Hamburger paragraph: write a 5-sentence paragraph in 35 minutes

1. Show the hamburger and name each part. Explain that the buns hold the paragraph together and the fillings give it substance.
2. Write a class paragraph together on a simple topic. Start with the topic sentence: "Autumn is the best season of the year."
3. Ask for three reasons. Turn each into a detail sentence, adding an example to each one.
4. Write a closing sentence that says the main idea in new words: "With cool air and bright leaves, autumn is hard to beat."
5. Students draw their own small hamburger and jot one or two words in each layer for their topic. Check each plan quickly before they write.
6. Students write their paragraph from the plan.
7. Partners trade and find the five parts, touching each layer on the drawing as they read.

Teaching tip: transition words such as "first", "also" and "finally" act like the sauce that connects the fillings. Post a short list where students can see it.

What to change next time: for writers who are ready, ask for two sentences per filling (a reason and an example) to stretch the paragraph to eight sentences. For writers who need support, give the topic sentence and the closing sentence and let them focus on the three fillings, or let them dictate and copy.