In this English Language Arts (ELA) Minecraft class, students will learn about an ELA writing skill then produce a paragraph 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 grammar and flow. That means learners will learning about clauses, different sentence types, using transitions, and the difference between paraphrasing, quoting, and summarizing.  

Learners will not be required to produce full essays or fully developed short stories, but do have that option. 

Each week, we will have a different prompt related to Minecraft such as:
-Which mode is your favorite and why?
-Create your own Minecraft Mob.
-Give your Minecraft avatar a backstory.
-Explain Minecraft to someone that has never played it.
-Design your own theme park and persuade others to come visit it. 

Daily skills practiced: grammar, cohesiveness, spelling, punctuation, clarity of expression, sentence fluency, construction of sentences, paragraphs, essays, and critical thinking.  

Feedback is provided each week, typically on Sundays (CT). Once work is submitted, I will review it and leave comments, or respond in a message. Feedback will include aspects learners performed well in, advice, and deeper level questions at times.