Camp- Elementary Writing 3: Beginning Paragraph Building

This is a 5-day, fast-paced, engaging camp that will help learners take basic sentences and build them into creative, descriptive paragraphs. They will write three to four sentences per paragraph that will include a topic sentence, one or two supporting details, and a conclusion sentence.  This class is best suited for learners who are ready to move from writing sentences to starting paragraphs. 

The class meets will be structured as follows:

The teacher will begin by showing the class a flashcard or interesting object and ask for a simple sentence to introduce what they will write about. The class will write the sentence as the topic sentence (the teacher may use the whiteboard for reinforcement).

Next, the teacher will begin to question the class about the card or object about aspects such as color, size, and numbers. The class will write a detailed sentence that supports the topic.

(Optional based on class and ability) The teacher will ask more questions about actions, emotions, and positions to increase the sentence for the third time.  The class will offer suggestions and write another sentence to support the topic.

Finally, the teacher will ask how to end the "story," and the class will write the final sentence to end the paragraph.

The process will be repeated as time allows.  Some groups will work faster or slower than others, but learners can expect to write a minimum of one three-sentence paragraph per class. 

The teacher will use grammatical vocabulary to help students gain exposure to basic parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.), punctuation, and sentence structure. Learners will be encouraged to use proper capitalization as well. Paragraph parts will also be used in discussion to help learners gain familiarity with the terms and process, but there will not be an actual lesson on the parts. This class is a "learn-by-doing" experience. 

Learners should leave each session with at least one written paragraph. There may be more in groups that are able to work faster.  

In most cases, the teacher will use handheld flashcards and objects held up in the video feed. Occasionally, a teacher may screen share an image, but there will never be outside websites, links, or accounts needed by the learners.

Topics will be determined randomly by flashcards, objects, and pictures the learners or the teacher bring to class. Each session will begin with new flashcards, objects, and/or pictures and be independent of the sessions before or after.