What's included
5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1 hour per week. Note: Feedback is not available for subscription families.Letter Grade
includedCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner - Intermediate Level
In this English Language Arts (ELA) Minecraft class, students will learn about an ELA writing skill then produce a paragraph or short story focusing on the daily topic. Each lesson will cover a different topic in the form of about a 10-15 minute pre-recorded mini-lesson, then learners will apply what they learned by writing a paragraph or more. Each lesson will consist of a different focus and writing prompt(s), including free writes where learners can write about anything Minecraft related as long as the focus/skill is kept in mind. For example, if the topic is descriptive writing, we will discuss how to break down a prompt, brainstorm, and plan using an outline. Throughout each recording, I will also model how to complete the task and provide examples. The theme for this class is creative Writing. That means learners will learn about characterization, word choice, plot development, and how to show rather than tell. Learners will not be required to produce full essays or fully developed short stories, but do have that option. Each week, we will have various prompt choices related to Minecraft that will help your learner explore their creativity. Other skills practiced: grammar, cohesiveness, spelling, punctuation, clarity of expression, sentence fluency, construction of sentences, paragraphs, essays, and critical thinking. More details are provided in the syllabus. Learners will not have any live meetings, and will reference the pre-recorded lecture videos in the classroom. Certificates of completion and grades are available upon request. Feedback is provided at the end of the week, typically Sundays. If work has not been submitted by Sunday, then feedback should be expected by the following Sunday.
Learning Goals
- Developing and sustaining foundational language skills
-Inquiry
-Critical thinking and analysis
-Literacy
-Building connections to themselves and their prior knowledge
-Creating relationships among ideas
Specific learning goals encompass the topics on the syllabus. Students will learn about a different ELA topic each week and be able to apply their knowledge in a writing sample. Additional goals are outlined below:
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Story Mountain
Learners will be introduced to the parts of a story: background, rising action, climax, falling action & resolution.
12 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Descriptions and Imagery
Learners will practice with adverbs and adjectives.
9 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Word Choice
Learners will learn about using strong words to create more vivid imagery.
7 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Voice
Learners will discover their voice (or the intended voice of their narrator) while learning about tone and mood with recut movie trailers.
10 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Learning Needs
I always try to meet learners where they are by scaffolding material and providing necessary/helpful supports. In my teaching experience, I have worked with autistic learners, as well as those with ADHD and Dyslexia in an academic setting.
Supply List
Any writing supplies your learner feels comfortable with and would like to use.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Not an official Minecraft product. Not approved or associated with Mojang.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Education from University of Texas of the Permian Basin
I received a bachelor's degree in maritime studies from Texas A&M with minors in anthropology and English. I also have a master's degree in professional education from the University of Texas. I am certified to teach grades 7-12 (middle and high school level) English/Language Arts in the state of Texas.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$15
weekly or $75 for all content5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 1 learner
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Ages: 9-14