Just the Facts: No Stress Approach to Writing Nonfiction
In an engaging and dynamic course tailored to teens, learners will acquire essential skills and strategies for formatting and crafting essays, reports, and responses to open-ended questions.
Mr. LeCara
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(174)
What's included
5 live meetings
5 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. HOME ASSIGNMENTS Week 1: Practice assignment focusing on --proper paper setup (form) for a typed assignment using Google Docs --content expectations (demonstrating paragraph functionality) Week 2: Practice assignment focusing on --quotes, quoting sources, using indirect/direct quotations Week 3: Practice assignment focusing on --incorporating in-text citations and creating Works Cited and Works Consulted pages Week 4: Practice assignment focusing on --assessing credible sources online and quoting nontraditional sources, including AI sourcesAssessment
Learner progress will be assessed by o student's engagement during each session o completion of weekly writing activities essential for progressing to the next step, and moving forward in their learningClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Beginner - Advanced Level
THE LEARNING o Four major topics will be addressed across five session. --Session 1: Proper paper set up (form) for assignments (written/typed) | Content expectations (function of each paragraph) --Session 2: Quotations: quoting sources | When and how to use indirect/direct quotations --Session 3: MLA-Style Citations: in-text citations | Creating Works Cited and Works Consulted pages --Session 4: Research and Credible Sources | Assessing online resources | Quoting nontraditional sources, including AI --Session 5: Nonfiction reading strategies | If time allows: Conducting interviews/crafting proper surveys for use as a source HOW o Guided practice using an article provided by the teacher o Note: Students will be encouraged to demonstrate understanding using a second article INTERACTIONS o Outside of class: Students will have access to the teacher 24/7 should they have questions or need further guidance o During class: Students should be prepared to engage in a conversation about their learning and understanding. Students will be requested to post updates prior to scheduled class in preparation for discussion with the teacher and others in attendance. CLASS STRUCTURE o First half of class: introduce concept o Second half: apply concept to material/text provided ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS o finish well in advance of the next session the practice given in the previous class o email questions well enough in advance to complete an assignment for next session o post to the Outschool course page, as assigned
Learning Goals
By the end of the course, students can expect to have learned/be more familiar with:
-Non-fiction essay/report writing expectations (content and form)
-Pre-writing strategies
-Strategies for approaching non-fiction essay writing
-Crafting strong conclusions
-Supporting positions/ideas with appropriate and properly cited sources
-The difference between writing what you feel vs writing what you mean
-What it means to edit/revise
Other Details
Supply List
To complete the class successfully, students may want to consider the following: --be familiar with how to access the course's main page on Outschool and the "Teacher Tab" --be mindful about reading Mr. LeCara's after-class wrap-ups and reviewing any handouts --completing any activities ahead of time to ensure they are submitted on time --Optional: a working printer, notebook for jotting down ideas and notes, writing utensil
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined June, 2018
5.0
174reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Connecticut Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Mr. LeCara addresses a crucial gap in traditional classroom settings by offering comprehensive coverage of important writing skills often overlooked or taught superficially. Drawing from his experience as a former classroom teacher, he understands the challenges of adhering to rigid curriculum pacing, which can hinder a deeper exploration of essential concepts.
In this course, students will receive in-depth instruction on vital aspects such as avoiding drop quotes, creating effective Works Cited and Works Consulted pages, and constructing strong conclusions that showcase critical thinking skills. These skills are not only valued by college professors but also contribute to students' overall writing proficiency and ability to engage with texts on a deeper level.Reviews
Live Group Course
$30
weekly or $150 for 5 classes1x per week, 5 weeks
60 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-4 learners per class
