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Introduction
Learning Objectives
• The students will identify the parts of a paragraph using “hamburger model” handout
• The students will create a plan for writing a descriptive paragraph based on the
“hamburger model”
• The students will develop a well-written paragraph focusing on a central idea of their
choice
• The students will practice oral presentation skills by sharing their paragraph with the
class
• The students will tell the class the parts of their paragraph and provide feedback to
readers
Content
• Parts of a paragraph: Opening sentence and closing sentence (may be the same since
• Supporting details of the paragraph, what makes the paragraph “juicy” like the hamburger
• Revision and peer editing- students will work in pairs to revise and edit paragraphs
• Class feedback- respectful and constructive criticism, students have opportunity to give
• Planning and editing the paragraph before writing final on “hamburger” pieces
Materials
• Pre-cut construction paper shapes (2 slices bread, meat, tomato, lettuce, pickles) large
• Large cut outs for example on the board (backup if powerpoint does not work)
• Glue
hamburger out loud. Write ingredients on the board. Use Powerpoint presentation to lead
discussion on how to build a well-written paragraph. On slide with plain burger and loaded
burger, ask which one they would rather have. Lead into discussion about how paragraphs are
Lesson Development:
• Students have been introduced to the parts of a paragraph and discussed relation to
hamburger. Read an example of a well written paragraph with lots of details and one
missing details.
• Put large display pieces of the hamburger on the board as a visual aid to demonstrate how
• Give students topic choices to write about for their paragraph or allow them to choose
one of their own. (Ex: Write a paragraph describing your favorite vacation place, one
• Direct students to use sample on the board to check that they have all parts of their
paragraph.
• Students will plan out their paragraph on notebook paper first and revise their rough draft
using peer editing if they wish before putting final draft on the parts of their sandwich.
• Students will transfer paragraph to burger writing parts on corresponding pieces then glue
• Students will share paragraph with the class and class will provide positive feedback.
Closure
• Why is it important we use details in our writing? What did you like or dislike about this
activity?
• Other ideas besides hamburgers that could be used to help build paragraphs as a model?
• Bring in an example of a well-written paragraph (good details, contains all parts) to share
with the class, either from a book they read, the newspaper, a magazine, etc.
Adaptations
This lesson allows for students of all learning abilites to participate successfully. There is
hands on work with gluing and writing on different burger parts, lots of visuals in terms of the
Powerpoint and large sample burger and for auditory learners, lot of discussion and reading well-
written paragraphs out loud. Advanced students have the opportunity to choose their paragraph
topic, while below level students can choose from options given. Students who finish ahead of
time will be able to illustrate their paragraph. Peer editing will occur in pairs of one higher level
and one lower level student where possible in order to be most effective.
Evaluations
Reference:
“Paragraph Sandwiches”
(http://www.lasd.k12.pa.us/teachers/purnellj/Parasandwich.html)