Middle School Writing Workshop - Literary Elements (Q1)
The Middle School Writing Workshop is designed to inspire & develop writing skills of middle-grade students. We will explore various forms of writing from narrative to persuasive, and hone their ability to express ideas effectively.
Ms. Kelly
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(135)
What's included
16 live meetings
14 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. Each week, we'll read at least one chapter of "Echo Mountain" by Lauren Wolk, and complete a writing assignment.Letter Grade
I will offer letter grades for each assignment, as well as a course grade at the end of the 8 weeks.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Beginner - Intermediate Level
"Middle School Writing Workshop - Literary Elements (Q1)" is designed to help students learn the basics of writing a 5-paragraph essay, while introducing parts of speech, figures of speech, and the elements of a story. Part of my teaching philosophy is that we learn in part by observing, so as we write, we will also read. We will use the middle reader novel "Echo Mountain" by Lauren Wolk as the basis of most of our discussions. Homework will consist of both reading and writing work. We will spend part of each class period discussing our reading homework as it pertains to our topic, as well as writing independently. In addition, we will use a student planner/notebook to organize our thoughts, plans, ideas, and class notes. Lastly, I believe that kids can only learn if they're engaged so I absolutely strive to make each class period interesting for the students. I use humor and topics that interest them in order to make the lessons more relevant.
Learning Goals
How to use a student planner/notebookStudents will be able to identify nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions in texts and use them in their own writing.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)16 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Set Up Our Notebooks
We will start off by getting ourselves ready to write. We will use a planner throughout our course, and we will spend this class period getting it ready. Six sections will include Journal & Notes, Parts of Speech, Figures of Speech, Word Lists, Inspiration, Homework. Assignment: Read the first chapter of "Echo Mountain" by Lauren Wolk. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Review Parts of Speech
We will review parts of speech, such as nouns (and types of nouns), adjectives, verbs, adverbs, conjunctions, and prepositions. We will use Echo Mountain to help us identify each part of speech. Assignment: Continue reading Echo Mountain, Chapter 1. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Structure of a Paragraph
We will discuss the structure and use of a paragraph, including the need for indention, a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and when to start a new paragraph. We will practice writing descriptive paragraphs about various images. Read Chapter 2 of Echo Mountain, and write a 3-sentence paragraph about your favorite basketball player. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Types of Writing
An introduction to four types of writing: 1) Personal Narrative, 2) Opinion, 3) Informational, and 4) Research. Students will begin with the personal narrative, practicing adding details to, and combining, simple sentences. Assignment: "Simple Simon" Worksheet, and continue reading Chapter 2 of Echo Mountain 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need access to a printer for a couple of worksheets throughout the course. In addition, they should have a 3-ring binder, a package of filler paper, an 8-count package of dividers, pencils with erasers, pencil sharpener, and coloring utensils (crayons, markers, or colored pencils).
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Missouri Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
Missouri Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Hi there! My name is Ms. Kelly and I am currently teaching elementary STEM. I graduated from Southwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor's degree in secondary education, in Latin, Speech, and Theatre/Acting. I also completed premedical studies and spent 26 years in healthcare. My talents and hobbies include writing, ceramics, and gardening, and I am an award-winning amateur photographer. With my passions in mind, I teach phonics, spelling, and writing to our young kids, science and writing to middle schoolers, and Latin to all ages including high schoolers. I also have a lot of experience with gifted children and their unique educational needs.
Also, as a mom of three ADHD boys, I know that sitting still and listening doesn't equate to learning. Kids learn best when they're moving and having fun, so humor and silliness play a big role in all my classes, so expect classes that are interactive and upbeat, in order to keep the kids engaged. I hope to see your learners in class soon!Reviews
Live Group Course
$30
weekly2x per week, 8 weeks
55 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
2-4 learners per class
