Strategy # 5

Monday

It is important to have a well thought out opening paragraph. Two important goals of a well thought out opening are;

* to hook the reader

* to orient the reader to the top of the writing

Monday

There are five categories of story leads to consider. You can focus on the setting, an action, a character’s thoughts, dialogue,or sound effects.

Monday

On Friday Miss Nelson told her class that she was going to have her tonsils out. “I’ll be away next week,” she said.“And I expect you to behave.” “Yes, Miss Nelson,” said the kids in 207Miss Nelson is Back by James Marshall

Possum awoke one autumn evening. Shining through the grass was the biggest, brightest, yellowest moon. “Oh!” thought Possum, “the harvest moon! What a perfect night for a party.”Possum’s Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter

On sultry summer days at my grandma’s farm in Michigan, the air gets damp and heavy. Storm clouds drift low over the fields. Birds fly close to the ground. Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco

Every day, Olive took her daily dog walk, winter, spring, summer or fall. Today was a winter’s day. It was the holidays. There was music playing out doors. People were singing along. “All of the other reindeer…”Olive was too shy to sing.“Hmmm-hmm-hm-hm-hmmm-hmmm-hmmm,”she hummed.Olive the Other Reindeer by J. Otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh

Wednesday

Today we are going to write an opening paragraph for our essay on President Obama’sInauguration focusing on the setting of the inauguration.

Remember your goals; hook the reader and Introduce (orient) the reader to the topic.

Thursday

Example;

One bright sunny day in 2009, history was made.President Obama…

Thursday

Today we will write a new opening paragraphfor our essay on the inauguration. This time ourstory lead will focus on President Obama’s actions during his Presidential Address.

Don’t forget your purpose.

Thursday

Example;

Standing tall and stiff with a smile from earto ear, President Obama…

Thursday

Today you will write a third opening paragraphfor you inauguration essay. You can choose to use one of the following story leads; character thoughts, dialog, or sound effects.

What is the purpose of a well thought outopening paragraph?

Thursday

Example;

Dialog-“Fellow Americans”, began President Obama

Thursday