I'm starting with this chart and labeling the Hook, Background Information, and Topic Sentence. I'll be doing a mini-lesson on all 3 of these components.
Next, I'll model how to write a hook, relevant background info about my topic, and a topic sentence. I'll spend the majority of my time discussing the topic sentence since this will guide me with my body paragraphs (and research!). Kids need to understand what a crucial element of the essay the topic sentence will be. My Intro poster will look something like this:
I'll hang up both posters side-by-side for a nice visual to help my students out.
Note: The Hook is underlined in pink! The Background Information is underlined in yellow! Lastly, the Topic Sentence is underlined in green. I will have my own students do this to their rough draft intro paragraphs as well.
At this point in the process, I plan to do writing conferences with my students. I want to personally approve each topic BEFORE kids try to do any research... sometimes, students have unrealistic expectations of topics they can research or they lack focus. I talk a lot about having 3 key ideas they want to focus their research on and turn into their 3 body paragraphs.
If you're looking for a good FREEBIE lesson, check out my Hook Lesson on TpT
If you need a good Common Core Explanatory/Informative lesson, I sell a monument lesson on TpT.
I also have a bunch of grade-specific Common Core Writing Bundles for all 3 writing genres. You can click here to see my 5th grade writing bundle.
