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Word Vs. Wild: ELA Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Game, Writing, & Grammar

This nature themed class sets learners in a first-person virtual wilderness survival game story to earn a badge by practicing middle school English language arts reading comprehension skills, writing, vocabulary and grammar for ages 10-14.
Genevieve Pollock
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(78)
Star Educator
Class
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What's included

5 pre-recorded lessons
1 week
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Learners will receive five assignments corresponding to the five video lessons of this course.
Assessment
All homework assignments will receive teacher feedback within 24 hours. A badge of completion will be given upon completion of all assignments.
Grading
Grades will be provided on request.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner - Advanced Level
Do English language arts skills have any practical use? In this game, yes! You can only survive the wild by using your words and your wit.

In this fun and comprehensive course, learners will be immersed in a story that will engage them in ELA skills work.

Through a series of 5 videos and 5 (+ 1 bonus) worksheets, and the option of an interactive virtual "escape room" game, learners will be "dropped" in a 🏞️ secret wilderness location, and will find their way to a checkpoint in order to complete the course and earn a badge.🏆

This story-course features:

1️⃣ 12 middle school vocabulary words drawn from U.S. national and standardized test lists, with meaning in context, spelling and pronunciation. 

2️⃣ Teacher-written original story with beautiful nature pictures and engaging questions using vocabulary words.

3️⃣ Reading comprehension exit interview featuring the skills of reading for main idea, conflict, inference, and cause and effect.

4️⃣ Creative writing guide and launch to explore alternate story endings.

5️⃣ Grammar games to practice or learn middle school ELA rules.

6️⃣Badge and level-up ceremony to wrap up the happy ending.

➡️ Here's how it works:

🗓️ Learners will receive the 5-chapter story on the scheduled start date (you choose the date that is best for you!)

📗 Each chapter contains a video story lesson and an assignment (with 1 bonus worksheet on the first day).

📝Learners watch the video and complete the assignment either by filling out the homework worksheet or typing the answers directly into the Outschool classroom form. 

🕹️In Lesson 2, learners have the option of playing through the story in an interactive Google slides escape room game. These learners will receive a link to the game; the assignment is to find a code word and use it to write an original sentence.

⭐️ All homework assignments will receive teacher feedback within 24 hours. 

🏅Learners will receive a badge upon completion of all 5 assignments. 

These words also accompany my "Middle School English Language Arts (ELA): Ongoing Style" class, so this game is an excellent way to gain additional practice and fun homework in the vocabulary that we are learning every week. Learners who have taken my classes report that the vocabulary in particular has helped them to improve their standardized test scores.
Learning Goals
Learners will study and practice 12 PSAT-SAT vocabulary words drawn from U.S. national and standardized test lists.
Learners will exercise reading skills and vocabulary in context.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
5 Lessons
over 1 Week
Lesson 1:
Equip Yourself in the Vocabulary Bootcamp
 Learn 12 new middle school vocabulary words to enhance your word equipment box and prepare for immersion in your wilderness story. Download the bonus PDF word search for additional vocabulary practice. 
2 assignments
8 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Enter the Wilderness Survival Game Story
 Read and find your way through the video story featuring beautiful nature pictures and "this or that" questions to test your vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension skills. Use the optional Google Slides escape room game for an interactive experience and instant feedback on questions while trying to reach the checkpoint. 
1 assignment
12 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Exit the Wilderness Survival Game
 Find your way back home from the wilderness by answering video reading comprehension questions based on the story. 
1 assignment
5 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Explore Creative Story Endings
 Listen to an alternative story ending and complete it in your own words with a creative writing video prompt. 
1 assignment

Other Details

Learning Needs
Neurodiverse learners with ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, ASD, and more have successfully taken many of my courses. Please reach out to discuss your learner's unique learning qualities and needs, as well as possible class customizations.
Parental Guidance
This course is designed to make your life easier, with many options for learner independence and customization depending on your needs, family culture, and desires. I also always welcome parental partnership and am open to whatever feedback you want to give in order to make this class a better fit for your family. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, needs or concerns.
Supply List
Learners will receive PDF worksheets, which can be printed for homework assignments. However, these are not necessary; learners can also complete this course entirely within the Outschool platform for simplicity if needed.
Joined September, 2020
5.0
78reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Psychology from Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from University of Notre Dame
As the author of the "Emotebook" and a freelance writer for over 20 years, I have relied on language arts skills as the building blocks of a happy career. As a masters level psychology graduate, I incorporate expertise in developing whole-brain connections including metacognition, and IQ-EQ skills that not only support English language arts, but also our broader daily lives. I also worked full-time as an associate editor for three years, which helped me gain real-world expertise in the nuances of English language arts and experience guiding authors of all levels. I am walking the language arts journey with my three children while homeschooling them, as well as with hundreds (600 and counting!) of other students in various grades. I also earned my TESOL certification to bridge the gap between cultures by teaching English as a second language to hundreds of international students. These classes arise out of the desire to create experiences that make ELA learning a little more enjoyable and effective for all my learners.

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Self-Paced Course
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$15

for all content
5 pre-recorded lessons
1 week of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 22 learners
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Ages: 10-14

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