“One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.” – Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle.

Pendziwol, Jean E. Me and You and the Red Canoe. Toronto: Groundwood, 2017.
Early in the morning, two siblings make a fire and sit together, sipping hot chocolate. They gather their fishing gear, leave everyone else behind, and set off in a red canoe. Told in free verse and illustrated in acrylic on panel. Recommended for readers 7 to 14 years old. [Camping; Fishing; Summer] 

More Stories of Summer

“All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.”  – L.M. Montgomery, Anne’s House of Dreams

 

Dear Reader,

In school, you will often be asked to write a quick paragraph. You may be given a topic or asked to write on a topic of your choice. What is an formula you can use to produce a paragraph in just a few minutes?

Try this formula:

1. Topic sentence.
2. First reason with examples or evidence.
3. Second reason with examples or evidence.
4. Third reason with examples or evidence.
5. The topic sentence again but reworded so it sounds more dramatic.

Here’s an example by a sixth grade student:

“I love desserts. Firstly, they are beautiful to look at. Desserts can be colourful and can include really bright colours. Designs on them such as swirls and decorations can also make them pleasing to look at. Secondly, desserts are tasty. They can include mixtures of flavours such as sweet and sour. They also have different temperatures so that if you are feeling cold, you can hot desserts and if you are feeling hot, you can eat cold desserts. Some desserts can even be long-lasting, such as frozen yogurt and ice cream, which can fill you taste buds for a longer  time than other desserts. And most importantly, desserts make me happy. They can be eaten on celebrations or at any other happy event. Desserts can satisfy your tongue with flavours which can be very delightful. They can also calm your body if you eat something spicy or are tired in general. Desserts are the best way to make your life better.” Jashan 

Here’s another example:

“I like candy. Firstly, candy is beautiful to look at. For example, the bright pink colour on bubble gum is pretty to look at, and the design on cold chocolate swirl ice cream is cool. Secondly, candy is tasty. For example, sweet and sour gummy bears wake my taste buds up. Jaw breakers are long-lasting, so I can savour the taste for a long time. Lastly, candy makes me happy. For example, the sugar in Hershey bars makes me excited. The colour of confetti ice cream makes me think of celebrating my birthday. All candies are tasty and they make me happy!” Rabia

Practice this sort of formula writing until it easy. Then you’ll be ready for writing paragraphs in grade seven and eight.

Have fun writing and eating!

Ms. R.   

Evidence Paragraphs

Paragraph Checklist

Greathead, Helen. My Chocolate Bar and Other Foods. New York: Crabtree Publishing Company, 2017, c2014.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dear Reader,

Many people look to Martin Luther King, Jr. for inspiration. For courage to do what is right in the face of injustice. Here is what a twelve-year-old boy had to say:

“Do you know who Martin Luther King, Jr. was? Do you know why he was so famous?
 
“Well, today, I will tell you who he was and why he was so famous. Martin was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up, the King family spent a lot of time in church, listening to Martin’s father preach. At that time, black and white Americans did not have equal rights, and Martin dreamed of equality.
 
“Martin would fight with words, without violent actions. He would be jailed and beaten, but never give up.
 
“In 1955, black people had to give up their bus seats for white people. If they refused, they would go to jail. In protest, the black people decided to boycott the bus services.

“After a year of boycotting, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in, and Martin won! Black people could now ride buses without giving up their seats. This boycott became viral, and by 1957, Martin was famous.

“Martin made many marvelous speeches about racism, and people agreed it was time for a change. Civil right groups joined together and formed the Southern Christian Leadership Council with Martin Luther King as the leader.

“In 1963, King spoke to a huge group of people in Washington, D.C.  He gave the famous speech: “I have a dream.”

“Sadly, Martin was shot outside his motel room on April 4th, 1968. Although he lived a short life, he lived a full life and he changed black people’s lives forever.”   – by Prabhdeep in grade six

“The time is always right to do what is right.”  – Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Books about people of African heritage