Paragraph Writing Crash Course (FLEX)

In this course, students will learn about paragraph writing using the hamburger method. This method is commonly used in schools in America to teach paragraph writing. It is an excellent visual aid for learners. This course will provide an introduction, refresher, or extra practice for learners preparing for paragraph writing. 

The course will begin with an instructional introduction of the hamburger method and paragraph writing. Throughout the remaining three weeks, students will work on writing their own paragraph writing. 

Week #1: Students will be shown a visual aid of the Hamburger method. They will construct a graphic organizer of this method at home. I will provide a short list of read-aloud videos students may chose from to create a sample writing. This is a simplified version of the hamburger method to help students practice the strategy in a shorten period of time. Students will receive a graphic organizer for this activity.  

Week #2: Using the graphic organizer they completed last week on their selected video, students will create a short paragraph about the topic. I will ask that students to allow me to post their paragraph to the classroom so other students may comment on the work. This form of peer-feedback will allow students to collaborate within the classroom and get advice from their peers. 

Week #3: Students will begin working on their paragraph writing. I will present them with a list of topic examples but they may chose anything that interests them to write about. Students will be asked to write at least 2 paragraphs about their topic (more if they would like!). By the end of this week, students will be asked to send their rough drafts to me. Again, I will request permission to post these in the classroom for peer-evaluations. I will provide feedback and students will work to edit and revise their writing. 

Week #4: During the final week of class, students will complete their paragraph writing and submit it to me. If students choose, they may add an artwork or craft component to their work (like a drawing, model, diagram, etc.). This is a completely optional step. 

Books:
Writing a How-To By: Cecilia Minden, Kate Roth
The Case of the Incapacitated Capitals By: Robin Pulver Illustrated by: Lynn Rowe Reed
Punctuation By: Ann Heinrichs Illustrated by: Dan McGeehan, David Moore
End Punctuation By: Kate Riggs
The Day Punctuation Came to Town By: Kimberlee Gard
Illustrated by: Sandie Sonke
How to Write an Essay By: Cecilia Minden, Kate Roth
Writing an Email By: Cecilia Minden, Kate Roth
How to Write a Journal By: Cecilia Minden
Rev Up Your Writing in Informational Texts By: Julia Garstecki
Illustrated by: Mernie Gallagher-Cole

Videos:
The Sentence Song
Editing Your Writing for Kids
Punctuation Explained by Scratch Garden
Persuasive Writing for Kids (series)ideos that include fun animations, examples, songs, and instructions on the topic of the week. Students will be asked to comment their thoughts on these videos. I will also ask them to expand upon their writing knowledge. I will randomly post short paragraphs to the classroom wall and ask the students to edit and revise these paragraphs in order to make them better and to address what is missing. I will provide the students with an interactive google slides presentation that the entire class can collaborate on. This presentation will include graphics, interactive examples, and a variety of different style of questions.**

- Throughout this class, students will engage with their peers through the use of Kahoots! and class wide games like Jeopardy! and BINGO. Nearpod will also be utilized to demonstrate what students have learned, engage in virtual field trips, and allow for classmate interaction. 

- Students will also post their completed crafts and assignments for their classmates to comment on. Students will follow along with various crafts such as coloring pages, multimedia crafts, informative diagrams, cut and paste crafts, and so much more! We will engage in activities such as interactive google presentations, mini info books, and super exciting experiments! 

- Also shared in the classroom will be exciting videos for students to watch and learn from, guided questions will be attached to each video. 

- Anchor charts will be used as visuals.

***Although it is not required, I suggest that students take my "Writing Workshop 101" course first. If students are struggling with writing, taking the "Writing Workshop 101" course first will give them a basic overview of writing which will help them be more prepared for paragraph writing in this course.