Paragraph Writing Strategy
With the Paragraph Writing Strategy, students learn to list ideas related to a topic; plan the point of view and verb tense to be used in the paragraph; plan the sequence in which ideas will be expressed; and write a variety of topic, detail, and clincher sentences.
Research has shown that students who master the Paragraph Writing Strategy consistently produce written pieces that contain topic, detail, and clincher sentences. Their sentences are written with a consistent point of view, tense is consistent, ideas are logically sequenced, and they include appropriate transitions between ideas.
There are multiple products associated with this strategy. Instructor materials are available through the KUCRL Shop. Student materials are published by Edge Enterprises, Inc.
Please note that professional development, coaching, and infrastructure support are essential components to effective implementation of SIM instructional tools and interventions. It is highly recommended that you work with a SIM professional developer. See the SIM Event list for sessions or email simpd@ku.edu to learn more.
Resources:
Author(s): Jean B Schumaker, Karen D. Lyerla
Publication Info: University of Kansas, 1991 (revised 1993)
The Paragraph Writing Strategy Research (.pdf)
Research Articles
- Schumaker, J.B., & Deshler, D.D. (2003). Can students with LD become competent writers? Learning Disability Quarterly, 26(2), 129-141. This article summarizes a programmatic line of R&D work that has focused on learning strategies instruction as a method for improving the writing performance of students with disabilities within the context of the general education curriculum as well as on district- and state-wide writing assessments.
An accessible version of the documents on this site will be made available upon request. Please contact the KU CRL Professional Development Research Institute, at simpd@ku.edu to request the document be made available in an accessible format.