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Lost Tools of Writing - Lit. Analysis, Thesis Development & Persuasive Essays S1
Paige Bombacie - IEW Registered Instructor
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(182)
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.
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...
4 units//15 lessons//15 Weeks
Unit 1The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe EssayThe Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe Essay4 lessons4 WeeksWeek 1Lesson 1Introduction 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.Week 2Lesson 25 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.Week 3Lesson 3Sorting 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.Week 4Lesson 4Elocution 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.Unit 2Number the Stars EssayNumber the Stars Essay4 lessons4 WeeksWeek 5Lesson 5Analyzing "Number the Stars""Understanding Conflict and Characters" Description: Discussion on the five main conflicts, author's perspective, setting, and characters in "Number the Stars". Completion of Freytag's Pyramid and author's perspective worksheet. Homework: Read Chapters 1-4 of "Amos Fortune" and complete study guide questions.Week 6Lesson 6ANI Chart and Common Topics - Comparison I"Comparing Ideas" Description: Invention stage for "Number the Stars" with a focus on comparison. Students will brainstorm ideas, complete the comparison worksheet, and update their ANI Chart. Homework: Read Chapters 5-7 of "Amos Fortune" and complete study guide questions.Week 7Lesson 7Review and Exordium"Organizing Your Argument" Description: Review of sorting arguments and essay structure, with a focus on exordium. Students will organize their arguments and complete relevant worksheets. Homework: Read Chapters 8-10 of "Amos Fortune" and complete study guide questions.Week 8Lesson 8Strong Verbs and Essay Writing - (Costume Day)"Vivid and Active Writing" Description: Focus on strong, active, and passive verbs. Students will complete worksheets, compose essays, and use a checklist for self-editing. Homework: Continue reading "Amos Fortune" and complete study guide questions.Unit 3Amos Fortune EssayAmos Fortune Essay4 lessons4 WeeksWeek 9Lesson 9Analyzing "Amos Fortune""Historical Context and Literary Analysis" Description: Discussion on historical fiction, timelines, and literary analysis. Students will complete Freytag's Pyramid with climax/conflict parallels. Homework: Read a student choice book and complete the study guide.Week 10Lesson 10Comparison Part 2"Deepening Comparisons" Description: Further exploration of comparison with an ANI chart and comparison chart. Students will sort arguments and choose a side. Homework: Continue reading a student choice book and complete the study guideWeek 11Lesson 11Amplification and Supporting Arguments"Strengthening Your Argument" Description: Focus on amplification and supporting arguments with citations. Students will complete amplification and arrangement worksheets. Homework: Continue reading a student choice book and complete the study guide.Week 12Lesson 12Parallelism II and Essay Writing"Polishing Your Essay" Description: Emphasis on parallelism in essay writing. Students will write essays, add parallelism, edit verbs, and use quality adjectives. Homework: Continue reading a student choice book and complete the study guide.Unit 4Student Choice EssayStudent Choice Essay3 lessons3 WeeksWeek 13Lesson 13Peer Review - (Pajamas & Cocoa Day)"Collaborative Editing" Description: Peer review and paper reading session. Students will complete Freytag's Pyramid and ANI Chart, along with definition and comparison worksheets. Homework: ANI Chart for Student essayWeek 14Lesson 14Alternative Phrases and Quiz"Refining Your Expression" Description: Peer review and paper reading with a focus on alternative phrases. Students will complete division, amplification, exordium worksheets, and arrangement sheets for Essay 4. Homework: Arrange Student Choice EssayWeek 15Lesson 15Sample Papers and Quiz"Final Touches" Description: Review of sample papers, peer review, and a quiz. Focus on parallelism, fixing verbs, and polishing essays. Homework: Finish Student Choice Essay
- Develop persuasive writing skills
- Craft thesis-driven essays
- Analyze literature and support arguments with evidence
- Enhance writing style through the use of rhetorical devices and proper sentence structure
- Think through complex issues from multiple perspectives
- Discuss plots, themes, and symbolism
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.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: includedFeedback: includedDetails: 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
Frequency: includedDetails: 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.
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.
No Pre-Reqs are required
1 file available upon enrollmentBooks - 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.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
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.
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
Joined December, 2019
4.9
182reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from University of Washington
People, especially kids, are my passion. My goal is to cultivate a love and lifestyle of learning in my students. With a B.A. from the University of Washington, emphasizing Early Childhood Education, I have over 15 years of experience in tutoring...
Reviews
Group Class
$20
weekly or $300 for 15 classes1x per week, 15 weeks
50 min
Completed by 46 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
5-12 learners per class
