Grab Your Reader: Great Leads

Summary

This is a mini-lesson to introduce leads to your students. This will give them an overview of what a lead sentence is and practice in writing great leads.

Materials

• Chart, overhead or whiteboard
• Short book for lead sentence example
• Paper or notebooks for students

Background for Teachers

Teachers may review the 6 + 1 Traits Web site.

Student Prior Knowledge

Basic knowledge of writing.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Student will understand:

• how a lead sentence is written.
• different kinds of lead sentences.
• why lead sentences are essential to good writing.

Instructional Procedures

1. Teacher: Read the book of your choice. After reading, go back to the lead sentence and reread it. Discuss the sentence and have a whole-class discussion on why this was a good example of a lead sentence. How did it grab the attention of the reader?

2. Teacher: On the board (or a previously written chart or overhead) introduce the 5 kinds of leads.

   BIG FOUR

   1. ACTION - "A loud crash in the night woke me out of a sound sleep, and I began to quiver! Shaking, my mind churning I wobbly pulled myself from bed and turned the handle on the bedroom door.
   2. Dialogue - "Where's Dad! Spot's been hit by a car!" His face was white as a sheet!
   3. Setting - Above the lights of the city, I could see for miles; calming lights,as far as you could see. I'll never forget the sight of that beautiful far-away city.
   4. Reflection - I still remember the feeling; floating across the strong, smooth surface,the icy wind biting at my face.

   "Which of these would the lead sentence in our story be considered?"

3. Teacher: Have the students create a rubric for lead sentences.

4. Have the students practice writing one or two lead sentences of each kind in partnerships.

Strategies for Diverse Learners

Diverse learners should be paired with a middle-level writer. Advanced writers sometimes have trouble relating to struggling writers.

Extensions

For more practice students could be sent the Lead: Putting Your Best Facts Forward Web site.

Assessment Plan

Assessments will be based on student-created rubric.