This is a great lesson for introducing the essay structure to your students. By introducing the essay structure with a how to… topic, the students are "forced" to use a different paragraph for each step. (This seems more logical to some students than telling them that each new idea needs a new paragraph.)

STEPS:

1) Teach the basic essay structure.

2) Have the students create a "How To…" essay based on the essay structure. Examples: how to groom a horse, how to make brownies, etc.


a) Paragraph 1: Introduce topic and briefly state the steps

b) Paragraph 2-4: Step 1-3 (or more if necessary)

c) Paragraph 5: Re-state the steps

3) Have the students read their essay to the class (and possibly show the steps with props).

VARIATION: Have students create typed essays and Power Point presentations. Turn in the essay and use the Power Point when presenting to the class. (Each slide is a different paragraph–good for organization.)

This is great for the beginning of the year because the students get to know a bit about each other (based on their essay topics) and I get to know about them.