Outlining and Essays

My Seniors class received an important lesson in outlining.  I am amazed at how this important organizational skill is just not taught in schools anymore.  To me, it is the foundation of strong essays and even creative stories.  If you can't effectively plan it ahead of time, how can you write it?

My Seniors were assigned to write an outline for a 5 paragraph essay.  The topic?  "My Favorite ________."  Anything was possible!

Favorite vacation spots, favorite sports, and even favorite You Tube videos were some of the topics chosen that day.  Here is Sammy's (6th grade) essay on Football.  His outline included:
An introduction
Object of the game
Equipment needed to play
Where football is played
Success of the sport nationally
A conclusion

Sammy clearly follows his thought process in a clear and concise manner, all stemming from a well-written outline.

Enjoy!

     Foorball is an amazing sport that is played on a 100 yard long field.  The object of the game is to march down the field and score.  Football is one of the most popular sports in America.  It is played at schools everywhere and even has its own pro league.

     The object of the game is to make your way down the 100 yard field.  The offense can either run the ball or pass it while the defense tries to tackle them.

     Some equipment is needed to play football.  First, you need a football.  Then, you need a helmet and shoulder pads.  Because you need to protect your ribs, you need to wear rib pads.  When you're playing football, you also need cleats.

     (Did you notice his "Because" and "When" sentence starters there??)

     Football is played in many places.  Some people play at the park and in their backyards.  Many junior highs and high schools have football teams.  College football is very popular in the U.S.  One sport that is even more popular than college football is the pro football league, the NFL.

     The NFL is so huge that their championship game, the Super Bowl, has the highest TV ratings every year.  The teams that get into the Super Bowl have to first qualify for the playoffs, then win every game in the playoffs.  The winner of the Super Bowl is the NFL Champion for that year.

      As you can see, football is a fabulous sport.  You should give it a try.  Just don't get hurt.