Scrambled Paragraph Writing Activities: Mini Unit

This NO PREP activity packet contains eighteen (18) ready-to-use printables. Just copy and go!

The scrambled paragraphs in this unit are similar to those in Scrambled Paragraphs Mini Unit: Early Elementary Edition. The two products can be used together to differentiate instruction.

Scrambled paragraphs have eight (8) sentences that can be put together only one way. Students practice using transitions and inferential clues to assemble these organized, logical paragraphs.

The easy-to-use paragraph structure includes:

-- a title,

-- a topic sentence,

-- three details with support; six (6) sentences, and

-- a closing sentence or clincher.

Students cut out the nine parts of the paragraph, identify the three sentence pairs, and then correctly reassemble the scrambled paragraph on an answer sheet template.

Like training wheels on a bicycle, working with scrambled paragraphs helps students understand how to write their own ideas in a clear, organized manner. Students quickly learn it's much easier to "build" an organized paragraph than it is to revise a disorganized paragraph.

This 29-page mini unit includes:

- seven (7) lessons; introductory, practice, and application,

- suggestions for instruction,

- scripted introductory lesson,

- three (3) multiple-choice worksheets,

- three (3) cut-and-paste scrambled paragraphs,

- three (3) model paragraphs in published format,

- paragraph assembly worksheet; reusable template,

- coloring page for extension activities,

- two (2) independent writing prompts,

- two (2) prewriting worksheets,

- prewriting graphic organizer; reusable template, and

- full-page answer keys for all activities.

Even reluctant writers will experience success and gain confidence with these activities. These kid-friendly lessons also help students build skills in the following areas:

-- constructing extended essay responses,

-- main idea,

-- context clues,

-- inference,

-- sequencing,

-- identifying general/supporting details, and

-- staying on prompt.

I've taught writing for over two decades. Each year there are a few students who believe they can't write. Once they begin working with another person's words they realize how easy it is to put together a logical and complete paragraph.

After a little practice with this bridging activity, students are ready to write their own paragraphs. Using personal knowledge and their new-found skills, even timid writers are able to compose an eight-sentence paragraph containing appropriate details.

As their confidence builds, students are able to transfer these new writing skills. Within a short time, even the most writing-adverse students are ready to compose extended, informative/explanatory responses to text. Finally, students learn how to apply these same skills to narrative and opinion (persuasive) writing.

Students who love writing will quickly grasp this structured process for creating a well-organized paragraph. Good writers can be challenged to respond to more difficult prompts. They can also be encouraged to include additional details and/or figurative language.

It all starts with these paper-and-pencil lessons and hands-on activities. It's easy and fun. And, it really works. I hope you'll give it a try!

Please check out the complete preview to see how this product will meet your teaching needs!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This resource has been saved in a format that allows for printing in high resolution. However, file contents may NOT be changed, copied, or extracted. This file is NOT editable.

This product relates to the following CCSS standard(s). Please note that this list may represent only a partial list of all standards and/or strands that apply.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2 - 5.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2c Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because).

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.1 - 5.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.2 - 5.2 Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.5 - 5.5 Describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.8 Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point(s).

You might also like these companion products:

FREE Scrambled Paragraph Writing Activity

MORE Scrambled Paragraph Writing Activities LEVEL: BASIC

EVEN MORE! Nuts and Bolts Scrambled Paragraphs LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Most Advanced Set! SCRAMBLED PARAGRAPHS LEVEL: CHALLENGING

Scrambled Paragraphs 4-in-1 BUNDLE Activity Packets

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