Learn to Write a "Bewitching" Essay
Learn to write an informational essay on the Salem Witch Trials. We will cover the writing process, write a rough and final draft, and learners will receive feedback.
What's included
8 live meetings
8 in-class hoursProjects
2-4 hours per week. Students will write a rough draft that will be edited, rewrite it and submit a final draft. They will receive feedback on both drafts.Assessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
We will follow the writing process and write an informational essay. The topic of the essay will be "The Salem Witch Hunt and Trials." We will use Google Slides and the students will take notes, practice writing strategies, and write a rough and final draft. Articles the students will be citing will be provided as Google Docs/PDF files linked in the slides. We will also watch videos about the Salem Witch Trials.
Learning Goals
Students will learn analyze a prompt and follow the steps of the writing process including prewriting and drafting stages.Students will be able to format their essay using MLA format, including in-text citations and Works Cited page.
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)8 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Prewrite
Prompt analysis, read articles, watch a video, take notes, and create an outline/graphic organizer 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Introduction and Thesis Statements
Introduction format, Hooks, and Thesis statement 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Body Paragraphs
Formatting body paragraphs using notes and outline 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
MLA
How to not Plagiarize. Learn how to format the essay using in-text citations and Works Cited page 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will be reading informational texts about the Salem Witch Trials. The texts discuss the causes of the witch hunt and the punishment of people accused and found guilty of witchcraft; the major form of punishment was hanging and there was one individual that was pressed, having rocks placed on the accused. We will NOT discuss any form of modern witchcraft, magic, spells, charms, or voodoo.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
The articles we will use will be shared as google docs. The source information will be provided.
"Witchcraft in Salem"
"What Caused the Salem Witch Trials"
"The True Legal Horror Story of the Salem Witch Trials"
Joined September, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Arizona Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Utah Valley University
B.A. in English Literature (UVU)
Arizona Standard Secondary License, English endorsements
I've taught English/ELA grades 8-12 for 8 years
I've taught American literature and read"The Crucible" and other nonfiction texts about the Salem Witch Trials
I've also taught essay writing Reviews
Live Group Class
$30
weekly or $120 for 8 classes2x per week, 4 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
10-15 learners per class
