Scaffolding provides just enough support to help students get started. Many times students are asked to write a topic sentence that involves a restatement of a question they are being asked to answer. To provide support through scaffolding, explain the parts of a paragraph (topic sentence, examples and supporting details), then give students a partial topic sentence that simply leaves some words out: The main character’s actions of ___ move the plot by ___. The first blank is where a student fills in the character’s actions, and the second space explains how the actions moved the plot. Once students have grasped the concept, remove the scaffolding and have them complete the writing independently.
Another excellent method is to provide students with models of good paragraphs. The models can be teacher-generated, but student models from prior or advanced students work as well. Knowing their peers crafted well-written paragraphs gives encouragement to struggling students. One you provide the model, it is important to have students highlight or underline the topic sentences, examples and supporting details. Have students circle any transition words that join paragraphs and underline proper usage of subject/verb agreement. Use these models to work on specific trouble areas.
A large amount of time spent constructing a paragraph involves effectively organizing information. Using graphic organizers can help students visually conceptualize a piece of writing. The popular sandwich graphic organizer is a great way to help students. The top bun is for the topic sentence, the lettuce is the example, the meat is the supporting detail or details and the bottom bun is the concluding sentence. You can vary the information that goes into the sections of the graphic organizer based on the sophistication of the particular paragraph or paragraphs.
Have students keep a folder with samples of their writing over the course of the school year. Include the revisions and edited versions as well. Students will benefit from seeing the work they’ve done and how it has evolved and grown over the year. This simple step alone will help students strive for mastery in writing.