Asynchronous Middle School English Language Arts ELA- Focus on Research Essays
Join us as in this ongoing 6th, 7th, and 8th grade curriculum ELA class as we learn about a different topic each week, focusing on nonfiction texts, planning and writing a research paper, gathering sources, and polishing the final text.
What's included
10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each week, learners will have an assignment they should expect to spend one to two hours a week on, including watching the mini-lesson and instructional videos.Assessment
Assessment will be a continuous, informal process in which I review submitted assignments then provide feedback and opportunities for extra practice, if necessaryGrading
I do not believe grades are a real reflection of a learner's knowledge. What matters most is their growth- what their skills were like before and after the duration of the class. That said, I do offer grades and certificates of completion upon request.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner - Advanced Level
In this English Language Arts (ELA) class, learners will not have any live meetings. It is expected to take ten weeks to complete. I will be available for submission and feedback via messaging. Once I receive an assignment, I will provide feedback by the following Sunday (Central Time). Furthermore, I will be available daily for questions, typically responding within twenty-four hours. This class, combined with my other class "Asynchronous Middle School English Language Arts ELA- Focus on Fiction," is an entire year's worth of curriculum, covering common core standards. The topics have been split into two different classes to allow for learners to have a break in the middle. The companion course includes skills in reading comprehension and literacy. Learners will choose a research topic for the semester. They can write about any of their interests. If necessary, I can also provide a writing topic. The scope is endless. For example, your learner can write about the benefits of playing Minecraft, the intricacies of a crime they find interesting (D.B. Cooper anyone?), dinosaurs, aviation, military history, film studies... the possibilities are limitless. Our ultimate goal is to create an approximately 500 word, 4-5 paragraph, polished research paper. They will work on this paper as an ongoing assignment throughout the course, with some additional assignments and worksheets. Each week we will focus on a different skill and learners will need to complete the following tasks: -Watch an approximately 15 minute video of our weekly mini-lesson. -Complete one assignment over the weekly skill. A lot of the assignments will empower students to choose how to demonstrate what they have learned. *Note: With the transition from Flex to Self-Paced, there is no longer a game to play due to expiration dates. Certificates of completion are available upon request. Personalized feedback will be provided weekly along with advice for additional practice that learners can do at home with their grownups. Feedback will include areas your learner is performing well in, as well as areas needing improvement. Daily English Language Arts Skills Practiced in this class include but are not limited to: -Expression and comprehension - The interconnected nature of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking - Developing and sustaining foundational language skills -Inquiry -Critical thinking and analysis -Literacy -Building connections using prior knowledge -Creating relationships among ideas
Learning Goals
- The interconnected nature of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking
- Developing and sustaining foundational language skills
-Inquiry
-Critical thinking and analysis
-Literacy
-Building connections to themselves and their prior knowledge
Our ultimate goal is to create an approximately 500 word, polished research paper.
Specific learning goals encompass the topics on the syllabus in addition to the following daily English Language Arts skills, which include but are not limited to:
Other Details
Learning Needs
Through my teaching experience, I have worked with autistic learners, as well as those with ADHD and Dyslexia in an academic setting. I try my best to meet learners where they are by scaffolding- providing supports and room for growth.
Parental Guidance
As always, parental guidance is advised. We will use the third party source Google Docs. Additionally, when conducting research, learners may want to use Google Scholar to find sources.
Supply List
All necessary materials will be provided, including worksheets and reading passages. Videos will be embedded in the classroom for viewing. Optional materials your learners may want include but are not limited to: writing utensils, paper, and printed assignments.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Education from University of Texas of the Permian Basin
I am certified to teach grades 7-12 (middle and high school level) English/Language Arts in the state of Texas. I also hold a Bachelor's in Maritime Studies (anthropology), with minors in English and Archeology, and a Master's in Education.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$17
weekly or $170 for all content10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 9 learners
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Ages: 10-14