Essay Writing Self-Paced Class
In this 8-week class, kids will become better writers as they learn to write different kinds of essays (narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative). They will receive personalized feedback on each essay.
Lisa Rohloff
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(353)
Rising Star
What's included
5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1-2 hours per week. Homework each week will include watching prerecorded videos, completing a planner and/or graphic organizer, writing a rough draft, and revising and editing the rough draft to a final copy. I will give specific instructions each week on when writing should be posted in Outschool.Assessment
I will provide written feedback for homework that has been turned in. When the class is completed, I'll send parents feedback on how their child did in the class. This can include a grade if parents request it. I will write feedback that includes grammar, spelling, essay structure, voice, tone, and elements of each kind of essay.Grading
Students will receive weekly feedback on their writing.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Intermediate Level
In this self-paced class, students will hone their writing skills as they learn to write a variety of different kinds of essays. Each lesson has 2 short teaching videos. Once kids turn in their assignments, I will send written feedback. Each week, kids will write a different kind of essay. As the kids complete lessons, their understanding of the basic structure of an essay will build. The last essay is the most complex (argumentative). Here are the topics for each week: Unit 1: 5-Paragraph Essay This week kids will write a 5-paragraph essay on a topic of their choice. Focus will be on the basic structure of a 5-paragraph essay (hook, thesis statement, main body paragraphs with details to support the topic, and a conclusion paragraph). We will also focus on writing good paragraphs that have a topic sentence, sentences that support the topic, and a conclusion sentence. Unit 2: Writing a Narrative Essay Students will learn about the structure of a narrative essay focusing on writing in first person, telling a story, the difference between a narrative essay and a short story, and the structure of a narrative essay. Unit 3: Descriptive Essay Kids will write an essay describing a person, place, thing, or idea. Focus will be on using sensory detail words to help the reader engage their 5 senses on the topic. Unit 4: Writing an Expository Essay Kids will write an expository essay. Focus will be on writing in 3rd person and using academic voice and tone. Kids will do research for this essay. They will be directed to Smithsonian Magazine website (an Outschool approved resource) where they can find evidence to support their topic. Kids will also learn how to write a paragraph with an in-text citation and how to cite their source(s). Unit 5: Argumentative Essay This week kids will write an argumentative essay. Focus will be on using logos, ethos, and pathos to convince the reader. For this week's lesson, kids will do some research. They will be directed to Smithsonian Magazine website (an Outschool Approved Resource) where they can find evidence to support their claim. We'll continue to reinforce the concept of writing paragraphs with in-text citations and citing sources.
Learning Goals
The parts of an essay: introduction paragraph, main body paragraphs, conclusion paragraphStructure of each type of essay
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)6 Units
5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksUnit 1: Writing a 5-Paragraph Essay
Lesson 1:
Planning and Writing Your Essay Part 1
In this lesson, kids will read an example essay, choose a topic for their essay, and write their introduction paragraph. Lesson 2:
Planning and Writing Your Essay Part 2
In this lesson, kids will learn to write their main body paragraphs. Special focus will be on writing good main body paragraphs. Lesson 3:
Planning and Writing Your Essay Part 3
In this lesson, kids will learn how to write their conclusion paragraph. Unit 2: Writing a Descriptive Essay
Lesson 4:
Other Details
Learning Needs
Kids with unique learning needs are welcome! I give individualized feedback.
Parental Guidance
For some essays, kids will need to do some research on their topic. One Outschool approved source is the Smithsonian Magazine website. For kids who are 13 or over, they can use other websites or books.
Assignments can be turned in using any of the following:
- Google Docs
- Google Slides
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Power Point
- A phone picture of a handwritten assignment
Pre-Requisites
Kids should be able to read and write in English at a 5th grade level or higher.
Supply List
Worksheets will be posted in the classroom. Kids will need to either handwrite their assignments on a notebook with pencil/pen or they can type them on Word or Google Docs.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
All worksheets are created by me and will be posted in the classroom. For some essays, kids will do research and need to find sources.
Joined April, 2020
4.8
353reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from University of Wisconsin-Stout
Bachelor's Degree from Ashford University
I love working with kids! I have 15 years of teaching experience, and I have taught in both traditional school settings and as a homeschool parent. I am passionate about helping kids at all levels of their reading and writing journey. It's so exciting when I see a student gain confidence as a reader/writer or when I can help a young aspiring writer achieve their dreams.
My writing experience includes writing copy for marketing materials, ghost writing for corporate executives, technical writing, writing newspaper articles, and writing instructions for digital technology applications. Managing a corporate internal newsletter was one of my favorite projects. I created the newsletter design, interviewed and wrote articles about team members, and managed the editing and submission process for all the contributors. As a hobby, I love to write short stories, poetry, and songs. I can't imagine my life without writing.
My education includes a BA in Communications and a Master of Science in Technical and Professional Communication (MSTPC). Because I have completed 2 years of my BA and all of my MS classes online, I am skilled with the various aspects of online learning. I love using what I have learned to help kids become better at reading and writing.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$24
weekly5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 1 learner
Ages: 11-14
