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Lost Tools of Writing - Lit. Analysis, Thesis Development & Persuasive Essays S1

Completed by 73 learners
Ages 12-17
Live Group Course
In Lost Tools of Writing, students read great books, craft a thesis, and write compelling persuasive essays all while developing critical thinking skills through the 5 Common Topics.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(191 reviews)
Popular

Live video meetings
1x per week, 15 weeks
5-18 learners per class
50 min

What's included

15 live meetings
12 hrs 30 mins in-class hours
Homework
2-4 hours per week. After every class, there is an assignment related to the ideas introduced in-class. Students should allow approximately 1 hour to complete these exercises. On weeks when students are writing their essays 1-2 hours should be allowed for completion. The students will be working on one essay for 4 weeks. In addition, students will have reading They will be reading the the next book for the next essay while writing the previous books essay.
Assessment
The students will receive weekly feedback and guidance as they compose their essays. Student will be instructed to use a self check rubric. Upon completion of each essay I will assess students writing and provide encouraging feedback. I do not provide letter grades.

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11
Intermediate Level
The Lost Tools of Writing removes the guesswork, anxiety, and frustration from the writing experience. The tools taught enable students to explore ideas far beyond the formula of the five-paragraph essay. This program introduces students to the first four of eight essays, each paired with a classic or contemporary literature book as the basis for discussion and instruction.


Preparation: Students come to class having read the assigned literature book.
Class Activity: We will discuss the book and conduct a literary analysis together. Students will identify decisions made within the text, consider both sides, choose a side to support, and develop a thesis.

Class Structure:
Each essay and book build on the previous ones, creating a cohesive learning experience. The discussion-based nature of the class allows students to express their opinions on real issues, engage in meaningful conversations, and learn to support their viewpoints. Reading great literature and writing persuasive essays help students grapple with ideas beyond their personal experiences.

Why This Course is Beneficial:

Every writer, regardless of age or experience, must generate good ideas, organize them clearly, and express them effectively. The three canons of classical rhetoric—Invention, Arrangement, and Elocution—help achieve this. Once students grasp these tools, the stresses and confusion of writing assignments diminish, along with the associated fear. This art of persuasion tool and communication skills will serve your student in their school work and everyday life.

Next Steps:
Semester 2 of this class will be offered in Spring 2025, with priority registration for Semester 1 students.

Learning Goals

Develop persuasive writing skills
Craft thesis-driven essays

Syllabus

4 Units
15 Lessons
over 15 Weeks
Unit 1: The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe Essay
Lesson 1:
Introduction and Freytag's Pyramid
 "The Basics of Storytelling"

Description: Introduction to the course, materials, and expectations. Discussion on Freytag's Pyramid. Students will complete Freytag's Pyramid for "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" and turn it in.

Homework: Read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" and complete the study guide. 
50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
5 Common Topics and ANI Chart
 "Exploring Perspectives and Invention"

Description: Understanding the author's perspective and introduction to the ANI (Affirmative, Negative, Interesting) Chart. Students will select a "Should" question, brainstorm ideas, and complete the ANI Chart.

Homework: Read Chapters 1-6 of "Number the Stars" and complete study guide questions. 
50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Sorting Arguments and Essay Structure - (Hat Day)
 "Building Strong Arguments"

Description: Learning how to sort arguments and understanding essay structure and its parts. Students will sort and group their ANI chart arguments into main proofs and sub-proofs.

Homework: Read Chapters 7-12 of "Number the Stars" and complete study guide questions. 
50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Elocution and Essay Writing
 "Enhancing Your Style"

Description: Focus on elocution, literary devices, and basic MLA format. Students will complete elocution worksheets, compose essays, and use a checklist to self-edit their essays.

Homework: Read Chapters 13-17 of "Number the Stars" and complete study guide questions. 
50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment

Other Details

Learning Needs
LTW is a systematic program that removes the ambiguity of writing and helps unique learners. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and have worked with many dyslexic students. I can offer encouragement, understanding, and accommodation tips.
Parental Guidance
Each book that has been selected for analysis and writing has been pulled from well know booklist and deemed appropriate for this age group. It is highly recommended that parents familiarize themselves with the content of these books. Sensitive items to watch for: Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe - Magic, battles, scary animals, sacrificial death of the main character. Number the Stars - Persecution of the Jews during WWII Amos Fortune - Slavery, mistreatment of African Americans Please Note that students and/or parents need to know how to upload attachments (PDF or Pictures) and how to use basic functions of Google Docs. All of these steps will be demonstrated in class for students.
Pre-Requisites
No Pre-Reqs are required
Supply List
Books - Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Number the Stars, Amos Fortune

I will provide study guide packets and LTW worksheet packets to assist with homework - These will need to be printed on your own. 

The use of Google Docs for Submitting papers is required 
Please Note that students and/or parents need to know how to upload attachments (PDF or Pictures) and how to use basic functions of Google Docs. All of these steps will be demonstrated in class for students.
 1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Every student must have access to the books we will be reading and discussing in class. Books can be audio or paper. Note we will not be actually reading the book in class but rather discussing the book. Students will be provided with a packet for Literary Analysis and for Composing Essays. These packets can be used digitally or can be printed and used in hard copy form. Kahoot - Used occasionally for fun review - no log in required

Meet the teacher

4.9
191reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from University of Washington
In this class, we will address sensitive topics that may elicit differing opinions among students. However, I have extensive experience in facilitating such discussions in a classroom setting for the past seven years, helping students discover their beliefs on a given topic and the reasons behind them. Using the cannons of rhetoric and Socratic method, I challenge students to consider both sides of a thesis.

Apart from my experience in leading diverse groups of students in such discussions, I possess over 15 years of expertise in youth counseling and mentorship. My Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Washington, with a focus on education, social, and cultural change, has equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to objectively and respectfully guide students through challenging discussions.

Furthermore, I have been coaching students in writing for more than 13 years, which has honed my ability to communicate effectively and convey complex ideas to learners of different backgrounds and abilities.

Reviews

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