Self-Paced Class: Before the Essay (Middle School Writing Projects)
This video-based self-paced class bridges the gap between paragraphs and essays by focusing on how to create longer, more complex writings -- while keeping it fun!
Dana Lorelle, Writing, Vocabulary, Essays
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5.0
Number of reviews:(1,277)
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What's included
6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. In lessons 1, 3, and 5, students will be working on rough drafts that they can submit for feedback. They should also plan time to make changes to these drafts. In the other lessons, students will be completing/revising their drafts to submit for evaluation.Assessment
I complete a detailed evaluation for each submitted project that follows a checklist (students have the checklist before they complete the assignment). Additionally, I evaluate their writing for organization, mechanics, and style.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
This self-paced (video-based) six-week course covers writing styles that every middle school student should master. It bridges the gap between paragraphs and essays by focusing on longer styles of writing that build skills of brainstorming, organization, grammar, and composition. This class consists of six videos that guide students through the composition of narrative, expository, and persuasive writing projects. Each project is completed over two lessons. As the instructor, I work with your students at every step; they should plan to submit their rough drafts for feedback as well as their final projects for a detailed evaluation for their portfolios. I am gentle but detailed in my evaluations! I often send a corrected scan and video feedback for submissions. I generally send evaluations and feedback within four business days. Students (and parents) are welcome to contact me at any time with questions. Each video begins with a warm-up writing activity, followed by instruction that includes in-depth presentation and practice of writing in the various styles. Students are asked to pause the video to complete writing activities. See the syllabus for a complete week-by-week guide of coursework.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Lesson 1: Narrative Writing
We'll take a look at what narrative writing is... and how we can create pictures with words! The focus is on telling a story with utmost attention to sensory details, vivid verbs, and strong hooks. Students should send their rough draft to the instructor for feedback. Lesson 2:
Lesson 2: Narrative Writing
In this lesson, students should expect to revise their narrative drafts by adding dialogue and several literary devices (figurative language, alliteration, etc). They will also work on creating an ending that answers the question "Why is this event important?" Students should submit their final composition for a detailed evaluation. Lesson 3:
Lesson 3: Expository Writing
Time to brainstorm! This lesson moves into expository (informational writing). Students will compose a three-paragraph "essay" that mimics the structure of a complete five-paragraph essay but has only one body paragraph. This lesson will focus on writing that body paragraph with perfect paragraph form. Students should submit the paragraph to the instructor for feedback. Lesson 4:
Lesson 4: Expository Writing
In this lesson, students will polish off their expository paper by adding an introduction and a conclusion. Central to this lesson is the creation of a thesis statement, but the correct construction of an introduction with a good hook and a conclusion with a strong ending are also important. Students should submit their final paper for an evaluation. Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2019
5.0
1277reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
My passion -- as well as my professional background -- is writing. Professionally, I hold a B.A. in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and I've been published in numerous newspapers and magazines. I've also taught writing and literature classes to students of all ages and abilities.
On a personal note, I have homeschooled all five of my children and taught them all to read and write... and with each it has been a different experience! What's easy for one child is not easy for another. When I teach online, I always remember that it's important to keep learning fun and to incorporate different methods of teaching to reach all my students. Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$13
weekly or $75 for all content6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 124 learners
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Ages: 11-15
