Burger Paragraph Writing Activities Bundle – Video, Anchor Charts & Templates

For great paragraph writing, grab a burger! The analogy helps kids develop topic, detail, and concluding sentences; elaborate; improve word choice; and add transitions. Fun-filled activities provide direct instruction, reinforcement, and practice of writing processes.

Open the preview to take a closer look at the bundle.

How to Write a Paragraph Instructional Video Using hamburger parts and an example text, the narrator models the process for writing and revising an explanatory paragraph. (12 minutes)

Burger-Themed Anchor Charts or Posters Seven anchor charts explain steps in the writing process with strategies and examples. Together, they teach how to plan, organize, and develop an informative paragraph.

• Where’s the Beef? Kids learn to start with three or four closely related facts, steps, or details.
• Between the Buns This anchor chart explains how to express the main or central idea as a topic sentence and conclusion.
• Say “Cheese” This poster encourages kids to elaborate by adding extra details, especially those that provide more context.
• Slap It On Now students see how to link ideas with transition terms.
• Squirt It On Kids learn to use precise words and domain-specific vocabulary to convey ideas clearly.
• Spice It Up The final poster shows how to combine and vary sentences. It also presents the polished example paragraph.

Printable & Digital Burger Paragraph Templates As kids move through prewriting activities, they write or type on the hamburger pieces. This helps them understand the writing process. At the end of the project, they the graphic organizer together as a culinary masterpiece.

After choosing a good topic, kids use hamburger parts to move through the writing process.

• Burgers = Supporting Detail Sentences These facts provide the “meat” of the paragraph.
• Buns = Main Idea The topic sentence tells the audience what they’re biting into, and the concluding statement restates the central idea in different words. Together, the two buns hold the sandwich together.
• Cheeseburgers = Elaboration This provides more information. Additionally, it adds texture and clarity to the paragraph.
• Condiments = Precise & Transition Words Ketchup and mustard improve word choice with specific language. Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions link ideas in their paragraphs.

A complete set of examples models writing and revising strategies. It begins with a simple paragraph. As you move through the exemplars, they explain how to improve word choice, add transitions, combine sentences, and vary beginnings. This ensures that they convey ideas clearly.

Kids use their template pieces to build complete hamburgers.

• In the printable version, they glue the burger parts onto a piece of construction paper, and their thorough expository paragraph appears. If desired, they may also rewrite it on a piece of themed stationery.
• For the digital project, kids complete an entire hamburger graphic organizer before writing.

Your third, fourth, or fifth grade students will love it – and you will too!

• The hamburger analogy makes explanatory paragraphs fun.
• Activities support kids who struggle with informative writing. All students improve structure and style.
• Lessons address the intent of your ELA standards. In addition to paragraph development, kids work on elaboration, word choice, and linking words.

Enjoy teaching!

Brenda Kovich