Essay Writing in Middle School : From Paragraphs to Literature Analysis
Help your middle schooler develop essay-writing skills through engaging lessons. This course builds the foundations for strong writing, helping students become confident essay writers in both homeschool and traditional school settings.
Dr. Brooke Nelson
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(6)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students will receive weekly writing assignments that build on the skills covered in class. These assignments will range from paragraph writing to full essays.Assessment
Upon request, feedback will be provided to help students refine their work and grow as writers.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Join "Middle School Essay Writing: From Paragraphs to Literature Analysis " to develop the skills needed for academic success in middle school and beyond. Designed for students aged 11-14, this course guides learners through the essential steps of writing—from crafting strong paragraphs to developing full essays. Along the way, students will also explore literature and learn how to analyze and respond to texts, an important skill in any middle school English class. Whether your child is homeschooled or attends traditional school, this class will equip them with the writing skills needed to succeed. What Will Be Taught? Each class will cover key elements of essay writing, with an emphasis on structure, clarity, and analysis: • Writing strong paragraphs with clear topic sentences and supporting details. • Structuring essays with introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions. • Analyzing literature and crafting responses to reading. • Practicing transitions and cohesive writing for clarity. • Engaging in peer feedback to refine writing skills. Class Structure: This class meets once a week for 55 minutes, with each session focusing on a specific aspect of essay writing. Classes include: • Interactive Discussions: Students will share their writing and offer feedback to peers. • Writing Drills: Weekly exercises to strengthen writing techniques and organization. • Literature Analysis: Practice analyzing short literature excerpts and crafting written responses. • Real-World Applications: Students will learn how to apply writing skills to various subjects and assignments, making writing an enjoyable and useful skill across all areas of study.
Learning Goals
Develop strong paragraph-writing skills, including topic sentences and supporting details.Learn to structure essays effectively with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Crafting the Perfect Introduction
Students will explore techniques for writing engaging introductions that hook the reader and clearly present their thesis. We’ll practice different styles of intros, such as anecdotes and surprising facts, with the goal of creating strong, compelling openings. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Writing Organized Paragraphs
Students will learn to construct organized paragraphs with clear topic sentences, supporting details, and conclusions. Through guided practice, they will craft paragraphs using prompts and receive feedback to improve structure and clarity, building a foundation for future writing. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Building Better Body Paragraphs
This lesson focuses on developing body paragraphs that support a thesis with evidence and analysis. Students will practice writing paragraphs that integrate evidence from literature excerpts, strengthening their arguments and understanding of body paragraph structure. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Writing a Strong Conclusion
Students will learn strategies to effectively conclude essays by summarizing key points and reinforcing their thesis. The lesson will cover how to leave a lasting impression with thought-provoking final statements. Students will practice writing concise, impactful conclusions. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents are encouraged to support students in completing writing assignments and discussing their ideas at home. This course will include age-appropriate content and will focus on enhancing writing skills through practical application. No mature themes will be covered in this class, ensuring that all materials are suitable for the target age group.
Pre-Requisites
Students should have a basic understanding of writing simple sentences and paragraphs. A love for reading and a willingness to engage in writing exercises will help them get the most out of the course.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined January, 2021
5.0
6reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Doctoral Degree in Religious Studies from Claremont Graduate University
Master's Degree in History from University of California, Irvine
With over 14 years of experience in education, I specialize in teaching at various educational levels. My work includes training teachers in inquiry-based learning and creating high-quality, student-centered content for both traditional and online learning environments. I My approach emphasizes building strong foundational skills in a supportive and interactive environment, making writing an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all students.Reviews
Live Group Course
$59
weekly or $350 for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-10 learners per class
