To help my students learn to expand sentences in writing we begin with a graphic organizer called Monster Sentences. We begin by making a list of creatures (perfect time to try this is around Halloween, but could be done any time of the year). After making a list of creatures each child chooses one and then describes the creature in the describe box on the graphic organizer. They continue filling in the graphic organizer moving across the page to the right. After filling in the organizer I have them write their sentences or stories on the monster paper.