Self-Paced Class: Paragraph Construction Zone
This is a self-paced (video-based) version of the very popular Paragraph Construction Zone. Students will learn the proper construction of a paragraph and practice writing four different kinds of paragraphs for an instructor evaluation.
Dana Lorelle, Writing, Vocabulary, Essays
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5.0
Number of reviews:(1,271)
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What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1 hour per week. Students will write one paragraph after each class.Assessment
For each submitted paragraph, I complete an evaluation that addresses the student's organization, mechanics, and writing style.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Does your student need to learn how to write a paragraph? And do you want detailed feedback on their organization and writing skills? Then this is the class for you! Before students attempt the all-important essay, they need to learn the correct construction of a paragraph. Using a "construction zone" approach, this class will guide students through the creation of four different kinds of paragraphs: descriptive, expository, narrative, and persuasive. Each video begins with a warm-up writing activity, followed by instruction that includes in-depth presentation and practice in writing topic sentences, supporting sentences, and concluding sentences. Students are asked to pause the video to complete various in-class writing activities. Following each class, students should write the assigned paragraph and submit it for an evaluation. Each lesson also includes printouts to help with organization and writing. I am gentle but detailed in my evaluations. I often include a scanned and corrected copy of the paragraph as well as video feedback and the typed evaluation.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Lesson 1: Descriptive paragraphs
First of all, we need to understand what is and isn't a paragraph! So, in this class, we will learn the different jobs of each sentence in a paragraph. Beyond that, we'll talk about how we can be descriptive in our writing (words like "beautiful" and "yummy" will be banned!). Finally, students will write their own descriptive paragraph and submit it for a complete evaluation. Lesson 2:
Lesson 2: Narrative paragraphs
Let's tell stories! However, you can't forget about being descriptive! Even as we learn about how to narrate (tell a story), you should still be using strong words. This class will focus on using narrative and transition language in a paragraph. Once again, submit your paragraph for evaluation! Lesson 3:
Lesson 3: Expository paragraphs
This time, we move into expository paragraphs, perhaps better understood as informational paragraphs. Students can answer a "why" question -- "If you were any animal, what would you be, and why?" -- or they can "expose" information on any topic that interests them. I've read tons of expository paragraphs about black holes and Minecraft, and I'm happy to evaluate more of them! Lesson 4:
Lesson 4: Persuasive paragraphs
Let's argue! I mean... let's persuade! We'll take about ways to open a persuasive paragraph, what to write about, and how to offer reasons to convince our readers. Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2019
5.0
1271reviews
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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
$15
weekly or $60 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 680 learners
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Ages: 8-13
