Once your sentences stay on topic, you can give them a shape. Start with a sentence that names the topic, give a few facts, and end with a sentence that wraps up.
Key idea
Start with a sentence that tells what your writing is about. Give some facts. End with a sentence that wraps up.
Why it works
The first sentence is like the title on a box: the reader knows what is inside before opening it. The last sentence tells the reader you are done, so the writing doesn’t just stop.
Worked example: Write a first sentence
Facts: “It has shelves of picture books. On Tuesdays a librarian reads aloud. You can borrow books for free.” What should come first?
- What are all the facts about? The library.
- Name that topic in a sentence.
Answer: “Our library is a great place to visit.”
Common mistake
Jumping straight into details without saying what the writing is about, or stopping without an ending sentence. Check: does my first sentence name the topic? Does my last one wrap it up?
For the grown-up. This is the shape of a paragraph, which children will meet again in the Composition course. For now, three or four sentences is plenty.