In this class, students will cover the fundamentals of writing. They will cover the content needed to help them become excellent writers. They will be able to learn and practice the fundamental skills of becoming a great writer. Learning to write is a gradual process. First, we will practice words. We will learn to choose vivid words and replace commonly used words. Next, students will learn the various types of sentences that can be used in writing. They will practice forming these sentences. Then, they will learn how to develop a well written paragraph. They will practice this by writing their own paragraph. Finally, they will learn purpose of writing. They will be introduced to 4 types of writing: descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive. They will practice each of these types of writing. Finally, they will practice all of these skills in a final assessment. 

Why choose flex: 
Flex courses allow your child to learn on your schedule! Not every time is right for every family. This course allows you to do the work when it suits you in the week! Also, it is perfect for students who want to watch and rewatch as they learn! It helps students to slow down and learn at a pace that works for them. While it is not self paced because there will be weekly assignments, students will be able to learn when it is convenient and have the option of repeating and working one on one through chat (or live sessions upon request) with the teacher. 

Each Monday, I will post the weekly video and assignments to the classroom page. Also, I will be available to help via the classroom page or email. I am also available for 15 minute video chat sessions as needed and upon request.  *Grades are available upon request.*

Week 1: 
Writing: Vivid Word Choice. Students will receive a video lesson for the week. They will also receive the worksheets for the week. These can be turned in to me via the classroom page or email. 
Social: Students will choose a picture from the internet (this must be appropriate). Then using their writing partner (I will assign these each time their is a group activity), they will create 3 sentences using vivid word choices to describe their partner's picture. 
Week 2: 
Writing: All about Sentences: Students will receive a video lesson for the week. They will also receive the worksheets for the week. These can be turned in to me via the classroom page or email. 
Social: I Have, Who Has: Students will play I have, Who Has using the types of sentences that they will learn this week. I will start and the student who has the answer to my question will respond and comment with their sentence. The game continues until everyone has completed their cards. 
Week 3: 
Writing: Purpose of Writing and Forming a Good Paragraph: Students will receive a video lesson for the week. They will also receive the worksheets for the week. These can be turned in to me via the classroom page or email. 
Social: Parts of a Paragraph Game: Students will help create a paragraph one sentence at a time. I will write the opening sentence. Then, each student will add just one sentence that flows with and follows the sentence above them. *We will create 2 paragraphs in 2 separate groups if the class size is large.*
Week 4:
Writing: Descriptive Paragraph: Students will receive a video lesson for the week. They will also receive the worksheets for the week. These can be turned in to me via the classroom page or email. 
Social: Peer Edit: Students will write a descriptive paragraph about the animal of their choice. They will then swap with their writing partner for a peer edit. Each student should make 2 positive and 2 corrective comments.
Week 5: 
Writing: Narrative Paragraph: Students will receive a video lesson for the week. They will also receive the worksheets for the week. These can be turned in to me via the classroom page or email. 
Social: Students will write a narrative paragraph using one of writing prompts listed in the classroom. They will then swap with their writing partner for a peer edit. Each student should make 2 positive and 2 corrective comments.
Week 6: 
Writing: Expository Paragraph: Students will receive a video lesson for the week. They will also receive the worksheets for the week. These can be turned in to me via the classroom page or email. 
Social: Students will write an expository paragraph using one of writing prompts listed in the classroom. They will then swap with their writing partner for a peer edit. Each student should make 2 positive and 2 corrective comments.
Week 7: 
Writing: Persuasive Paragraph: Students will receive a video lesson for the week. They will also receive the worksheets for the week. These can be turned in to me via the classroom page or email. 
Social: Students will write a persuasive paragraph using one of writing prompts listed in the classroom. They will then swap with their writing partner for a peer edit. Each student should make 2 positive and 2 corrective comments.

Week 8:
Writing: Review: Students will receive review sheets to practice for the upcoming assessment. This will cover the information that they have learned so far. It will be a mix of multiple choice, short answer, and writing. 
Social: Students will complete poster together on the things that they learned. Each student will tell one thing that they learned in this class. These will be compiled into a poster. 
Week 9: 
Assessment: This week students will receive a formal assessment that will be graded upon request. Students will be able to completed questions and perform writing tasks to assess how well they have learned the material so far. 

During this class, students will learn everything from what types of words they should use in writing, how to form a good sentence, what makes a good paragraph, what is the purpose of writing, and how to use these skills to become a good writer. During each class, students will be given the opportunity to practice these skills. Outside of class, students will be assigned content homework that allows them to practice these skills. By the end of this 9 week course, students will be able to write a well structured paragraph with a clear purpose, vivid word choices, and various sentence types.