When is it appropriate to start a new paragraph in your writing?
Well, too many paragraphs can be annoying.
I mean, you would not want to write a paragraph for every sentence.
Would you?
Well, would you?
On the other hand, it is so annoying to read paragraphs that go on and on. The writer may change subjects many times during one paragraph. Maybe the paragraph has too many run on sentences like this, that have too many commas, like this, and that really do not focus on getting a message across, that will engage the reader, and that will help her understand the message. Perhaps the writer begins by talking about grammar, then changes the subject to sailing. After that there may be some words about a delicious cookie recipe. Then the writer may jump to the topics of travel, car buying, sewing and the many types of mold spores one may find in a bathroom shower. And if that weren’t enough, the subject of inclement weather may arise. Before too long, the reader would get to the point where she could no longer follow what the writer is trying to say. Nor would the reader care!
Okay, you get my point. So how can we teach our children (and ourselves!) to know when to change paragraphs. Start new paragraphs when:
- each and every time time a new character is speaking (dialogue with quotes).
- the location in the story changes.
- when the subject changes.
- when a character’s thoughts change to a new subject
- for each step when explaining in detail how to do something
- when writing an introduction.
- when writing a conclusion.
Learning when to start new paragraphs takes time and experience. A lot of it just boils down to common sense. Just remember a time when you read something and were frustrating because the paragraphs were too long or just plain confusing. Discuss that with your young writers.
Kids have a tendency to merge many short thoughts together into one large paragraph. This is completely normal at a young age (and actually quite cute.) But by middle school, you should start noticing significant improvements in your child’s ability to organize his thoughts into cohesive paragraphs. Whatever you do, don’t criticise your child’s work. You can make gentle suggestions or do some research together to figure out the right way to write. Make it fun!
What’s the best way to become a good writer who knows when to change paragraphs? Yep, read, read, read all you can. A good reader makes a good writer. Or rather, there is no such thing as a good writer who does not read well and often.
Wishing you happy paragraph changing to you and yours.
