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Taking the Writing Training Wheels Off: Going Beyond the Five-Paragraph Essay

In this self-paced class, students will learn to grow their writing beyond the standard five-paragraph essay to bring their skills to the next level.
Bill Whitehead, M.Ed.
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(54)
Rising Star
Class

What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content

Class Experience

This self-paced class is for students looking to take their writing to the next level and grow beyond the five-paragraph essay established in elementary and middle school.  The five-paragraph essay approach is sound, as it establishes a foundation for students to think about how to organize their thoughts in writing, but it is by no means a recipe for excellence, especially in high school (and beyond).

The class will review the fundamentals of the five-paragraph essay and demonstrate how to stretch beyond the format to further explore & develop ideas in their writing.  

While this is self-paced/asynchronous, students may message me at any time through Outschool with any questions or comments and I will reply asap.  Each lesson will include a video lecture and supplemental notes.

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction: Five-Paragraph Essay Pros & Cons
 What five-paragraphs essays do well, and their drawbacks 
Lesson 2:
Planning!
 Developing an outline 
Lesson 3:
Expanding Your Introduction
 How to create more than one paragraph as an "intro"... 
Lesson 4:
Expanding Your Body Paragraphs and Conclusion

Other Details

Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Youtube
Joined October, 2021
4.8
54reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Hello!  My name is Bill and I offer a wide variety of courses that either reinforce the skills found in a traditional English/Humanities class such as writing and public speaking, or fall into more of the "miscellaneous" category, such as basic life skills required to be independent--like creating and maintaining a budget, basic cooking, etc.  I balance out my practical courses (such as "how to interview") with fun offerings meant to reinforce traditional concepts (learning how to start your own business through "Ghostbusters").  In a nutshell, I want to encourage young people to explore and be excited by learning, not simply with the core subjects taught in school, but by everything life has to offer.  Be an active participant; be curious; push yourself--and you'll see how rewarding it is to try something new.

I have my Master's degree in Education and Bachelor's degree in English Literature; I have been teaching since 2008 and have worked with kids of all ages (including my three kids at home).   I believe students learn best when they are treated with respect and engage them at their age level--they shouldn't be talked "down" to and treated younger than they are, but there also needs to be expectations they must meet to demonstrate maturity in thinking and behavior; kids won't learn to be responsible if they aren't given responsibility and the chance to prove themselves.  I work best by interacting in a fun & casual manner; I love to joke with the kids and am lighthearted with my approach as long as everyone is respectful and doing the work (it's pretty simple!).

I am excited to be working with new students from new places and different backgrounds--having a course where people are together across states (and even countries) helps create a sense of a truly connected world--a world where we feel a bit safer knowing we all ultimately want the same thing in life and can help each other make it happen.  I also am excited to use the opportunity to learn new things right along with the kids; I love the idea of running a course where everyone, myself included, determines a new skill or hobby they want to learn, creates a plan, and then makes it happen!  Young people need to see adults humble themselves and say, "hey, I don't know something, but I want to!"

I look forward to working with you and hope you're excited by the courses I will be offering--check back often for any new classes!

-If you're taking a class with me for the first time, use code WHITEQQFYN10 to receive $10 off any one of my offerings.

Reviews

Self-Paced Class
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$12

weekly or $48 for all content
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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Ages: 13-18

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