[kimmarie]

Hi everyone,

We have gone from writing paragraphs to 5 paragraph essays, and I can not get my kids from using the same topic sentence that they were taught in lower grades.

Hi my name is ______________________ and I am going to tell you about....

I have done many lessons on topic paragraphs, but when they get a writing prompt they always use this.

Any suggestions on getting them out of using this EVERY TIME they write?

[Readn gal]

I think you need to provide some strategies and examples. They will always fall back on what is familiar if they aren't taught what to do.

My students have a set of notes for topic sentences. Give them acceptable starters like dependent clause sentences. (start a sentence with Although, before, since, even though)and they will develop a complex sentence. Write notes and let them practice writing them. Then tell them it is required in their next paragraph or essay.

I always do one sentence style at a time and let them practice multiple times before I require it in a paragraph or essay. By the end of the year, they have choices and should be adept at multiple types of starters.

[kimmarie]

I will take your advice and do more examples with them