Paragraph Writing and Editing Practice (Ages 11-14)
Students will practice writing one to two paragraphs each week that are organized and well-written using a structured method.
Natalie Sydor, M. Ed
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(262)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be completing, editing, and rewriting the paragraph that was started in class. Typed paragraphs may be submitted through Google Docs and shared through a link. No emails will ever be exchanged.Assessment
Learner progress will be assessed through class participation and paragraph completion.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
This class is designed to help students brainstorm ideas and focus their attention on organizing their thoughts on a specific topic. Their goal will be to create a well-organized, descriptive paragraph. Each class will have a different topic to focus on. Students will learn about proper paragraph structure and sentence fluency. They will organize their thoughts using the 4 Square Method as a starting point. Students will complete the organizer, write a rough draft, and complete a final copy of the paragraph. Students with higher level skills will be challenged to produce extended paragraphs.
Class structure:
---------------------
1. Whole group activity:
- structure of a paragraph
- 4 Square Writing Method
- analysis of the question or task
2. Independent writing practice (new topic provided every week)
- start organizing thoughts for a paragraph by completing the organizer
- constructive criticism for improvements
- editing
- rewriting final copy
3. Homework:
- finish editing
- final copy
- 2nd writing topic
Students may submit their paragraphs through Google Docs to the teacher for feedback in regards to grammar, sentence structure, and content. Only links to the documents will be shared, no emails will ever be used.
Please note that I do not share video recordings.
Week #1 - Paragraph writing formula, writing topic - favorite memory, a descriptive paragraph
Week #2 - Paragraph writing formula, writing topic - informative paragraph about yourself and your goals
Week #3 - Paragraph writing formula, writing topic - persuasive writing topic
Week #4 - Paragraph writing formula, writing topic - informative/process writing topicLearning Goals
Students will learn how to organize a strong paragraph. They will be challenged to improve their skills, no matter where their starting point is.
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need to attend class with paper or a notebook, a printed copy of the 4 Square Method, and a pencil.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined February, 2020
4.9
262reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Illinois Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Education from Saint Xavier University
Hello, my name is Natalie Sydor. I have been an English Language Arts and Reading Teacher for over 20 years. I have taught ELA and Reading to students from the ages of 5 - 18. My students have been native English speakers as well as English language learners. My lessons have focused on phonics, grammar, speaking skills, writing skills, comprehension, literary work analysis, and research. I have taught in the mainstream classrooms and have also worked in small group and tutoring settings teaching: phonics, ESL, Guided Reading, Spanish, Ukrainian, English language skills and test taking skills.
My responsibilities have included monitoring students' progress from all academic abilities. I understand that everyone is unique. Some students need guided attention and support to thrive, while others need minimal guidance and prefer a more independent environment to succeed. I have helped my students to progress to their academic goals and have helped them learn to strive for continued improvement. I guiding my youngest son through his Home School Education. My goal is to help motivate every student to work hard and achieve their highest academic potential!
I have a Bachelor's Degree in English/Education from Loyola University (Chicago, Illinois), as well as ESL and Bilingual Certifications from Concordia University (Chicago, Illinois). My Master's Degree is in Education and Teacher Leadership from St. Xavier University (Chicago, Illinois). I have also completed 45 graduate credit hours at Colorado State University in English, Reading, and Multicultural Education. My continued attendance at seminars contributes to my own personal and professional growth. I currently work as an Academic Advisor at a University.
I love to spend time with my family, especially with my three grown children and their families. I like to cook and bake (gluten free and allergy friendly meals), take walks, and explore nature. I also read a lot! That’s definitely a super important part of my life. I spend time working in our native plant garden, I take care of our organic vegetable gardens, raise Monarch butterflies in the summer, and go on walks with my dog Juniper.
I am proud to have the opportunity to teach on the Outschool platform and to work with your learner. Please consider joining my classroom soon!Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 215 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-7 learners per class
