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

Completed by 57 learners
Ages 8-13
Self-Paced Class
This 4-week self-paced (video-based) class will give your students weekly writing practice and feedback. It is the first in a 16-week semester class designed to build better writers.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(1,319 reviews)
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4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content

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Go at your own pace
Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.
Start when you want.
Learn at your own pace
Access course material for a full year.
Get hands-on support from teacher.

What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students should expect to write 1-3 paragraphs per week. They will also have optional homework that includes grammar, writing, and vocabulary exercises.
Assessment
The instructor will provide a detailed evaluation for each submitted assignment.

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6
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.

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Lesson 1
 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. 
Lesson 2:
Lesson 2
 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. 
Lesson 3:
Lesson 3
 All of the already-taught elements + remaining in one verb tense when narrating; using different styles of sentence openers. 
Lesson 4:
Lesson 4
 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. 

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This class uses optional Nearpod activities, for which parents must give permission.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Meet the teacher

5.0
1319reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
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



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