Choice Words - Make Them "Hear" You!
In this one-time class, we will compare written pieces to determine what word choice has to do with vivid composition and revise to improve composition with specific word choice.
Madeline C Teater
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(1)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Choice Words - Write Like a Pro! Sometimes we know something, but we are unaware that we know. Consider writing: "The dog was taken on trains," becomes "For two days and nights this express car was dragged along at the tail of shrieking locomotives"--Jack London's description of the outraged canine, Buck, from The Call of the Wild. We know that London's description grabs our interest in a way that "The dog was taken on trains," never can. Students who love to read take in the passages of their favorite books like oxygen. They need to feel the emotions of the characters and see the "movie" that the author has created. Many think that writing in such a way is for "authors," never dreaming that we are all authors when we write. Once we know the secrets of specific word choice, diction, we cannot settle for less. That is my hope and my goal. I usually teach with examples and discussions of materials that will clearly demonstrate to students the ideas in the lesson. It is important to me to engage students in a lively discussion whose ground rules include having respect for others' ideas and feelings. I hope that students will engage with one another as well as with me.
Learning Goals
Students will look for compelling, specific verbs and nouns in excerpts of excellent writing.
Students will identify humdrum nouns and verbs used in first drafts.
Students will have a system for finding and using specific nouns and verbs in their own writing.
Students will share their examination of writing with their peers.
Students will produce a better draft of a personally written paragraph or sentence.
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need pencils or pens and paper.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2021
5.0
1reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
A veteran of 38 years of teaching English/Language Arts in public middle and high schools, I have missed the interaction with kids since my retirement and look forward to engaging with learners again in Outschool.
Before I began my teaching career at the ripe age of twenty-one, I graduated from Towson State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a minor in education. I continued my education over the years in various state-sponsored courses from Maryland and Florida, including teaching reading, creative writing, and addressing the needs of exceptional students. In addition, I studied in graduate courses at Trinity College in Washington, D.C. I have credentials appropriate for my positions including teaching certificates from Maryland and Florida, and certifications in Exceptional Student Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Finally, there is no training that rivals OJT--on-the-job training. In my decades of experience, I have learned the nuances of successful teaching that come only with experience.
My favorite topics are novel study, grammar, and writing skills. I have used multiple ways of encouraging student involvement in lessons, including discussion of ideas and questions, annotating text, creating art that illustrates themes, conflicts, characterization, and making connections between the novels, themselves, and the world. We also examine writing techniques and diction. When we deeply explore a novel, reading, writing, and grammar are all examined.
What I love about reading novels with students is that they learn that their responses are valid even if they differ from those of others. No book is the same for every reader because we all bring our own experiences to the reading, and those varied histories imbue the novel with some personal imagery and perspectives. We communicate our ideas respectfully, and hearing from others is a broadening experience for readers.
Finally, there is nothing like connecting with students in a joint venture: discovering the many facets of a novel. We laugh, sometimes we are sad, and our discussions broaden everyone. I hope to encourage my students to view reading and writing as opportunities to understand the world and express themselves in a safe environment.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-6 learners per class
