Grade 1 · Extra practiceinformative paragraph
How We Care for Bubbles
Students read a short informative paragraph about caring for Bubbles the class goldfish, answer four questions about paragraph structure, and use teacher and homeschool guidance to plan their own writing.
Offline - with you
Print the pages for offline work together; the answer key is for you.
Read the paragraph about Bubbles aloud with your child, then read it again together and ask, "Which sentence tells us what the whole paragraph is about?" That topic sentence ("Bubbles is our class pet goldfish") names the subject, while the other sentences give facts about feeding, cleaning, and keeping him calm — a strong answer can point to one of these facts and explain that it tells us *how* we care for Bubbles. For the "does not belong" question, help your child see that a good fact sentence sticks to the topic of caring for the fish; anything about a different animal or a personal opinion would not fit. When it is time to write, let your child pick a real pet or object at home (a plant, a stuffed animal, a dog) and say, "First tell me what it is, then tell me two true things about it." If your child gets stuck, talk the sentences out loud first and write them down together — speaking before writing is a normal and helpful step at this age. Celebrate a clear topic sentence and two matching facts, even if spelling is still wobbly.
How We Care for Bubbles
Bubbles is our class pet goldfish. Our class takes good care of him each day. We feed Bubbles fish flakes two times a day. He only needs a small pinch of food. We clean his tank one time each week. Bubbles needs clean, cool water to stay well. We do not tap the glass, because loud sounds scare him. A happy fish swims fast and looks bright.
What this lesson checks
- Writing plan: The paragraph tells facts about how we care for Bubbles. Write 2 or 3 more sentences that could come next. Keep the same voice. Add new facts about caring for Bubbles, like keeping the tank in a safe spot or checking the water.
- Writing plan: Your class has a new pet rabbit named Hops. Write 2 or 3 sentences that tell facts about how to care for Hops. Start with a topic sentence. Then add facts. Do not tell a story.
- Writing plan: The paragraph about Bubbles is missing a closing sentence that wraps it up. Write one closing sentence that fits the paragraph. It should tell why caring for Bubbles is good or sum up the facts.
- Writing plan: Here is a weak draft about a class pet: "Our class has a turtle. He is the best pet ever." This draft gives an opinion and no facts. Rewrite it so it sounds like our paragraph about Bubbles. Start with a topic sentence. Then add 2 facts about how to care for the turtle. Do not use words like best or favorite.