Mastering the Essay: Upper Elementary Writing
What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each module, learners will be assigned an essay to write based on the type of essay covered in that week's lesson (Personal Narrative, Informative, Compare/Contrast, and Persuasive).Assessment
Submitted work will receive feedback both in-text and on a rubric.Grading
Percentage grades will be provided on a rubric along with in-text feedback.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 5
Beginner Level
Learners will master the structure of four different types of essays while also learning essential grammar rules and literary devices to elevate their writing skills. This course is perfect for young writers who want to enhance their writing abilities and gain confidence in their work. 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧: 1. Personal Narrative- Craft compelling stories from personal experiences. 2. Informative Essay - Share knowledge and expertise on chosen topics. 3. Compare/Contrast Essay - Analyze and compare different subjects. 4. Persuasive Paper - Develop arguments and persuade readers with logical reasoning. Module 1: Introduction to Writing a Personal Narrative (Informal) - Learn to structure an informal writing assignment. - Add rich details to paragraphs. - Explore narrative elements using Story Mountain. Module 2: Informative Essay (Formal) - Select a topic to write about (prompts provided). - Write an informative essay showcasing expertise on the selected subject. Module 3: Compare/Contrast Essay (Formal) - Compare and contrast two subjects using formal writing. - Develop a comprehensive outline (point-by-point or subject-by-subject). - Craft a strong thesis statement. Module 4: Persuasive Paper (Formal/Informal) - Support claims with logical reasoning. - Learn persuasive elements: pathos, ethos, and logos. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Detailed outlines for each essay type. Examples of well-written essays. Informative infographics to support understanding. Graphic organizers to help plan and structure essays. 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: While the course is self-paced, learners are not alone. The instructor is available to answer any questions and provide support as needed. Additionally, all submitted work receives detailed feedback, both in-text and through a rubric, ensuring that learners understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Submission Requirements: Completed essays should be submitted in the Outschool classroom as a typed .doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf, or through Google Docs. If a writing/typing application is unavailable, they may also be typed and submitted in the chat box. Handwritten assignments, or scanned images of handwritten assignments, .jpgs, or .pngs are not accepted. All submitted work must be in typed form.
Learning Goals
Students will learn to effectively structure personal narrative, informative, compare/contrast, and persuasive essays.
Students will enhance their ability to add detailed descriptions and rich content to their paragraphs.
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Personal Narrative
Assignment Description: Write a personal narrative essay.
Details: Learners will choose a personal experience or story to narrate. They will focus on structuring their narrative using the Story Mountain method, adding details to paragraphs, and ensuring a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Objective: Students will learn to structure informal writing, enrich their paragraphs with details, and employ narrative elements effectively.
Lesson 2:
Informative Formal Essay
Assignment Description: Write an informative essay on a chosen topic.
Details: Students will select a subject they are knowledgeable about and write an essay to inform the reader. Writing prompts will be provided for topic ideas. The essay should include a clear introduction, body paragraphs with supporting information, and a conclusion.
Objective: Learners will practice formal writing, learn to organize information logically, and present their expertise on a subject clearly and concisely.
Lesson 3:
Compare and Contrast Essay
Assignment Description: Write a compare/contrast essay.
Details: Students will choose two subjects to compare and contrast. They will decide between a point-by-point or subject-by-subject outline to structure their essay. The focus will be on developing a strong thesis statement and presenting balanced comparisons.
Objective: Learners will master the art of comparing and contrasting, develop a solid thesis statement, and learn to structure formal essays effectively.
Lesson 4:
Persuasive Essay
Assignment Description: Write a persuasive essay.
Details: Students will select a topic they are passionate about and write to persuade the reader. They will use persuasive elements such as pathos, ethos, and logos to support their arguments. The essay should have a clear stance, supported by logical reasoning and evidence.
Objective: Learners will develop persuasive writing skills, learn to support claims with strong arguments, and understand the use of rhetorical elements.
Other Details
Learning Needs
Please communicate with the instructor if accommodations or modifications are needed. Academy teachers are trained and educated on how to meet unique learning needs and classes can be adjusted as needed.
Supply List
All material will be provided by the instructor.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Illinois Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
1 teacher has a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from University of Minnesota
1 teacher has a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of Minnesota
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗱𝗲 (𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿):
I started my path to teaching in college when I volunteered with AmeriCorps. I went on to teach in traditional public schools after I completed my M.Ed. and received my teaching license, but I quickly learned the school environment was not the ideal setting for myself or my child. That is when I transitioned to homeschooling and teaching online. I have been teaching writing course for fifteen years. My primary objective in each class is to help the learners feel comfortable and gain confidence in their writing.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$17
weekly or $66 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 24 learners
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Ages: 9-11