Self-Paced Class: Before the Essay (Middle School Writing Projects)
Dana Lorelle, Writing, Vocabulary, Essays
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Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(1,216)
This video-based self-paced class bridges the gap between paragraphs and essays by focusing on how to create longer, more complex writings -- while keeping it fun!
Class experience
US Grade 5 - 8
This self-paced (video-based) six-week course covers writing styles that every middle school student should master. It bridges the gap between paragraphs and essays by focusing on longer styles of writing that build skills of brainstorming, organization, grammar, and composition. This class consists of six videos that guide students through the composition of narrative, expository, and persuasive writing projects. Each project is completed over two lessons. As the instructor, I work with...
6 lessons//6 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Lesson 1: Narrative WritingWe'll take a look at what narrative writing is... and how we can create pictures with words! The focus is on telling a story with utmost attention to sensory details, vivid verbs, and strong hooks. Students should send their rough draft to the instructor for feedback.Week 2Lesson 2Lesson 2: Narrative WritingIn this lesson, students should expect to revise their narrative drafts by adding dialogue and several literary devices (figurative language, alliteration, etc). They will also work on creating an ending that answers the question "Why is this event important?" Students should submit their final composition for a detailed evaluation.Week 3Lesson 3Lesson 3: Expository WritingTime to brainstorm! This lesson moves into expository (informational writing). Students will compose a three-paragraph "essay" that mimics the structure of a complete five-paragraph essay but has only one body paragraph. This lesson will focus on writing that body paragraph with perfect paragraph form. Students should submit the paragraph to the instructor for feedback.Week 4Lesson 4Lesson 4: Expository WritingIn this lesson, students will polish off their expository paper by adding an introduction and a conclusion. Central to this lesson is the creation of a thesis statement, but the correct construction of an introduction with a good hook and a conclusion with a strong ending are also important. Students should submit their final paper for an evaluation.Week 5Lesson 5Lesson 5: Persuasive WritingLogos, ethos, and pathos, oh my! The ancient Greeks knew how to persuade... and so will you after this lesson! For in-class practice, students will do plenty of brainstorming on various issues. Outside of class, they will write the middle section of a mini persuasive essay on the topic of their choice. Students should submit their sentences to the instructor for feedback.Week 6Lesson 6Lesson 6: Persuasive WritingOnce we revise the persuasive sentences, the class will focus on crafting an introduction and conclusion, once again with strong thesis statements. Students should submit their final paper for an evaluation.
My passion -- as well as my professional background -- is writing. Professionally, I hold a B.A. in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and I've been published in numerous newspapers and magazines. I've also taught writing and literature classes to students of all ages and abilities. On a personal note, I have homeschooled all five of my children and taught them all to read and write... and with each it has been a different experience! What's easy for one child is not easy for another. When I teach online, I always remember that it's important to keep learning fun and to incorporate different methods of teaching to reach all my students.
Homework Offered
In lessons 1, 3, and 5, students will be working on rough drafts that they can submit for feedback. They should also plan time to make changes to these drafts. In the other lessons, students will be completing/revising their drafts to submit for evaluation.1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
I complete a detailed evaluation for each submitted project that follows a checklist (students have the checklist before they complete the assignment). Additionally, I evaluate their writing for organization, mechanics, and style.Grades Offered
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Star Educator
Popular
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(1,216)
***Use coupon code LORELLE20245 for $5 off any class.*** Welcome! I'm here because I love writing, reading, and teaching, and through Outschool I'm able to blend all three. I offer classes in writing and literature analysis (especially poetry),...
Self-Paced Class
$13
weekly or $75 for all content6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher feedback
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 97 learners
Ages: 11-15
