link
Students can display the links on their desks or post them on the wall to gather and reference during writing activities
Students can practice writing paragraphs link-by-link on color strips as a class, in a small group, with a partner, and individually
Students can peer edit each other’s paragraphs using the links as an evaluation guide

12. Reference
activities.com