Have Fun with Language – BrEaK Roools ... For Good Reasons (Ages 9-14)
The class is all about learning the importance of spelling, punctuation, capitalisation*, layout, and grammar rules - and when it's OK to break them.
Leon Conrad
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(230)
What's included
1 live meeting
1 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. No specific homework is assigned, but ideas for development work will be shared which students can engage with independently after the class. Guidance on standards will be provided to assist them in doing so.Assessment
The aim of the class is for each student to complete a piece of written work during the class. This will be assessed informally in breakout rooms so students have individual feedback, and allow them all to experience positive acknowledgement of their achievements in the group plenary at the end. A handout with ideas for further development in clear stages will be provided for follow-on work, with demonstrative samples and tutor's comments on these which students can use as springboards for future work. A mark sheet with clear grade descriptors for this task will be provided. A handout with some examples of creative ideas drawn from or inspired by published writers' work will also be provided.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Spelling, punctuation, capitalisation*, spacing, layout, and grammar rules exist for a reason. It's important not just to know the rules but to understand why they're there in the first place. In this class, we look at some examples of how writers have played with spelling, punctuation, grammar, capital letters, spacing and layout on the page ... taking a creative approach to each or all of these. In each case, we look at each of the rules that a particular writer's broken; why it's there in the first place; and what effect they've achieved as a result of taking liberties with it. We then split into individual breakout rooms and participants are given the task of finding ways to break three rules creatively in a short piece of writing. We then join together in a group and share work, with students then being able to expand on their knowledge and understanding as a result of learning from and appreciating the approaches others have taken. Students are expected to know basic rules for using standard spelling, punctuation, capitalisation*, layout, and grammar to allow more advanced exploration of rules and punctuation marks to be covered in the class depending on participants' levels and existing knowledge. Class content is graded and my teaching style is flexible allowing me to adjust to the individual needs of students in each class, making each class unique. * Capitalisation, with an 's' is the UK spelling. It's a 'You say tomayto and I say tomahto' thing! (Original Photo by Aidas Ciziunas on Unsplash, modified by Leon Conrad)
Learning Goals
Students will explore imaginative approaches to writing and improve their understanding and ability to bring imaginative ways of expressing ideas in written work.
At a basic level, students will improve their understanding of the basic rules of punctuation, capitalisation*, and layout.
At an intermediate level, students will expand on their understanding of more advanced punctuation (e.g. ellipses, interrobangs) and use of spacing and layout for effect.
More advanced students will learn how to convey character traits and personality through altering spelling and using idiomatic language.
Additional support in relation to grammar will be touched on as issues come up - where appropriate, learning objectives for follow-on work related to this will be provided.
* Capitalisation, with an 's' is the UK spelling. It's a 'You say tomayto and I say tomahto' thing!
Other Details
Parental Guidance
A topic that sometimes comes up when teaching this topic is the use of punctuation marks or symbols to convey the idea of swearing. This is common in graphic novels (e.g. Asterix books) and is dealt with briefly and sensitively without reference to any specific 'bad words'. Students often find it liberating to be able to allow their characters to express extreme emotions for dramatic purposes in an imaginative and creative way at a particular point in the larger arc of a character's emotional and personal journey. It's not so much about saying or not saying the 'bad word' - it's about the choice we make (it's always a choice) of what to say and how - and what happens afterwards.
Supply List
Students will need their standard stationery kit (writing implements, ruler, paper, eraser), access to a scanner if submitting handwritten work, and an over-ear gaming-type set of headphones with built-on microphone and a noise-cancelling feature is recommended for best audio quality for communication in classes. They will also need to print out the class worksheet (supplied on enrollment) for use during the class. Please note that unless students have a very good reason not to have their video on during class, I expect students to be visible and participate actively in classes I teach. The digital classroom is a social space shaped by our intentions and our activity - and I encourage participants to actively build the kind of space they feel comfortable in, and to actively work on creating a space in which others can also feel comfortable being and acting in. Outschool does provide a 'verification' system for those who have good reasons not to participate visually, and I will respect and support that fully. Please consult https://support.outschool.com/en/articles/4063624-learner-verification for further information and contact 'verification@outschool.com' at least a week before the start of your first class to allow time for the verification process to be completed. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2020
4.9
230reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have considerable experience as a storyteller/creative writing teacher who is vetted to go into primary and secondary schools to inspire students with a love of language. I have tried and tested strategies to keep students focused and on task. My teaching is secular humanist, and is based on universal values of the True, the Good, the Harmonious coming together to support the Unity of Being.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
60 min
Completed by 48 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
6-12 learners per class
