Level 3 • Lesson 13 — Write about a family tradition

Objective

I can write a 5–6 sentence paragraph about a family tradition that tells what it is, when/where it happens, and why it matters, using clear reasons, examples, and a closing that explains the meaning.

Materials

Pencil ✏️ and eraser
Planning sheet or notebook
Tracing Pad (below)

Tip: Strong paragraphs answer what, when/where, who, why it matters—with a concrete example.

Mini-lesson — What, Where/When, Who, Why (Meaning)

What is the tradition? (game night, special meal, holiday walk)
Where/when? Name time/place details that make it real.
Who is involved? Family members, neighbors, friends.
Why it matters: feelings, lessons, memories, values it teaches.
Show with examples: a moment, a line of dialogue, a small action.

Guided Practice — Trace & plan

Trace key words, then plan your paragraph about a family tradition:

Key words: what, when, where, who, why, example, meaning
Example outline:
1. Topic: Every winter we have a family soup night.
2. Details: It happens on the first cold Friday at Grandma’s house.
3. Example: We chop carrots together and share funny stories.
4. Meaning: It brings us closer and reminds us to care for others.
5. Closing: Soup night is my favorite because it feels warm inside and out.

Tracing Pad

Lines Letter

Pen

Drag & Drop — Build Details & Meaning

Drag chips into the slots to make strong sentences about a family tradition.

EverywinterwehavesoupnightatGrandmashouse.

IthappensonthefirstcoldFridayoftheseason.

Wechopcarrotstogetherandsharefunnystories.

Mygrandpatellsthesamejokeandwestilllaugh.

Becausewecooktogethereveryonehasajobtodo.

Webringabowlofsouptoaneighborwhoneedsawarmmeal.

Thistraditionmakesmefeelsafeandclosetomyfamily.

Ilearntobehelpfulandthankfulduringbusytimes.

Firstwesetthetablethenwegiveatoasttostartdinner.

Nextweshareonefavoritememoryfromtheweek.

Finallywecleanuptogetherandturnonaquietsong.

Intheendthetraditionremindsustocareforeachother.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) Best topic sentence:

Soup is food. My family has a soup night that brings us together. The sky is blue.

2) Which sentence gives a specific example?

We do things. It is fun. We chop carrots together and share a funny story.

3) Which transition fits best for the second detail?

Next Banana Yesterday

4) Which sentence stays on topic?

The bus is yellow. We bring soup to a neighbor who needs a warm meal. I like skateboards.

5) Best order for the paragraph:

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

6) Which shows, not tells?

Grandpa tells the same joke and we still laugh. It is good. Goodness happened.

7) Which connector introduces an example?

Maybe For example Banana

8) Which fixes this run-on? “We eat we talk we laugh.”

We eat, we talk, and we laugh. We eat talk laugh. Laughing eat talk.

9) Off-topic sentence for a “soup night” paragraph:

We share a favorite memory from the week. I scored a goal at recess today. We clean up together after dinner.

10) Best closing sentence:

That is it. Soup is soup. This tradition reminds me to care for my family and neighbors.

11) Which sentence explains meaning?

It brings us closer and teaches kindness. The spoons are metal. There is food.

12) Which combines ideas smoothly?

We cook we eat we clean. We cook, and then we eat together. Cooking is together.

13) Which is first person?

I help stir the soup and carry bowls. The student helps stir soup. Soup stirring occurred.

14) Best transition to signal the last detail:

Banana Finally Yesterday

15) Which sentence shows respect for the tradition?

The soup is hot. The table is wood. We thank Grandma for cooking and for teaching us to care.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Topic sentence names the tradition Gives 2–3 details (what, when/where, who) Includes a specific example or moment Uses connectors (first, next, finally; for example) Closing explains the meaning/lesson

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I explained our tradition and why it matters 🙂 I need more practice adding an example 😅 It was tricky to explain the meaning

I will practice…

Adding one clear example Using transitions (first, next, finally) Writing a strong closing

Lesson 13: Write about a family tradition