Teaching paragraphing: a whole school approach

Sheila Calder - Wallbrook Primary School, Coseley (Dudley LEA)


To appeal to kinaesthetic learners the following drama based approach to understanding paragraphing can be utilised. It should be spoken out loud, with actions, as indicated below.

We begin a new paragraph when there


  • is a change of time - point to clock or watch is a change of place (preposition) - hide under table is a change of place (geographical) - point to map or globe. is a change of speaker - make hands like quacking duck and say 'natter, natter, natter' is a change of theme - slash hand across body in zig zag at 45 degrees Another idea is introduced - say 'wow' (with expression, mouth open and hands open above head)
  • Or another focus is introduced - pretend to be using binoculars

SO, that's when we begin a new PARAGRAPH

To appeal to visual learners the following could be displayed as a poster with appropriate visuals added

We begin a new paragraph when there is a change of

  • time place (preposition) place (geographical) speaker theme idea
  • focus

SO, that's when we begin a new PARAGRAPH

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