State Research Report: Explore and Write About Your Favorite State
What's included
12 live meetings
9 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will have some time in class to research their state and write paragraphs, but there will be times they will need to finish outside of the live class.Assessment
I offer to grade the essay with a rubric and give written feedback that can be used in a homeschool students portfolio.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
In this history and writing class, students are in for an epic journey! Throughout this adventure, they'll dive deep into the heart and soul of a state of their choosing, unraveling its mysteries, uncovering its treasures, and crafting a multi-paragraph informational essay. Here is a guide for what will be taught each week: Week 1 Day 1 Geography-With maps, pictures, and captivating slideshows, students will voyage through the 50 states, exploring regions, landforms, and the bodies of water that shape these lands. Day 2 But wait, there's more! In a whirlwind of discovery, students will learn the power of safe internet searches to unearth secrets about their chosen state's geography. With guidance from the teacher, they'll record facts and collect information that will drive their writing. Week 2 Day 3 Students, armed with their geography notes, will practice crafting paragraphs following the teacher's demonstration of effective writing. The teacher offers guidance and assistance, encouraging questions from the students as they navigate the art of composing well-structured paragraphs. Day 4 Natural Resources-As the journey continues, students will plunge into the realm of natural resources, distinguishing between renewable and nonrenewable resources as well as how their states use them. Week 3 Day 5 Let's craft a compelling paragraph on natural resources, drawing from the insightful notes you all gathered in our last class. Day 6 Students will be thrust into the world of fame, unearthing the tales of at least three famous figures hailing from their chosen state. Delving deeper, students will find fascinating facts that will captivate readers' imaginations. Week 4 Day 7 With guidance, learners will write an interesting account about their state's famous people. Day 8 Get ready for a fact-finding adventure in this session. Students will uncover mind-blowing facts that are unique to their state such as state symbols, awesome vacation spots, weird or unusual happenings or anything that highlights their state! Week 5 Day 9 With guidance, learners will write an attention-grabbing paragraph chalk full of the most interesting facts about their state. Day 10 Students will sculpt an opening paragraph that hooks their reader as well as a concluding paragraph that summarizes and drives home why their state is an amazing state. Week 6 Day 11 Students, get ready to power up your writing skills! You can fire away with questions, seeking guidance on weaving in those slick transition words, polishing up spelling, nailing punctuation, or anything else about your awesome final drafts. Day 12 The grand finale awaits! Armed with their finalized drafts, students will take center stage, presenting their essay about their chosen state. For those who love to go above and beyond, you can create a slide show or poster to captivate your audience and add flair to your presentation. *This is a tentative schedule that can always change due to the skill level and number of students. **After the last class, please attach the final draft and send it to me. I will fill out a rubric and give feedback on the essay.
Learning Goals
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.A
Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.B
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.C
Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.D
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.E
Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.A
Introduce a topic clearly, provide a general observation and focus, and group related information logically; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.B
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.C
Link ideas within and across categories of information using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., in contrast, especially).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.D
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.E
Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.A
Introduce a topic; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.B
Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.C
Use appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.D
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.E
Establish and maintain a formal style.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.F
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the information or explanation presented.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students will be using the Internet to research the state of their choice.
We will be using Kidzsearch, Kiddle and Safe Kids Search engines.
Supply List
Printed Class Handouts Pencil
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Ohio Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Ball State University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Ball State University
I have been teaching writing for 25 years and love to foster a love for writing in my students.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$30
weekly or $180 for 12 classes2x per week, 6 weeks
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
3-6 learners per class