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Essays and Creative Writing for Upper Elementary

Upper elementary course for 4th and 5th graders with a focus on English Language Arts: reading and writing.
Teacher Jade's Writing Academy
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(1,576)
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What's included

9 pre-recorded lessons
9 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Weekly writing assignments will be assigned.
Assessment
All submitted work will receive feedback through a rubric and in-text comments.
Grading
An optional grade report is made available upon request.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 5
Beginner - Intermediate Level
In this comprehensive writing course, learners will engage in a diverse range of writing tasks, spanning from personal narratives to formal essays and persuasive writing. They will produce a total of three essays, three creative writing pieces, one book report, and one formal letter, allowing them to explore various genres and hone their writing skills across different formats. Additionally, students will delve into reading comprehension through the analysis of three short stories and one text of their choice for the book report, providing a well-rounded literacy experience.

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧:
Module 1 – Writing the Personal Narrative
Assignment: Personal Narrative

Module 2 – Dialogue and Literary Devices
Assignment: Copy That Assignment; Worksheet

Module 3 – Creative Writing Prompt
Assignment: In class write and share

Module 4 – How to Write an Essay
Assignment: Write an informative essay (formal)

Module 5 – Formal Writing
Assignment: Friendly Letters

Module 6 - Compare and Contrast
Assignment: Essay writing

Module 7 – The Art of Persuasion
Assignment: Ethos, Logos, Pathos; Write a persuasive essay

Module 8 – Hero’s Journey
Assignment: Book Reports

Module 9 – Presentations and Review
Assignment: Show and Share
Learners may present their work through video and/or a classroom post.

Each class session will be carefully structured to guide students through specific writing techniques and assignments. Class assignments will include activities such as crafting personal narratives, exploring dialogue and literary devices, responding to creative writing prompts, and mastering the art of essay writing. Through a combination writing exercises and independent work, students will develop their writing proficiency.

Throughout the course, students can expect timely feedback on their written work from the instructor, with turnaround times of 24-48 hours. This feedback will offer constructive criticism and guidance to help students refine their writing skills and improve their craft. 

The teaching style for this course is interactive and hands-on, with a focus on active student participation and engagement. The instructor will employ a variety of teaching methods, including lectures and multimedia presentations, to cater to diverse learning styles and enhance student comprehension. By providing clear instruction, valuable feedback, and ample opportunities for practice, the instructor aims to empower students to become confident and proficient writers.
Learning Goals
(Standards taken from Common Core; however, the objectives tend to remain the same across curriculum.  More areas than listed will be covered throughout this course).

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
learning goal

Syllabus

Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
9 Lessons
over 9 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Personal Narrative
 Students will delve into the art of crafting a compelling personal narrative, learning to harness their unique experiences and perspectives to create engaging stories. The assignment for this class will be to draft a personal narrative, allowing students to explore their own lives and experiences through the lens of storytelling. 
Lesson 2:
Copy That Dialogue
 Students will explore the intricacies of dialogue and various literary devices, such as similes, metaphors, and imagery, to enhance their writing. The assignment will involve analyzing dialogue in literature and completing a worksheet focusing on identifying and understanding literary devices in text. 
Lesson 3:
Creative Writing
 Students will engage in a creative writing exercise where they will respond to a prompt provided in class. This assignment encourages students to unleash their imagination and creativity, culminating in a piece of original writing to be shared with the class. 
Lesson 4:
Informative (Formal) Essay
 Students will learn the fundamentals of essay writing, including structuring an informative essay in a formal style. The assignment will require students to apply their knowledge by crafting an informative essay on a topic of their choice, adhering to formal writing conventions. 

Other Details

Learning Needs
Please communicate with the instructor if accommodations or modifications are needed. Academy teachers are trained and educated on how to meet unique learning needs and classes can be adjusted as needed.
Supply List
All material will be provided by the instructor.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2017
4.9
1576reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Illinois Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Saarah Na’Allah
Master's Degree in Education from University of Minnesota
(Teacher) Jade W. | M.Ed. & Licensed Instructor
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of Minnesota
(Teacher) Jade W. | M.Ed. & Licensed Instructor
Welcome to Teacher Jade’s Writing Academy, where we ignite the love for writing in young minds! Our formal essay writing and creative writing courses are tailor-made for youth ages 8-18, delivered by exceptional teachers fueled by a genuine passion for nurturing young writers.

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 - Good for use through December 31st, 2024
Any class under $25 use coupon code --> jadeswinter5 --> receive $5 off
Any class over $25, use coupon code --> jadeswinter1515 --> receive $15 off
Any semester or yearlong class, use coupon code --> jadeswinter25 --> receive $25 off

At our Academy, inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. Our classrooms are welcoming spaces that celebrate diversity in all its forms—religious, political, cultural, socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, gender, sexuality, or nationality. We believe in fostering an environment where respect thrives, ensuring that every learner feels valued and heard in class and through their writing.

Our courses go beyond the traditional approach, offering purposeful writing that prepares youth for formal essay writing, creative expression, and real-world writing challenges. Through constructive feedback, we guide and encourage young writers to enhance their reading and writing skills through assignments that help boost confidence.

Join Teacher Jade’s Writing Academy, where the art of writing, even for the most reluctant writers, becomes enjoyable and there is limitless self-expression for your child.  

Should your child require any accommodations or modifications to enhance their learning experience, please don't hesitate to reach out. We understand that each young writer is unique, and we are committed to finding the best fit for every learner.

Here is a link to a 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 supplementary Grammar Workbook --> https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8u9u0ja549oqty6la1dtz/Grammar-Workbook-OS.pdf?rlkey=k4ttcz0chi2a21g1v2uzefo0k&dl=0

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬


𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗱𝗲 (𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿):
I started my path to teaching in college when I volunteered with AmeriCorps.  I went on to teach in traditional public schools after I completed my M.Ed and received my teaching license, but I quickly learned the school environment was not the ideal setting for myself or my child.  That is when I transitioned to homeschooling and teaching online. I have been teaching writing classes for over fifteen years.  My primary objective in each class is to help the learners feel comfortable and gain confidence in their writing.  My teaching style is learner-centered, meaning I focus on what each student needs and how they learn best. I believe students are more engaged when the material connects with their personal interests, so I often try to relate lessons to real-world topics they’re curious about.  My role is more of a guide that encourages open discussion, letting students share their ideas and opinions, which helps them feel more involved in their learning. This approach doesn’t just help with understanding the material—it builds confidence and critical thinking skills that students can use beyond the classroom.


𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 (𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿):
Hello, I'm Teacher Danielle. I have been an English classroom teacher in the public school system for 15 years (6th grade through 12th grade), an online teacher for over two years, and have helped countless students, from elementary school through college, with various aspects of the writing process. With a B.A. in English Literature, I enjoy both reading and writing - and I love sharing those passions with my students. Outside of class, I find joy in anything active outdoors and traveling around the world. I look forward to seeing you in class, getting to know you, helping you to improve your writing skills, and preparing you for all your future endeavors.  
 


𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘆𝗮 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗸 is a University of Tennessee - Knoxville graduate. She has experience teaching students of all ages, from preschool to adulthood. She is passionate about educational equity, and is a supporter of pursuits for justice in learning. Aliya's areas of expertise include writing, language arts, social sciences, and humanities. She is also bilingual and loves teaching courses in both English and Spanish. As an educator Aliya's teaching style focuses on the intrinsic motivation and holistic wellness of her students.

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$13

weekly or $110 for all content
9 pre-recorded lessons
9 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 11 learners
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Ages: 9-11

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