Teaching Kids to Write Fantastic Hooks
When it comes to teaching kids writing, one of the most important strategies to teach is how to write a hook. The hook is the very first sentence in the essay, and a good one creates a lasting impression with the reader. One mistake I see kids frequently making is writing general statements for a hook such as:
Hello, my name is _____________and today I am going to write about…
Volunteering after school is an important part of learning responsibility…
The biggest mistake is the teacher neglecting to correct this error. In my writing program, TeachUS”Write,” there are 8 types of hooks for writing an essay:
8 TYPES OF HOOKS
Question
When writing a question, try to create a picture in the reader’s mind. Use the words who, what, when, where, why, is, how, or are at the beginning of the sentence.
Quote
When writing a quote, it can be a direct quotation from a book, TV show, movie, or a famous person.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is a word that makes sounds. Those can be animal sounds, car sounds, or any other sound. Examples include: Bang! Woof! or Cock-a-doodle-doo!
Poem
Use a poem from a famous author, or make up your own.
Song
Use a line or two from your favorite song on the radio. Make sure you relate it to your essay.
Interjection
Interjections express emotions. Examples are Aha!, Stop!, Ugh!, Help!, Well!, YOW!, Brrrr!, Yummy!
Startling Statistic
Statistics show relationships with numbers. Find a surprising statistic involving your topic.
Dialogue
Dialogue features two or more people talking.
Here is an example of 8 different hooks which could be used for writing an expository essay about my favorite television show, Spongebob Squarepants:
QUESTION
• Where in the Pacific Ocean can you find a delicious Krabby Patty to eat, live in a pineapple, and drive in an underwater boat? Bikini Bottom, of course!
QUOTE
• "Do you smell that? That smell--It's the smell of a smelly smell...