Level 3 • Lesson 1 — Review Paragraph Parts: Topic, Detail, Closing

Objective

I can identify and write the three parts of a paragraph: a topic sentence that states the main idea, 2–4 detail sentences that explain or give examples, and a closing sentence that wraps up the idea.

Materials

Pencil ✏️ and eraser
Ruled paper or tablet
Tracing Pad (below)

Tip: Read aloud and ask, “Do all details support the same main idea?” If not, revise.

Mini-lesson — What belongs in each part?

Topic sentence: The main idea of the paragraph. Example: School gardens help us learn about plants.
Detail sentences: Facts, reasons, or examples that fit the topic. Aim for 2–4 details in Level 3.
Closing sentence: Summarizes or gives a final thought. Example: That’s why gardening is a great part of science class.
Flow: Use transitions like first, next, also, finally.

Guided Practice — Trace on the Pad

Trace key words, then write a short paragraph (5–6 sentences) about our class garden:

Key words: topic, detail, closing, because, for example
Outline:
1. Topic: School gardens help us learn.
2. Detail: We observe roots and leaves.
3. Detail: We test how much sun and water plants need.
4. Detail: We record growth in a chart.
5. Closing: Gardening makes science real and fun.

Tracing Pad

Lines Letter

Pen

Drag & Drop — Build Clear Sentences for a Paragraph

Drag the chips into the slots to make clear sentences that could fit a paragraph. Keep punctuation at the end.

Schoolgardenshelpuslearnaboutplants.

Firstwepreparethesoilwithshovels.

Nextwemeasuresunlightandwater.

Forexamplewecomparetallstemstoshortstems.

Alsowerecordgrowthinachart.

Becauseweworktogetherthegardenstaysneat.

Ourtopicsentencetellsthemainidea.

Detailsentencesexplainorgiveexamples.

Transitionshelpideasflowsmoothly.

Finallyourclosingsentencewrapsuptheidea.

Eachdetailmustsupportthetopicsentence.

Readingaloudhelpsmecheckforclearideas.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) Which sentence is a topic sentence?

First, we watered the plants. Our class garden helps us learn about plants. We wrote in our science journals.

2) How many detail sentences should Level 3 aim for?

1 6–7 2–4

3) Which best closes a paragraph about a school garden?

That is why gardening makes science real. The buses are yellow. I like pizza with cheese.

4) Which sentence stays on topic for “Our class garden helps us learn”?

My dog wags his tail. We measure sunlight and write the data. The library closes at five.

5) Best order for a paragraph:

Details → Topic → Closing Closing → Details → Topic Topic → Details → Closing

6) Which connector helps paragraphs flow?

also zebra banana

7) Choose the sentence that gives a reason.

We planted seeds. We planted seeds because we wanted to compare growth. Seeds are small.

8) Pick the best topic sentence for “Helping the Community”.

I like blue plates. Finally, we sit on the couch. Kids can help the community in many small ways.

9) Which is a strong closing?

That is why helping others matters. The bus is yellow. Next we eat lunch.

10) A sentence that doesn’t fit the topic should be…

kept for decoration removed or revised written in all caps

11) Which shows a detail?

I like animals. Animals exist. I fed the chicks and cleaned the coop each day.

12) Best connector to end a paragraph:

finally sandwich yesterday

13) Which sentence belongs in a paragraph about “Our Class Garden”?

Buses stop at corners. We recorded the height of each plant on Friday. I like snow.

14) When reading your paragraph aloud, you should check…

if it rhymes if the letters are big if all sentences fit the topic and flow

15) Which order makes sense?

First, Next, Also, Finally Finally, First, Next Next, First, Finally

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Clear topic sentence states the main idea 2–4 detail sentences that stay on topic A closing sentence that wraps up the idea Uses transitions (first, next, also, finally)

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can label and write all 3 parts of a paragraph 🙂 I need more practice writing details 😅 It was tricky to write a strong closing

I will practice…

Planning Topic → Details → Closing Using transitions (first, next, also) Reading aloud to check flow

Lesson 1: Review Paragraph Parts — Topic, Detail, Closing