Middle School English Language Arts Writing With Minecraft: Essay Writing
Join me in this ELA class as we learn about a different writing essay part each week, then apply this knowledge by writing an essay about Minecraft.
Ms. Chelsea M. Ed. | ELA, Paranormal, & True Crime
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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
Available upon request.Certificate of Completion
Available upon request.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 8
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 planning and prewriting, 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 writing a four to five paragraph essay. That means learners will learn about introductions, body paragraphs, supporting details, and conclusions. Learners will not be required to produce full essays or fully developed short stories, but do have that option, and I encourage it! Each week, there will be various prompt choices related to Minecraft that will help your learner develop their writing skills. Though writing topics will differ from week to week, learners can also stick with their topic from the first week throughout the entire class, developing a full 4-5 paragraph essay by the end, which I also encourage! :) 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
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:
- Developing and sustaining foundational-Inquiry
-Critical thinking and analysis
-Literacy
-Building connections to themselves and their prior knowledge
-Creating relationships among ideas
-Learners will learn about and demonstrate specific writing skills
-Oral expression and comprehension
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Prewriting & Planning
Learners will practice how to plan an essay. For this unit, learners can either work on a project- one full essay for the entire unit- or write a paragraph for each lesson. 13 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Introduction and Thesis
Learners will use a formula for writing theses, and learn what is included in an introduction. 10 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Body Paragraphs
Learners will practice writing topic and concluding sentences. 6 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Supporting Details
Learners will practice writing the most important part of any essay- the supporting details. They will be able to define what they are, and provide supporting details in their own paragraph or essay. 9 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.
Pre-Requisites
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.
Joined November, 2021
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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
weekly5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 2 learners
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Ages: 9-14
