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Planning Academic & Non-Fiction Writing for Neurodivergent Teens

In this 4 week self-paced course 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.
Bridget Smith M.Ed.
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:
(891)
Popular
Class

What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1-2 hours per week. 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.
Assessment
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.
Grading
Narrative Evaluation available upon request.

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 as they are writing.

Dyslexic and dysgraphic learners as well as students who struggle with working memory due to ADHD will find this class particularly useful since they can use graphic organizers to record their thoughts, create a plan for their writing, and have a concrete plan to refer back to as they move forward with their writing.

In this four week self- paced class learners will explore four different kinds of graphic organizers: mind maps,  pro-con charts, Venn diagrams, and KWL charts.  Each class will include:

1) An opening question based on the strategy of the week.

2) A short video lesson to model and explain the graphic organizer strategy of the week.

3)  Two posted graphic organizer challenges.  One challenge will be more fun and practical, the other a bit more academic.  In all cases, learner engagement will be encouraged by allowing students to choose the topics of their organizers.

4) Two extension activities that challenge students to use their organizers  develop a paragraph, presentation, or other writing project. I would love to take a look and give some limited feedback and suggestions to my self paced learners who submit work in our online classroom.

5) For self-paced learners, I will provide teacher feedback on all work that is scanned or photographed and posted in our online classroom. Learners can also share view only or editable Google Doc links if they prefer.  My focus will not be on "red pencil" correcting the students writing, but rather making suggestions or sharing strategies that would make the writing better (e.g. run a spell check, proof read, format differently, etc.)
Learning Goals
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.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Units
4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Unit 1: Mind Maps
Lesson 1:
Mind Maps
 In 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 2: Pro and Con Charts
Lesson 2:
Pro and Con Charts
 In 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 3: Venn Diagrams
Lesson 3:
Venn Diagrams
 In 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 4: KWL Chart
Lesson 4:
KWL Chart
 In 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. 

Other Details

Learning Needs
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.
Parental Guidance
Students may be using Google Docs to record and share their ideas. These are COPPA Compliant Resources.
Supply List
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.
Joined June, 2020
4.7
891reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from University of California, Santa Cruz
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" book studies the take a deep dive into historical events through first person accounts and support all learners, including those with dyslexia and dysgraphia as they explore history and fiction written from diverse perspectives.  Bridget also offers diverse high interest low reading level book studies with supports for learners with dyslexia and dysgraphia.

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$13

weekly or $50 for all content
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 6 learners
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Ages: 13-18

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