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2) Next¡ªperhaps the next day¡ªhave your children circle, highlight, underline or bold (if using a word processor) the sentences that are most important. These are the topic sentences. In a handwritten one page essay, there should be approximately two to five topic sentences. You could use a different colored highlighter or pencil for each paragraph.
3) Then, the supporting sentences need to be gathered together with each topic sentence. Have your students highlight or circle the supporting sentences and then draw arrows or lines to the circled topic sentence, which may also be highlighted. Change colors for each paragraph.
4) Rewrite into paragraphs, placing each topic sentence with its supporting sentences. Topic sentences can be anywhere in the paragraph, but are usually at the beginning.
5) Organize the paragraphs by thinking what topic should come first, second and so on. Rewrite.
After doing this exercise a few times, your children¡¯s writing will become far more organized¡ªeven their first drafts! About the Author
Lorraine Curry is the author of 5 Star books, Easy Homeschooling Techniques and Easy Homeschooling Companion. See more ideas for writing and other subjects at Easy Homeschooling. See FREE articles, checklists, copywork, subscriptions, ebooks and more at http://www.easyhomeschooling.com
