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Inviting FLEX Journal Writing 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade: Writing Mini-Stories

In this FLEX journal writing class beginner writers will learn how to add details to their journal writing and write an entertaining mini-story. #academic
Liz Ward, B.ed & Teacher Librarian Diploma
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(94)
Class

What's included

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 5
Beginner Level
****PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO LIVE MEETINGS FOR THIS CLASS****

Are you looking for a class to help your child write stronger more detailed journal paragraphs? Look no further. In this FLEX class, students will learn how to add details to their journal writing. This is the FLEX version of my popular live journal writing class. Once the teacher has modelled how to use the detail word in her own paragraph and learners have practiced the strategy, they will use a detail word to launch their own mini story paragraph. In addition, we will learn the difference between single scoop words and triple scoop words and practice using them in our writing. Learners will replace some of their single scoop words (boring adjectives) with triple scoop words (exciting and engaging adjectives) while writing their mini-story for their journal entry. The teacher will also model how to use a variety of transition words in their journal writing and learners will be invited to use them in their own journal mini story.

Each week will follow this format:
-a video introducing and modelling the skill and a handout for the learner to practice the skill
-learners will write, video record or audio record their best topic sentence, best sentence with triple scoop words, best sentence with a transition word and best concluding sentence in Padlet each week depending on the learning focus. Example Week 1: They will post their best topic sentence. 
-learners will receive written feedback from the teacher in Padlet on their best sentence.
-a video where the teacher models on the screen and reads out loud a paragraph written by her that demonstrates that week's particular writing skill and the detail word of the week
-learners will write a paragraph using the detailed word of the week and the other weekly writing skill. Every week, learners will add a new paragraph feature as they learn them. For example by week four each learner's paragraph should have a detailed topic sentence, 1-2 detail words, triple scoop words, transition words and a concluding sentence.
-learners can either share their mini-story paragraph in the classroom or privately with the teacher 
-learners can choose to take a photo and upload to share or create a video where they read their mini-story out loud. This is a great opportunity for your learner to practice their dramatic voice and reading skills.
-the teacher will give specific and detailed private feedback to each learner via a personalized video message.
-learners will participate in a fun story telling game called Fortunately/Unfortunately in Padlet. There will be a video from the teacher explaining how to play the game during Week 1.

Week 1: Brainstorming, Topic Sentences and the detail word once
Writing Suggestion: a time I set out on a spontaneous or exciting adventure

Week 2: Triple Scoop words and the detail word sometimes
Writing Suggestion: a time I lost something important 

Week 3: Transition words and the detail word when
Writing Suggestion: a time I went sledding in the snow

Week 4: Concluding sentences and the detail word if
Writing Suggestion: a time I played a fun game (or a favourite game) 

By the end of this month long FLEX class, learners will have written four paragraphs. 

****Please Note: I don't use writing prompts, because I firmly believe learners should have choice and write about what matters to them Often, learners don't connect to a particular prompt and it stops them from writing. However, if learners are given the freedom to write about what they are deeply interested in or a recent event, they will excel.  
Instead, I give a writing suggestion each week and learners can decide to use it or write about something else of great interest to them.  The main goal in this class is for learners to write and improve their writing each week.

Other Details

Parental Guidance
We will be using an online tool called Padlet to share our work with each other and play the story telling game. Learners DO NOT need to create an account to access Padlet.
Supply List
-pencil
-writer's notebook or paper
-eraser
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Padlet
Joined November, 2020
5.0
94reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Welcome to my profile page! My name is Ms. Liz and I'm a passionate educator who loves teaching grade 2-7 learners specific writing strategies. I have lots of experience working with learners who don’t like to write. I’m an enthusiastic writer myself and my number one goal for your learner is to help them become a confident writer. I support my leaners every step of the way in their writing journey. I am currently writing my first kids novel and I bring this expertise into my virtual classroom, as well as examples of specific writing strategies taken from my book. Learning should be fun and students should have voice and choice in what they learn. To this end, when teaching writing I always let students choose what they would like to write about. Then I embed the writing skills we are going to practice into the topic they have chosen. This usually helps to motivate all leaners, but especially learners who don’t enjoy writing yet. I really love giving students opportunities to explore their own interests and through this they discover and develop their unique writer’s voice. Above all I believe that learners should write about what matters to them, because when they do they discover the joy of writing.

I have a Bachelors of Education and a teacher librarian diploma, both from the University of British Columbia. While I was in university, I tutored for several different companies as well as privately tutored learners in Math, Reading and Writing. I have a growing interest in educational technology which is why I am currently completing my masters in it. I have been a K-7 classroom teacher in brick and mortar schools for eleven years and a teacher librarian for two years.

I became a teacher, because I love being part of the "aha" moment a student has when they finally grasp a concept they have been struggling with or when they overcome a fear (think public speaking). I consider it an honour to be part of a student's learning journey and am always thinking about how I can best serve their individual needs and make it fun! 

Here are the classes I teach on Outschool:

Inviting Creative Writing 2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade: Crafting A Suspenseful Short Story

Inviting Journal Writing 2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade: Adding Details and Writing Mini-Stories for 
Beginners

Inviting FLEX Journal Writing 2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade: Writing Mini-Stories

I am currently re-reading the entire Wings of Fire series (I can't stop) and really looking forward to The Flames of Hope (book #15) coming out this April. I love to read as you may have guessed. I also enjoy writing and one day I would like to publish a children's book. I play ultimate frisbee in the summer and I love knitting and baking. I'm looking forward to embarking on an exciting learning journey with you!

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$12

weekly or $48 for 4 weeks
4 weeks

Completed by 7 learners
No live video meetings
Ages: 8-12

This class is no longer offered
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