Writing a 5 Paragraph Research Essay - Lesson Plans & Materials

Essay writing can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! Originally designed for the Montessori Upper Elementary classroom, these lessons break down research-based writing to a simple formula, giving learners an approachable introduction to a high-level skill. After completing these simple introductory lessons, my students were begging to do more!

Perfect for 5th and 6th graders, this versatile unit is also simple enough to introduce to 4th graders with support and has been enjoyed in middle school classrooms as well. It can be used to support students in writing a 3 or 4 paragraph essay using the same lesson plans and materials to support a variety of learners.

Includes a skills flow chart overview, 7 sequenced lesson plans, and 7 ready-to-use materials.

Lesson Sequence:

1. Conducting Research

2. Subtopics & Graphic Organizers

3. Bibliography

4. Introduction Paragraph

5. Body Paragraph

6. Closing Paragraph

7. Editing & Publishing

Included Materials:

• Lesson 2: Bubble map and column graphic organizer
• Lessons 4-6: Printable manipulative card materials that can be printed, laminated, and used again and again including (for each lesson)
  • a title card stating the type of paragraph and expected number of sentences
  • 3 "elements" cards providing an easy-to-follow formula for crafting each type of paragraph
  • 3 example cards, breaking down a sample paragraph to match each element
• Lesson 7: COPS editing practice cards including a symbols guide, working paragraphs with mistakes to be edited, and control of error cards (these can also be laminated and put on your classroom shelf for repeated use)
• Bonus materials: A sample research essay on the Woolworth's Lunch Counter Sit-Ins and matchable elements of a research paper nomenclature labels