Creative Writing for Beginners: Descriptive Writing: Word Webs & Sentence Frames

Hello, future students and families! My name is Gwen Ram, and I’m from Southern California. I am a wife, a mom to 2 girls and 1 boy, a CA credentialed teacher, and a homeschool mom. I received my BA in Liberal studies from San Diego State University and my credential from CSU Fullerton. I have spent the past 12 years teaching kids from 6-12 year olds. My family is a full-time RV family, and we enjoy traveling, going on adventurers, learning through real life experiences, and living a more simple life with the mindset of "less junk, more adventure".  

Once you join a class, you will find that they are very engaging and high energy! I love to have my students get excited about their learning and involved in my lessons no matter the subject. I believe all children bring something unique to the classroom, and I encourage them to actively participate.  

Several of my classes focus on reading and writing, but don’t be surprised to find some other fun classes posted on occasion. I love to incorporate movement, chants, games, art, and/or activities into all of my lessons. My classes are inclusive and diversified, and I always make sure to include several learning styles (visual, auditory, verbal, physical) into each of my lessons. 

I look forward to teaching, learning, and growing with your family as we nurture your little learners to enjoy the adventure! 

Mrs. Ram


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CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
I encourage all of my students to participate during class with the expectation that they show respect to the teacher and their classmates. As long as there is little to no background noise students can stay unmuted during the lesson. If the environment does not allow students to have a quiet space, I kindly ask that your child stay muted unless called on or they have raised their hand. 
During some lessons, I will use the mute feature to mute the entire class to make sure that the content can be heard by all. Please make sure that when your child joins the class THEIR name exactly as they have been registered is on their zoom account. This will help speed up the process of getting each class started promptly. 

At the start of each class, I will briefly go over my class expectations to make sure all students are aware of what is expected of them. 
1.Raise your hand for permission to speak.
2.Be polite and respectful of your classmates and teacher.
3. Have fun! 

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RECORDINGS:
Recordings are not automatically posted. If you have missed a class or would like a recording please message me directly. Teachers are not notified of requests made from the classroom tab, so please remember to use the messaging feature. 

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SIBLINGS:
I am more than happy to have siblings join my class. Please make sure that each child in registered to make it fair for all potential students. Siblings can use the same device and sit next to each other in class.

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REFUNDS & TRANSFERS:
Per Outschool's limited refund policy: "Full refund within 24 hours of purchase or up to a week in advance of the class." 

**Please ensure the time is AM or PM when signing up. I teach early mornings as well as evenings to suit all time zones and, unfortunately, I am not able to refill a spot last minute if it is realized that the time of day was mistaken or the class was missed. This is a non-refundable policy.

For one-time classes:
If within the week, you realize you won't be able to make class, please submit a transfer request from the classroom at least 24 hours in advance. This ensures another student who would like to take the class has enough time to see the opening and enroll. 
If contacted after class, I cannot refund or transfer. I do understand personal/family emergencies come up and will do my best to support you if I am contacted before class. If your learner is withdrawn on your end within the non-refundable period, I am unable to transfer you. It is best to contact me first for your options.

Please test Zoom before class. I like to be fully present with students as soon as we begin class, and do not access my conversations or classroom comments on Outschool after the class has already started.

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CLASS CANCELLATIONS:
If a class has not met the minimum number of enrollments (3 students), it is subject to being canceled. I will send a message asking if you'd like a transfer to another date & time or full refund if the class is canceled. Automatic refunds are issued for no responses after original class start time.