Write About Cats: Creative Cat Descriptive/Informational Paragraphs (3 Classes)

This three pack of cat-themed classes combines students' interest in cats with developing writing skills. Many students do not like planning and writing paragraphs, but they will have fun writing these descriptive paragraphs; it won’t seem like work! 

Guided by an experienced and certified English teacher, students will use their imaginations to create a cat character (based on the two choices provided for each class). Students will use planning sheets to map out their ideas before writing their descriptive paragraphs in order to first focus on ideas and then focus on creating clear written sentences. Students will write one descriptive paragraph (sometimes called an informational paragraph) per class. Students will work on writing structure (including using an informal topic sentence, transitional (linking) words and a conclusion sentence) as well as writing style (using third person point of view and present tense). As well, students will be encouraged to use clear and concise sentences, varied wording, unique and descriptive wording and specific explained examples to support their ideas.

Each class will follow the same agenda:

1. Greetings and introductions. 
2. Short ice-breaker/focusing activity related to cats.
3. Learn about/review descriptive paragraph structure (including making use of an indent, topic sentence, transitional words and a conclusion sentence) as well as writing style (including point of view and tense). 
4. Discuss and examine a paragraph sample.
5. Plan writing.
6. Write paragraphs working with teacher throughout -- each student will receive verbal feedback throughout.
7. Share their paragraphs (if time).

Note: For each class, students will select one of the two cat character personalities (see below for choices) to use for their paragraph topics. This will allow students' to think about how description can create character and understand the importance of using specific and unique descriptive wording.

Week One Personalities are: Curious or Creative
Week Two Personalities are: Nervous or Cheerful
Week Three Personalities are: Silly or Mischievous

I am a very positive and encouraging teacher (with 20 years experience) and teach using a variety of methods that appeal to both visual and linguistic learners. This class will use many approaches for learning including discussion, slides, video clips and worksheets and students will receive verbal feedback throughout. 

Students do not need to have any prior knowledge about cats. Students taking this class are strongly encouraged to have their cameras on as it develops students' intrapersonal skills and I can more effectively teach and respond to students' non-verbal cues.

Please have the worksheet for the class printed and ready to use at the start of class.

You are welcome to request another time for this class if it does not work for your schedule or request a private one-on-one class.