What's included
4 live meetings
2 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Written assignments will be given each week. All submitted work will receive feedback both in-text and in a rubric.Assessment
All submitted work will receive feedback both in-text and in a rubric.Grading
Final drafts will be provided with a percentage grade.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner - Advanced Level
In this course, students will learn to write four types of structured five-paragraph essays, with a focus on drafting and revising based on instructor feedback. The class meets every other week, allowing time for revisions and optional grammar and literary device activities between live sessions. 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝: - Live Meetings: Classes meet every other week to introduce new essay types and writing techniques. - Revisions: During off-weeks, students will revise their essays based on detailed instructor feedback. - Materials Provided: Outlines, essay examples, infographics, and graphic organizers will support learning. - Feedback: In-depth, written feedback will be provided for both initial drafts and revised essays. Essays Covered: 1. Definition Essay 2. Compare and Contrast Essay 3. Persuasive Essay 4. Analysis Essay 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤-𝐛𝐲-𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 Week 1: Introduction to Writing and Definition Paper - Objectives: - Develop an outline. - Structure paragraphs with a topic sentence, main idea, and thesis statement. - Choose a word or phrase to define. Week 2: Revisions and Optional Grammar Activity - Note: No live class. Focus on revising the definition essay. Week 3: Compare and Contrast Paper - Objectives: - Select two subjects to compare and contrast using formal writing. - Create an outline (point-by-point or subject-by-subject). Week 4: Revisions and Optional Grammar Activity - Note: No live class. Focus on revising the compare and contrast essay. Week 5: Persuasive Paper - Objectives: - Learn to support claims with logical reasoning. - Understand and apply persuasive elements: pathos, ethos, and logos. Week 6: Revisions and Optional Grammar Activity - Note: No live class. Focus on revising the persuasive essay. Week 7: Analysis Paper - Objectives: - Identify the author's purpose by examining literary devices and theme. - Analyze a chosen piece of literature focusing on literary elements, theme, or historical allusions. Week 8: Revisions and Optional Grammar Activity - Note: No live class. Focus on revising the analysis essay. Homework and Assignments: - Type: Weekly essay writing and revisions. - Frequency: Assignments given every other week, with revision work in between. - Submission: Essays should be submitted as .doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf, or via GoogleDocs. Typed submissions are accepted in chat if other formats are unavailable. - Requirement: All assignments are required and must be revised based on feedback. This course is ideal for students who want structured guidance in essay writing with the benefit of personalized feedback to improve their writing skills.
Learning Goals
Develop effective essay outlines for various essay types.
Improve paragraph structuring, including topic sentences, main ideas, and thesis statements.
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Definition Essay and Essay Structure
Assignment: Develop an outline for a definition essay.
Instructions: Choose a word or phrase to define, and craft a structured five-paragraph essay using a topic sentence, main idea, and thesis statement.
Submission: Submit your completed definition essay draft by the end of the week for instructor feedback.
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Compare/Contrast Essay and Outline
Assignment: Write a compare and contrast essay on two chosen subjects.
Instructions: Develop a detailed outline for your essay, organizing your points either by point-by-point or subject-by-subject comparison.
Submission: Submit your completed essay draft by the end of the week for instructor feedback.
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Persuasive Essay and the Four-Square Method
Assignment: Craft a persuasive essay advocating for a chosen position.
Instructions: Support your claims with logical reasoning and persuasive elements such as pathos, ethos, and logos.
Submission: Submit your persuasive essay draft by the end of the week for instructor feedback.
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Analysis Essay and Literary Devices
Assignment: Analyze a piece of literature focusing on its themes and literary devices.
Instructions: Identify the author's purpose by examining various literary elements and discussing themes or historical allusions.
Submission: Submit your analysis essay draft by the end of the week for instructor feedback.
40 mins online live lesson
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
Learners may need lined writing paper, pencil/pen, and/or erasers for note taking. However, PPTs will be posted after class so taking notes is optional. Essays must be submitted as: .doc, .docx, .rtf., .txt, .pdf, or as a GoogleDoc. If none of these options are available, the essay can be typed and directly submitted in the classroom comment section.
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.
All Academy teachers have experience and background in providing writing instruction with continued professional development and training.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$28
weekly or $110 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
40 min
Completed by 17 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
3-11 learners per class