# Lesson 4: Write Complete Short Paragraphs

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## Objective

I can write a short paragraph that starts with a clear topic sentence, gives 2–3 details, and ends with a closing sentence.

## Materials

- Pencil ✏️ and eraser
- Ruled paper
- Tracing Pad (below)

Use finger spaces, correct capitals, and end punctuation.

## Mini-lesson — What makes a paragraph?

1. Topic sentence — Tells the main idea.
2. Details — 2–3 sentences that explain or give examples.
3. Closing sentence — Wraps it up (restates the idea).
4. Use order words: First, Next, Then, Finally.

## Guided Practice — Trace key paragraph words

Trace useful words, then write a 3–5 sentence paragraph:

- Topic sentence: “My favorite place is the park.”
- Details: “First, I race on the path.” “Next, I feed ducks.”
- Closing: “The park is fun for my whole family.”

Pick a lesson word below to overlay. Keep letters on the baseline. Use one finger space.

Tracing Pad
Lines
Pick a word/letter
Pen

## Drag & Drop — Topic • Details • Closing

Build each sentence. Then check your work. Use spacing and a . at the end.

the park is My favorite place.
First I race on the path.
Next I feed the ducks.
Finally the park is fun for my family.
My hobby is building with blocks.
First I make a tall tower.
Next I add a bridge because it looks cool.
Finally I show my family my build.
Recess is my favorite time at school.
First I play tag with my friends.
Next I also swing on the swings.
Finally I feel happy when recess ends.

## Quick Check (15 questions)

#### 1) A topic sentence…

Lists random facts Tells the main idea Ends the paragraph

#### 2) Good details should…

Be off-topic Repeat the title Match the topic sentence

#### 3) A closing sentence…

Sums up the paragraph Starts the story Gives a random joke

#### 4) Which is an order word?

Very Next Blue

#### 5) The first sentence should usually be…

The topic sentence A closing sentence A detail

#### 6) Choose the best sentence.

my dog runs My dog runs My dog runs.

#### 7) Which word gives a reason?

Finally because Next

#### 8) A detail should…

Support the topic Change the topic Repeat the closing

#### 9) Which set shows order?

Blue, happy, fast Cat, dog, bird First, Next, Finally

#### 10) A good closing will…

Add a new topic Restate the main idea List random words

#### 11) Which is correct?

First we line up. first we line up first we line up.

#### 12) Details are usually…

The title A picture Examples and facts

#### 13) Choose the best detail:

I like pizza next. I like pizza because it is tasty. Pizza pizza pizza.

#### 14) A sentence should be…

One complete idea Five ideas at once Just words in a row

#### 15) Before you finish you should…

Add extra random words Erase the topic sentence Read and check punctuation

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Topic sentence gives the main idea Includes 2–3 fitting details Closing sentence wraps it up Uses capitals, spacing, and punctuation Reads the paragraph aloud smoothly

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I wrote topic, details, and a closing 🙂 I need more practice with details 😅 Closing sentences are tricky for me

#### I will practice…

Starting with a clear topic Using because to explain Ending with a closing sentence
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