Middle School Writing with A Dog in the Cave by Kay Frydenborg

Students will learn foundational academic writing skills including thesis statements, topic sentences, paragraph focus, and transitions. They will practice these skills through themed writing assignments based on the book A Dog in the Cave by Kay Frydenborg. 

Students will get reading guides and activities to help with vocabulary and comprehension as well as writing tips to apply to short, informal writing assignments. Most importantly, students will compose two multi-draft papers with individual video feedback on rough drafts and the opportunity to revise a final draft. 

Here is a general overview of the schedule: 

Week 1- Our live session will include academic reading tips (note taking and dealing with difficult passages). Students will be assigned Chapters 1 and 2 before the next live session. They will receive reading guides and videos/handouts about writing strategies. 

Week 2- Our live session will include a discussion of Chapters 1 and 2 and an introduction to the idea of summary. Students will be assigned Chapters 3 and 4 before the next live session. They will receive reading guides, videos/handouts about writing strategies, and be asked to complete a writing activity in preparation for their first paper. 

Week 3- Our live session will include a discussion of Chapters 3 and 4 and an introduction to the idea of paragraph focusing. Students will be assigned a rough draft of Paper 1. 

Week 4- Our live session will include a discussion of the revision process in preparation for revising Paper 1 based on feedback. Students will be assigned a final draft of Paper 1 and Chapter 5. 

Week 5- Our live session will include a discussion of Chapter 5 and an introduction to the idea of thesis statements. Students will be assigned Chapter 6 before the next live session. They will receive reading guides, videos/handouts about writing strategies, and be asked to complete a writing activity in preparation for their second paper. 

Week 6- Our live session will include a discussion of Chapter 6 and an introduction to the idea of transitions. Students will be assigned Chapter 7 before the next live session. They will receive reading guides, videos/handouts about writing strategies, and be asked to complete a writing activity in preparation for their second paper. 

Week 7- Our live session will include a discussion of Chapter 7 and a detailed overview of Paper 2. Students will be assigned a rough draft of Paper 2. 

Week 8- Our live session will give students an opportunity to share their work on Paper 2 and discuss any revision questions. Students will be assigned a final draft of Paper 2.