Paragraph Blueprint

Use the completed organizer and transition words to build a 5-sentence paragraph

Prompt Level: □ Indep □ Gestural □ Verbal

Name: ____________________________________

Date: ______________________

Completed Graphic Organizer: Desert Camouflage Step 1: Read Notes

Central Idea: Desert animals use unique camouflage features to survive in extreme environments.

Fact 1: Horned Lizards Have bumpy, sand-colored scales that blend into desert pebbles and rocky soil.

Fact 2: Fennec Foxes Grow pale, sandy fur that matches the dunes and deflects scorching sunlight.

Fact 3: Sidewinders Bury themselves into loose sand so only their eyes remain visible to prey.

Conclusion / Wrap-Up: Camouflage is an essential adaptation that protects desert creatures from predators and heat.

Transition Word Bank • Choose at least 2 transitions for your detail sentences:

Starting: To begin, First, One example is

Connecting: In addition, Also, Furthermore, Another creature

Closing: In summary, Ultimately, As a result

Step 2: Compose Your 5 Sentences Below (Write complete thoughts with capitalization and punctuation)

1. Topic Sentence (Introduce Desert Camouflage):

2. Supporting Detail 1 (Horned Lizards + Transition Word):

3. Supporting Detail 2 (Fennec Foxes + Transition Word):

4. Supporting Detail 3 (Sidewinders + Transition Word):

5. Concluding Sentence (Restate importance of camouflage):

Self-Check Checklist: □ Topic Sentence □ 3 Details □ 2+ Transitions □ Concluding Sentence □ CUPS (Capitals & Periods)

Paragraph Blueprint • Graphic Organizer to Paragraph Practice Page 2 of 3

Independent Paragraph Probe

IEP Progress Monitoring Probe • Synthesize Notes into a Cohesive Paragraph

Probe Date: ___/___/2026 Score: ___ / 16

Student: _________________________

Teacher: _______________________

Independence: [ ] Indep [ ] ≤1 Prompt [ ] 2+ Prompts

Completed Graphic Organizer: Living in Space Read all 5 sections before drafting

Central Idea: Astronauts on the International Space Station must adapt their daily routines to live safely in zero gravity.

Fact 1: Sleeping Astronauts must strap their sleeping bags securely to the wall so they do not float around while sleeping.

Fact 2: Exercise Crews exercise for two hours every day using specialized bungee equipment to prevent bone and muscle loss.

Fact 3: Meals & Water Food comes sealed in vacuum pouches, and moisture from sweat and breath is filtered into drinking water.

Concluding Wrap-Up: Living in orbit requires disciplined routines and advanced technology to stay healthy far from Earth.

Draft Your Continuous 5-Sentence Paragraph: Indent the first sentence • Use transitions

Student CUPS Editing Checklist

□ C: Capital letters □ U: Understanding (makes sense) □ P: Punctuation (periods, commas) □ S: Spelling check

Teacher Scoring (IEP Probe)

Sentences: __/4

Org: __/4

CUPS: __/4

Indep: __/4

Total: ___ / 16 Goal Target: ≥13/16 (80%) Mastery: [ ] Yes [ ] No

Paragraph Blueprint • Graphic Organizer to Paragraph Practice Page 3 of 3