Foundations of Formal Essay Writing Course
What's included
8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. There will be weekly enrichment activities to do, which includes learners continuing to research and write their essays.Letter Grade
I will be giving both verbal and written feedback weekly, plus I will be using a grading rubric for the final essay so learners can see how they did! If you wish to have a formal grade report, please message me and let me know!Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
This course is an engaging and comprehensive 6-week program specifically aimed at teenagers. This course will provide a deep-dive into the structure, style, and strategies needed to excel in formal essay writing. I give a ton of positive verbal and written feedback and suggestions throughout the course for each individual learner. *It is super helpful if your learner has access to Google Docs for this course. If your learner does not have access to Google Docs, Microsoft Word will also work. Week 1: Lesson on the foundations of formal essay writing and structure/students choose their own topic for the essay they will be building Week 2: Building the thesis statement and learn techniques to help research topics Week 3: Continue the research process, learn about citing sources and MLA formatting Week 4: Build the body paragraphs, including citations and evidence Week 5: Continue building the body paragraphs, citing evidence and elaborating on that evidence Week 6: Lesson on strong introductions and conclusions, focusing on writing amazing attention-getters and transitions Week 7: Fine-tuning and editing process Week 8: Compiling a Works Cited page and Review This class starts by setting the groundwork with the core principles of essay writing, such as understanding the essay format, brainstorming, and filling out an outline (one will be provided for the learner). I then move on to crafting an effective thesis statement, the driving force of an essay, and show tips and tricks on how to organize one’s research. As the weeks progress, we dig into advanced topics such as utilizing and citing effective sources, using transition words, and making sure all students understand the essentials of MLA formatting and citing. This course is structured to accommodate both beginners and those with some basic experience, ensuring that all participants develop the skills to produce well-structured, coherent, and compelling essays. Learners will be engaged with various interactive activities, real-life examples, and critical writing assignments to practice and enhance their understanding. By the end of this course, learners will be equipped with the confidence and competence to tackle any essay writing task with ease. They will learn to articulate their thoughts more clearly, convincingly, and creatively, thereby improving their overall communication skills. Whether your learner is preparing for high school writing, college applications, or just seeking to improve their writing skills, this course will pave their way to writing success. I model everything we do and assign tasks in very manageable chunks. I am the queen of giving out helpful handouts, so your learner will leave this class with an abundance of guides, outlines, and other helpful tools to help them navigate through any essay they write in the future!
Learning Goals
By the end of this course, learners will be equipped with the confidence and competence to tackle any essay writing task with ease.
Learners will learn to articulate their thoughts more clearly, convincingly, and creatively, thereby improving their overall communication skills.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Essay Foundations & Choosing Topics
This lesson focuses on the foundations of formal essay writing and structure and guides learners in choosing their own topic for the essay they will be building.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Thesis Statement and Research Process
This lesson's focus is on building the thesis statement using a writing formula and learning techniques to help research topics in an organized, meaningful way.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Researching and MLA Basics
During this lesson, learners will continue the research process and learn about citing sources and MLA formatting.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Building Body Paragraphs
In this lesson, learners are shown how to take their color-coded research and build their body paragraphs, including citations and evidence.
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Each week I will be uploading helpful handouts/documents for learners to use for this class and any future class where they may need to write essays. Access to Google Docs is preferred.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
North Dakota Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
5 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from College of St. Scholastica
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Jamestown College
Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from Jamestown College
Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Jamestown College
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Jamestown College
I have been a certified English teacher for over 20 years, and guiding students through the essay process is one of my favorite things to teach!
Reviews
Live Group Course
$160
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
4-8 learners per class