Paragraph Writing and Grammar for Students Who Want to Write Better

Learners will learn to write paragraphs using a graphic organizer. In particular, learners will learn how to write 6-8 sentence paragraphs. Each week learners will compose logical and clear paragraphs. Grammar will be taught in a natural, but sequential way. Over the years, I have found the best way to teach grammar has been through students actually writing and correcting their own writing. This class is not a drill and kill class: instead, students will learn grammar through writing exercises and group lessons with other students. 

This class teaches grammar from a writing approach. This methodology is effective because the approach helps students write clearly because students will learn how to catch their own errors right away. We all know a basic understanding of grammar is essential to communication success, whether writing a school research paper or sending an email to a teacher or potential employer. When our grammar is correct, then our words are clear and that makes our ideas stronger.  Strong ideas make for top-notch communication and much better writing. Correct grammar is essential in academic writing. 
 
This class prepares student writers, especially those who want to go to college, to do well by addressing basic grammar errors most English language learners make. Special needs writers will also find this class valuable because the curriculum reviews the mistakes developing writers tend to make as well. 

The class will also encourage students write by using a critical thinking journal.  Students are encouraged to write weekly in their journal. The journal “Critical Writing Prompts by Collegiate Learning will be used, although purchasing the journal is not necessary.

These grammar mistakes are overcome by addressing the reasons students tend to make these mistakes, as well as providing learners with easy step-by-step directions. 

Class format: 
First, each student will be shown how to compose paragraphs using the graphic organizer and, at times, videos. Next, learners will be encouraged to compose clear sentences according to a given topic. Grammar lessons will be as listed below:
ONE
Irregular verbs and Capitalization Rules
The “To be” and Helping Verbs

TWO
Sentences that Make Sense
Articles and Nouns

THREE
Verbs. and Spelling Rules
 Kinds of Pronouns

FOUR
Prepositions
Conjunctions

FIVE
Adjectives and Adverbs of Manner
Present Tense

SIX
Adjectives of Frequency
Simple Past Tense & Continuous Past Tense

Second, students will take turns sharing their journal entries with the class and expressing their ideas. Sharing a journal entry and discussing ideas helps students write clearly. 

Finally, students will review homework assignments for the following week. Students will also bring their grammar homework to class to be corrected in the group. All homework will be posted in the Outschool classroom,

Learning goals: 
Students will master grammar rules, and apply those rules to their writing, which will result in them writing clearly. 
Students will be prepared for college and university writing.