Research Paper: A 20-Day Writing Journey

My learners (and children) seldom smile when I announce a writing assignment, especially if it is a longer, more formal essay like a research paper. It can be overwhelming to think in terms of the final product, and we are often discouraged before we even begin. I understand; I created this class for you, and for me, to walk this journey together.

This self-paced class is a 20 day journey of daily steps that we will walk together. Although learners can pace themselves and walk several "days" at once, the journey is broken up into steps to help with pacing. Each "day" will consist of a 5-10 minute video and a worksheet that will help us to strengthen the thinking skills and brain connections that support good writing. In the process of this journey we will also each write a research paper, our tangible evidence of the skills we have gained through the course.

This streamlined, process-oriented, low-tech writing class is a personalized, self-paced class with no live meetings. Each "day," learners will watch one video, download and complete one worksheet, and upload the completed work (by document scan or photo) to the teacher for feedback (Day 3 is the exception*). 

I will model writing and working through each assignment with a mix of print and cursive, and learners are welcome to do their own work using either form of handwriting. Learners also have the option of typing their assignments if desired.

Learners are invited to use the videos and worksheets to work at their own pace and at their own level. Although this course follows a 20-day calendar (with five lessons per week), the daily time commitment may vary according to individual needs, and learners are also welcome to go slower or faster through these steps as needed. All completed worksheets that are submitted to the teacher will receive feedback and guidance.

Most of all, I hope all of my learners feel connected and accompanied where they are so that they will be encouraged and strengthened to take the next steps in their thinking and writing skills. As always, please contact me directly if there is a way that I can accommodate individuals to make the material serve their needs.

The step-by-step process organized into daily topics:
1. Let go and flow: Tap into curiosity to brainstorm essay topics while dealing with writing blocks.
2. Commit: Choose a thesis statement.
3. Gather: Find external resources as references.*
4. Read: Understand research material.
5. Plan: Organize ideas into an outline or mind map.
6. Simplify: Note and quote reference material.
7. Sequence: Revisit and remodel outline in logical order.
8. Arrange: Organize ideas into paragraphs.
9. Introduce: Communicate a big idea and intention for the paper.
10. Rhythm: Build effective body paragraphs.
11. Connect: Compose concluding and transitory phrases.
12. Perspective: Revisit outline to write the conclusion.
13. Acknowledge: Cite sources in a reference list.
14. Revise: Read and remodel the paper.
15. Ask: Get feedback from someone else.
16. Align: Edit paper according to style rules.
17. Clarify: Clean up punctuation, grammar and spelling errors.
18. Manifest: Rewrite the paper in its final form.
19. Present: Share your research paper.
20. Reflect: Evaluate your journey and affirm your progress.

*Please note that on Day 3, learners will be given the assignment to gather external resources for their research. This can include internet searches, library trips or research, or books already available in the learner's home. Knowing that each learner will have different capabilities and limitations when it comes to accessing outside materials, parents are asked to be available for guiding this day's assignment. If your learner does not have the ability to obtain external resources, please ask me for an assigned topic with teacher-supplied photocopied articles.