Star Wars Writing: Essay Writing With Star Wars!
What's included
4 live meetings
2 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Some students may need to finish their writing after class.Assessment
Essays will be graded with a rubric, either by the teacher or parent/grown up.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
In this 4 session, 30-40 minute class, children will write a 5-paragraph essay or narrative, depending on the focus of the class session. The focus over the 4 week classes will be writing either a persuasive essay, an expository essay, a compare and contrast essay, or a narrative. Topics will vary for each session. Some example topics include, but are not limited to: Persuasive: Jedi or Sith, which is better? Expository: Describe one droid in detail. Compare and Contrast: Pick two creatures from Star Wars and compare and contrast. Narrative: Fan fiction piece about an adventure with two main characters. Each class session will begin with a question of the week and a Star Wars joke of the week. Students may share one item from Star Wars at this time. Then, we will get to work! I will present the topic of each day, and have a presentation with important points for our topic. We will go back and forth from ideas in the presentation to time to write independently. Students can share their writing in class verbally, and hand in an assignment after class. It is recommended that students type their assignment. At the end of class, parents have the choice to grade the essay with a provided rubric or hand in the essay or narrative through the classroom. Students may share a google doc through a weblink only (no emails may be shown) in order for me to review writing each week. I will show students how to do this during class. My feedback guidelines are 3-5 positive comments with 1-2 items to improve on or fix. I only focus on 1-2 items to fix, even if there is more to work on. Students may have to research outside of class time. This class is an inclusive class and welcomes learners of all abilities, and is inclusive to students with learning disabilities, autism, anxiety, or any other learning differences. It is small group to allow learners of all abilities.
Learning Goals
At the end of 4 class sessions, students will have written a 5-paragraph essay or narrative, including an introductory paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
During class session 1, students will brainstorm about their topic and write an introductory paragraph for their essay.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Brainstorm and Introduction
We will go over expectations for the class - including how to share a google doc without email addresses, how to get feedback each week, and the rubric that I will use to grade the essay at the end of the class session. Students will brainstorm on their topic, complete an outline, and begin to write the introductory paragraph for their essay.
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
First Body Paragraph
Students will continue writing the introductory paragraph for their essay. Students will write their first body paragraphs.
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Second and Third Body Paragraph
Students will write their second and third body paragraph.
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Closing Paragraphs, Revise, and Share
Students will write their closing paragraph. Students will revise their essays and share with the class.
30 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is an inclusive class and welcomes learners of all abilities, and is inclusive to students with learning disabilities, autism, anxiety, or any other learning differences. It is a small group (maximum of 5 students).
Parental Guidance
Students may have to research details and examples outside of class. This should be done with parental guidance.
It is preferred to have access to google doc in order to share writing with the teacher.
Pre-Requisites
Students should be able to write 2-3 sentences independently. Instruction is direct and explicit and step by step for those who need it. More advanced students are welcome.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
California Teaching Certificate in Special Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from University of San Francisco
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Central Connecticut State University
I have a master’s degree in Learning and Instruction as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I taught general education and special education classes for seven years before becoming a homeschooling mom. I taught many children with special needs how to write sentences, stories, paragraphs, and essays. My two boys (ages nine and eleven) love Star Wars and they were the inspiration for this class.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$48
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
30 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
1-5 learners per class