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Essay Writing Self-Paced Class

Completed by 1 learner

Ages 11-14

Self-Paced Course

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 reviews)

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18 pre-recorded lessons

5 weeks of teacher support

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1 year of access to the content

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What's included

18 pre-recorded lessons

5 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Assignments

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 feedback after lessons are turned in.

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 paragraph

Structure of each type of essay

Syllabus

Curriculum

Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum

Standards

Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

6 Units

18 Lessons

over 5 Weeks

Unit 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.

1 assignment

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:

Planning a Descriptive Essay

 In this lesson, kids will learn what a descriptive essay is and begin planning one. They will also read an example.

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. For some lessons, kids will need to research a topic and take notes. They will need to find a source with the guidance of a parent.

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.

Meet the teacher

Lisa Rohloff

Joined April, 2020

4.8

353reviews

Star Educator

Profile

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.