Planning Academic & Non-Fiction Writing for Neurodivergent Teens
Bridget Smith M.Ed.
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Average rating:4.6Number of reviews:(847)
In this 4 week flex course for neurodivergent teens will explore diverse graphic organizers that learners can use for planning and organizing their writing. Graphic organizers are a valuable tool for dysgraphic and dyslexic learners.
Class experience
Many neurodivergent teens have creative ideas for their writing but have trouble putting those ideas down on paper. Working memory challenges, learning differences, and writing challenges all make it difficult to write with a cohesive message or to remember to include important details. Graphic organizers help learners: * Plan their writing before they get started. *Create a "road map" for their writing journey. *Use the graphic organizer as a resource they can continue to refer back to...
4 units//4 lessons//4 Weeks
Unit 1Mind MapsMind Maps1 lesson1 WeekWeek 1Lesson 1Mind MapsIn this session we will explore how to use mind maps as a way to get ideas out of your brain and onto paper. Mind maps can also help you to add more detail and organization to your writing.Unit 2Pro and Con ChartsPro and Con Charts1 lesson1 WeekWeek 2Lesson 2Pro and Con ChartsIn this session you will explore how pro and con charts can help you make decisions or organize your as you prepare for an argumentative writing assignment.Unit 3Venn DiagramsVenn Diagrams1 lesson1 WeekWeek 3Lesson 3Venn DiagramsIn this session you will explore how to compare and contrast two or more concepts using a Venn Diagram. This is a great strategy for getting your thoughts organized and on paper as you prepare for a comparative writing assignment. We will even explore how Venn Diagrams can be used in math!Unit 4KWL ChartKWL Chart1 lesson1 WeekWeek 4Lesson 4KWL ChartIn this session you will explore how to use a KWL chart to perform research. This strategy will help you document your background knowledge, develop research questions, and keep track of your sources to prepare your work cited.
Students will learn about four different types of graphic organizers and practice using the organizers to plan out four different writing projects based on topics of their choice.
Bridget Smith is a credentialed K-12 teacher, a published writer, and the mom to learners with dyslexia and dysgraphia. She has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent kids and teens with ADHD and other learning differences here on the Outschool platform. In addition to this course, Bridget also offers self paced "Real People Real History", "Books for All Kids" , and "Book for All Teens" book studies that help support all learners, including those with dyslexia and dysgraphia as they explore history and fiction written from diverse perspectives.
Homework Offered
Learners can submit their graphic organizers for feedback in my online classroom. Learners are also invited to take one or more of the graphic organizers and turn it into a more detailed writing project each week.1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
The Teacher will provide feedback to writing samples and graphic organizers posted by self paced learners in the online classroom. All learners will have the opportunity to review what they learned in class by completing a self assessment.Grades Offered
Narrative Evaluation available upon request.
This class is designed to support students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning disabilities with planning what to write. Students can use graphic organizers, create videos, or draw to respond to class posts and videos.
Writing supports such as templates and graphic organizers will be shared in the Outschool classroom. Please download or save a copy if possible because they will provide support for your student’s' writing. I will also share these resources in Google Doc form if possible to further support students with dyslexia and dysgraphia who prefer to type or use voice to text. Blank paper, pens, and colored markers and pencils can be helpful to have on hand if your teen wants to be creative.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Students may be using Google Docs to record and share their ideas. These are COPPA Compliant Resources.
Teacher developed templates of graphic organizers using the Google Docs format. For more information on how graphic organizers can help students with ADHD, poor working memory, dysgraphia, and other learning differences please see the following articles by these valuable organizations that support parents and teachers of students with learning disabilities: Nationally recognized resource for teachers and parents who work with kids with learning differences https://www.understood.org/en/articles/8-tools-for-kids-with-dysgraphia National policy advocacy group and educational resource for individuals with learning disabilities and those who support them. https://ldaamerica.org/info/graphic-organizers/ Bilingual education and literacy and language organization funded by the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/graphic-organizers-help-kids-writing Meta Analysis published in Learning Disability Quarterly https://sim.ku.edu/sites/sim.drupal.ku.edu/files/images/general/Handouts/Graphic%20OrganizersDexter.pdf Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) resource on meeting the needs of students with ADHD in the classroom. https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/FinalTeacherCard2019.pdf
Popular
Average rating:4.6Number of reviews:(847)
I love being part of the Outschool learning community! I offer executive function courses for neurodivergent and preteens and students with learning disabilities. I specialize in supporting teens with ADHD, autistic learners, learners with...
Self-Paced Class
$13
weekly or $50 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher feedback
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 2 learners
Ages: 13-18
