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I (Don’t) Hate Writing (Anymore) - Creative Paragraph Writing is Fun! 4th-6th Gr

In this class, your 4th-6th grader will write a weekly paragraph using the 4-Square method. I supply engaging writing prompts, teach key qualities of effective paragraph writing for each genre, AND offer private, video recorded feedback.
Meri Faulkner- MA, International Teacher & Writer
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(295)
Popular
Rising Star
Class
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What's included

1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per week
Homework
1 hour per week. Students may continue to develop their paragraphs at home after class. They may submit their completed paragraph to the teacher for feedback WITHIN A WEEK, if they wish. (Due to the high number of completed works I receive through the Outschool Conversations tab, I submit private, video recorded feedback within 72 hours of receiving weekly work.)
Grading
Writers receive weekly private, video recorded feedback if they turn in their assignments by the due date.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 6
In this ongoing creative writing class, we'll begin each week with a new paragraph type and fun writing prompt. Together, we will evolve our ideas using the 4-Square paragraph writing method. With this formulaic approach, getting started is actually easy because there is a step-by-step plan to get key words down on paper. After that, the writing blooms! I love this method because it allows young writers freedom to express their own ideas while at the same time strengthening unity, order and coherence. Throughout the class, we'll delve into concepts, such as: strong topic sentences, figurative language, action verbs, adjectives, transitional words & phrases, etc…

This class doesn't build on previous classes, so learners are welcome to join at any time. Every week a new writing prompt is introduced to keep things fresh. The class has exciting imagery and fun slides. Some of the visuals may be AI generated. I encourage output and engage the learners. Unless the writer has Outschool's pre-verification badge, writers are asked to remain on camera during class... which really helps spark some exciting writing ideas! Every class is followed up with a class recap which includes: the writing prompt, topic sentence examples, important things to remember we covered in class, and an example graphic organizer AND paragraph that follows the prompt for writers to use as a guideline.

Each class will follow this schedule:
5 minutes: Greetings, sharing and class rules. 
10 minutes: Introduction of weekly paragraph type & the genre writing rules.
10 minutes: Introduce Writing Prompt: Every week, a new writing prompt will be introduced.
20 minutes: Topic sentence ideas & covering how to use the graphic organizer. (Writers may jot down ideas for supporting sentences & develop examples or details.)  Brainstorming options are discussed and writers share ideas. We analyze strong examples based on the writing prompt using teacher produced examples (weak/strong). We discuss how to “color” your work to produce pictures in the readers’ minds.
5 minutes: Brainstorming continued. If there's time, students can share. 
(Students may submit their completed, written work in paragraph form to the teacher WITHIN ONE WEEK for feedback. Due to the high number of completed works I receive through the Outschool Conversations tab, I submit private, video recorded feedback 3-5 days upon receiving work.) ***This class will be canceled and you will be refunded if the (3) student minimum isn't met unless otherwise discussed beforehand. All other cancellation and refund policies are based on Outschool guidelines.***

WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
August 11-August 17: Narrative
August 18-August 24: Informative (VACATION: no class on 8/23 or 8/24)
August 25-August 31: Informative  (VACATION: no class on 8/25 or 8/26)
September 1-7: Persuasive
September 8-14: Narrative
September 15-21: Informative
September 22-28: Persuasive
September 29-October 5: Narrative
October 6-12: Informative
October 13-19: Persuasive
October 20-26: Narrative
October 27-November 2: Informative
***********************************
PLEASE CHECK YOUR OUTSCHOOL CALENDAR! NEW TIMES MAY BE APPLICABLE TO YOU DUE TO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!!

November 3-9: Narrative
November 10-16: Opinion
November 17-23: Informative
November 24-30: Persuasive (***No class Thanksgiving Day: 11/28)
December 1-7: Narrative
December 8-14: Opinion
December 15-21: Informative
December 22-28: Persuasive (***No class Christmas Eve or Christmas Day: 12/24 & 12/25)
December 29-January 4: Narrative (***No class New Year’s Day: 1/1)
January 5-11: Opinion
January 12-18: Informative
January 19-25: Persuasive 
January 26-February 1: Narrative 
February 2-8: Opinion
February 9-15: Informative
February 16-22: Persuasive
February 23-March 1: Narrative 
March 2-8: Opinion
Learning Goals
Students will learn to develop stronger paragraphs based on content, fluency, and expression.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
3rd party apps are not required. However, there will be a PDF worksheet (generated by Google Drive) available to print upon enrollment. You will not need an extra login to access it. No screen sharing will occur through the Zoom function. Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Supply List
(Optional) 1-2 copies of the graphic organizer (free PDF worksheet available on the "Welcome" page when student enrolls)
Lined paper
Pencils and erasers
 1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
4.9
295reviews
Popular
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Stephen F. Austin State University
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Stephen F. Austin State University
I have numerous articles published online, in national and international publications, and I’ve taught writing workshops all over the world. 

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Live Group Class
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$16

weekly
1x per week
50 min

Completed by 1046 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
3-13 learners per class

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