Powerful Paragraphs for Beginners
In this 4-week class, students will learn how to write powerful paragraphs by including interesting topic sentences, relevant details and a great closing sentence!
Christina Stringfield, M. Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(61)
What's included
8 live meetings
6 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will be expected to work on their writing between classes and have it ready for the next class.Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 4
Beginner Level
In this 4-week course, students will learn how to write organized, powerful paragraphs. Additionally, we will work on writing interesting topic sentences, using relevant details, varied word choice and how to write a reflective closing summing up the main idea. The teacher will use a variety of ways to facilitate learning. Interactive slide shows and handouts will be used to introduce each new topic throughout the course. Students will be encouraged to participate and help with writing tasks. The structure of this course is as follows: Day 1-Paragraph Structure-The teacher will introduce the parts of a paragraph using a hamburger graphic organizer. Students will learn about the topic sentence, details and closing sentence. After that brief overview, we will concentrate on topic sentences. Students will learn several different strategies for beginning a paragraph such as: using a question, an amazing fact, a quote, a personal opinion, humor, or repetition. Day 2-Relevent Details-We will work on identifying and using relevant details (details that stick to the topic) in paragraphs. Students will practice writing details for topics they are given. Day 3-Transition Words-Transition words help with the flow of a paragraph as well as signal time order, cause and effect, and comparisons. The students will first learn about transitions using time order words. Day 4-Word Choice-The students will learn how to use a thesaurus to replace overused words such as happy, sad and good. Day 5-Closing Sentences-Students will learn clever ways to conclude their paragraphs. Then, we will put all of the pieces together to write a paragraph. The teacher along with the students' input will write a paragraph. Following that, students will pick a topic and begin filling in their graphic organizers. Parents can send a picture of the graphic organizer for the teacher to check, or they can share them with their peers and ask for suggestions. Day 6-Editing-Students will be taught how to edit a paragraph. They will then look back at their own writing and try to fix mistakes or add more details. Students will write their rough drafts and send a picture to the teacher for feedback. Day 7-Final Drafts-Students will ask for any additional help they may need in completing their final drafts. We will review all of the parts of a paragraph and prepare for a quiz on the last day of the class. Day 8-Quiz Day-Students will take a quiz on the last day of class and we will then play some games to celebrate the end of the course.
Learning Goals
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.4
With guidance and support from adults, produce writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task and purpose. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2.A
Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2.B
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2.C
Use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, another, and, more, but) to connect ideas within categories of information.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2.D
Provide a concluding statement or section.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The teacher will use Google Slides to present information and make the class interactive. Google Forms will be used for a quiz at the end of the course. Room Recess and Kahoot have many games that we can play to reinforce what we are learning in class and have a little fun too.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined December, 2020
5.0
61reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Ohio Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Ball State University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Ball State University
Hi, friends! Welcome to my class! My courses are in all elementary academic areas along with some crafting classes. I love teaching! I come to you with 20 years of teaching experience and have taught all subjects in grades PK-4. I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Elementary Education from Ball State University. I hold an Ohio Teaching License in grades Pre-K through 5. I truly believe that everyone is gifted in some way, so I try to find the strengths in my students to assist in learning new material. It is my goal to make learning easy and fun. Currently, I live in Ohio and spend my days at home with my two children. My husband teaches high school World History and coaches golf. I enjoy crocheting, scrapbooking, golfing, and using my Cricut to make unique gifts.Reviews
Live Group Class
$36
weekly or $144 for 8 classes2x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-10
3-6 learners per class
