Great Ways to Teach Kids How to Write Opening Paragraphs

Book Beginnings

• A creative way to get children accustomed to writing an engaging and thought-provoking opening paragraph is done through writing paragraphs. One option is to have children think of an idea for a book. Each child then writes an opening paragraph, making sure to use proper structure to include full sentences and punctuation. Each child reads the opening paragraph out loud and the rest of the class gets to guess what the rest of the book the child has in mind will be about. This lesson teaches children the importance of an opening paragraph in grabbing the attention of others.

Summarize This

• Using a book suitable for the reading level of the class, have the entire class read a book. Upon completion of reading the book, have each child craft their own version of the opening paragraph to replace the original. This allows children to draw upon the knowledge about the book obtained by reading the book and also allows them to be creative in coming up with their own spin on how the book should start off.

Fill in the Blanks

• Children just learning to write opening paragraphs can use fill-in-the-blanks style worksheets. Use a complete and accurate opening paragraph and then go back through and remove some key words, sentences and punctuation marks. Hand out the modified version to all students and have each child fill in the holes of the opening paragraph to make a complete, accurate and logical opening paragraph.

Peer Review

• Teaching more advanced concepts relevant to opening paragraphs is best suited for older children who have grasped the concept of basic writing. Each student is instructed to write a three to four sentence story or review of a book. Each student must be reviewing a different book or writing about a different topic for the activity to work well. After all students are finished, an oral presentation is made one at a time in front of the class. The key is having students stop after the opening paragraph. The rest of the class then guesses or predicts what the rest of the presentation will be about based on the strength, clarity and information contained within the opening paragraph.