Ongoing One-On-One Writing Lessons
What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1 hour per week. Assignments done outside of class should not take more than about half an hour. I will provide a shared google doc for your learner that they can continue to add to throughout the duration of their lessons. The google doc will contain their homework instructions each week and space for them to complete their work. If the learner is continuing, verbal feedback will be given during the next session. Whether or not the learner continues with the class, written feedback will be given in a private message within a week of its submission. If you prefer, I can teach this class without giving homework; just let me know.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Does your learner ever say, "I don't know what to write about!" or, "I just don't know how to start"? Has writing caused tears and frustration? I can help. My one-on-one classes can be customized to meet your learner where they are. I support their learning by giving just the right amount of help, which will build confidence while simultaneously improving their skills. I will work with the learner on a writing topic each week, assign homework if desired, and give constructive feedback on all work. Each class session will include a mini-lesson (very short lecture), examples, practice, and feedback. Feedback is designed to be positive and encouraging and to help the learner continue to make progress. This is a great way to either supplement what your child is learning at school or as a homeschool curriculum option. At their first lesson, the learner will be provided with an interactive google doc. This is where I will post instructions for homework assignments and where your learner will submit their writing. Notes, prewriting, and practice exercises will also appear on the google doc, so your learner will always have access to all of their notes and work in one convenient location that you can view at any time. My attitude toward teaching writing is that I know writing is hard. I feel compassion when I hear learners say that they "just don't know what to write about" or they "just don't know how to start." That feeling you get when you are staring at a blank screen or blank page is one of the most intimidating, miserable feelings in the world. I want to help your learner get past that. I will therefore offer as much ongoing support as needed. I take the time to get to know your learner and their interests, I provide lots of examples and models, and I will talk them through every step of the process from brainstorming topic ideas to thinking of the first words to start their paragraph or essay to revising and polishing their final draft. I try to be positive and encouraging and to always look for the good. I find that this approach helps many learners who lack self confidence to build not only the skills they need to level up their writing but also the belief that they can do so. Prior to your first lesson enrollment, please reach out and let me know your learner's needs and frustrations. This will help me design lessons at their level that will give them a positive experience and help them reach their potential. In addition to the lessons themselves, I will keep in fairly regular contact with you (their parent or adult) to let you know how the learner is progressing. If you are homeschooling and would like additional support, I can also offer suggestions that you can work on at home with your child between lessons. I can also work with siblings in the same class if their skill levels are similar. Although the lessons are customized, here is an example of what we might cover in the first four weeks: Week 1 I will get to know your learner and assess their current skills. Week 2 We will focus on how to choose a writing topic and how to use knowledge of purpose and audience to write better paragraphs or essays. Week 3 We will work on prewriting--using graphic organizers or thinking maps--to plan our first writing assignment. We will also talk about thesis statements and topic sentences. Week 4 We will talk about supporting evidence, why it is important, where to use it, and what to use as evidence. New to Outschool? Use code JULIEWI20 when you sign up, and get $20 off your first class. Learner may start and stop at any point. Please note that ongoing classes are charged on the Sunday preceding the lesson. If you need to skip a week, kindly let me know before the charge goes through on Sunday. I would be happy to simply not schedule class for that week, and you will not be charged. This method is preferable to the "pause subscription" option because if you pause your subscription, that opens up the spot and another learner may enroll, causing your child to lose their spot on the schedule. For last-minute changes, I may be able to offer a make-up lesson (pending availability) with at least 24 hours notice.
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in English from California State University
I have 25 years of experience teaching English/language arts, writing, public speaking, and literature. The majority of my experience is with college students; however, I have also worked with upper elementary, middle school, and high school students over the years. I have experience with gifted education and remedial education. And I homeschool my own children.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$50
weekly1x per week
25 min
Completed by 47 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
1-2 learners per class