Learn from the G.O.A.T.s Writing Class, for Fall Semester
In this semester-long class, students will follow weekly writing prompts based on paragraphs from their favorite books.
Maura Atwood
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(93)
What's included
15 live meetings
11 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. 1-2 per weekLetter Grade
7 or more throughout the classClass Experience
In this class, we will study a paragraph from a well-known book every week. After we have analyzed it as a group and I have pointed out its strengths, students will be given a writing prompt that will allow them to practice the writing strengths demonstrated in that paragraph. During class time, students will write a paragraph of their own and I will be on hand to answer any questions they have. At the end of each class, students will have an opportunity to share their work with their classmates and receive feedback from myself and their peers (only positive comments will be made by students!). This class will improve writing skills while also serving as a kind of club, since students will have a kind community to share their writing in. We will study a paragraph from each of these books, in the following order: - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J.K. Rowling - The Fellowship of the Ring, by J.R.R. Tolkien - Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson - The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins - The Silver Chair, by C.S. Lewis - To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee - The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald - The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green - Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck - Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens - Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain - The Giver, by Louis Lowry - Animal Farm, by George Orwell - 1984, by George Orwell - Lord of the Flies, by William Golding Reading the books will not be necessary for class, and I will avoid choosing paragraphs that involve any heavy spoilers! :) After class, students will be asked to expand and edit their in-class work and submit it to me within two days. I will provide feedback and grading on their work after it has been turned in. I am a professional ghostwriter who has written over 40 full-length books. My writing classes are fun while also reinforcing grammar and sentence composition skills within the framework of creative writing. I am a huge supporter of homeschooling, having been homeschooled myself. I am a kind and encouraging teacher who makes sure everyone feels at ease!
Learning Goals
Students will improve their reading comprehension skills along with their sentence composition, grammar, and creative writing skills.
Syllabus
15 Lessons
over 15 WeeksLesson 1:
Lesson 1 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J.K. Rowling
Study a paragraph from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and write a paragraph using the writing technique we will focus on in class. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Lesson 2 - The Fellowship of the Ring, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Study a paragraph from The Fellowship of the Ring and write a paragraph using the writing technique we will focus on in class. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Lesson 3 - Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson
Study a paragraph from Treasure Island and write a paragraph using the writing technique we will focus on in class. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Lesson 4 - The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
Study a paragraph from The Hunger Games and write a paragraph using the writing technique we will focus on in class. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.8
93reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello!
My name is Maura, and I'm an actor, musician, poet, and teacher. I have been teaching and tutoring for fifteen years. I'm always excited to share what I've learned with my students!
I graduated summa cum laude from Carthage College with degrees in Music and Theater Performance, and have been performing professionally as an actor and musician. I regularly perform with a children's theater that teaches kids about conservation!
I am also a published poet, and a professional ghostwriter and freelance book editor. As a huge nerd, I have read and am currently reading countless books, and I have an in-depth knowledge of plot creation and good literary structure.
I also teach life skills, particularly cultivating motivation and dealing with overwhelming or negative emotions. I was home-schooled until college, and I am an extremely self-motivated person, as well as a problem-solver. As a highly sensitive person, I have to deal with stress often and have discovered numerous ways to deal with the inevitable tensions that life brings to us! I learned to be a positive person in high school, and I love teaching students ways to appreciate what is good even in the midst of negative situations.
I am a very kind, patient, and encouraging teacher. I do well with both quiet and energetic students. My approach is question based, and I not only teach my students new information, I teach them how to arrive at valuable conclusions themselves. I use time efficiently, and am well prepared for every lesson I teach. I was homeschooled through high school, and I have a lot of respect for homeschooling parents and students.
I hope to see you virtually soon!
MauraReviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly or $286 for 15 classes1x per week, 15 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-8 learners per class
