Self-Paced Class: Building Better Writers Junior, Part 1 (Weeks 1-4)

This self-paced course is weeks 1-4 of a one-semester (16-week) writing course appropriate for ages 8-13. 

In this video-based class, students can expect to have fun while learning how to elevate their writing style through grammatical and stylistic devices. Each individual class will focus on a specific aspect of writing. Each assignment will include a checklist that builds over time, and all submitted assignments receive an evaluation with detailed feedback. 

All classes use a pre-recorded instructor video of 15-20 minutes. Students should pause the video to complete all activities. At the end, students will have a longer activity to complete and submit for feedback. In addition to the video, each week the instructor will post worksheets that review the class material, classwork and homework assignments. 

Week 1 focus: Clarity in writing; making every word count by choosing strong, specific words, especially nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs; using at least one sentence opener that is not subject-verb. 

Example of week 1 after-class materials: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cuN18YOUrckpI7YHXRPEcu_GyNyVGRlQDHepfmSE360/edit?usp=sharing

Week 2 focus: Using descriptive writing in narration (strong, specific adjectives, adverbs, and verbs); using transition and sequence words (First, Next, The following morning); using a minimum of two adverbs and two adjectives; eliminating specific words from writing. 

Week 3 focus: All of the above + remaining in one verb tense when narrating; using different styles of sentence openers. 

Week 4 focus: Construction and organization in persuasive writing; using a minimum of two adverbs and two adjectives; eliminating specific words from writing; remaining in one verb tense; using adverbs as sentence openers. 

Students should send the assignments in to the instructor for evaluation.