Shipley’s second graders use the hamburger method as a recipe for writing a strong paragraph. A hamburger could just be a plain old patty sitting between a drab bun. The toppings make the burger distinct and interesting, just like details in a paragraph. To capture the reader, a paragraph needs those same descriptive sentences.

The method is quite simple, but very effective. Each student receives a piece of paper with a diagram of a hamburger with space to write a few lines in each section. The top portion of the bun represents the paragraph’s topic sentence, three toppings for detail sentences, and the bottom bun for a closing sentence.

“This is how we teach the writing process,” says Lucie McDermott, Shipley second grade teacher. “We brainstorm together on the board, which triggers lots of creative ideas to complete their burgers. The kids think it’s so much fun, and it keeps them on track and organized.”

This method breaks down what may seem like a daunting task into smaller, manageable parts. “They think, ‘I only need one sentence in the top bun,’ and that’s doable,” explains McDermott. “This process makes them more successful and gives them confidence.”

One of the biggest challenges second graders face in writing paragraphs is stumbling over spelling. Taking away the pressure of the spelling helps to build confidence and spark creativity in their writing.

“Students can be really worried about spelling as they go,” says McDermott. “So that’s why we do a ‘sloppy’ copy first. Spelling doesn’t matter; it’s just to get their thoughts down. Then I meet with each of them and we edit their work. A lot of positive reinforcement along the way really helps.”

By understanding that their work doesn’t need to be perfect on the first try, and having the support of their teacher, the second graders focus on crafting a strong paragraph, a skill that will benefit them later in the year as they prepare for writing five paragraphs for their Desert Zoo research projects.

The hamburgers inspire deeply rooted learning in students as they grow into writing longer stories throughout their academic careers. A sound foundation in learning the writing process, along with The Shipley Method’s Confidence to Explore and Creativity in All, instills a love of learning in each student and creates a pathway to future success.