Write on! Paragraph a Week to Boost Your Skills: Informational Writing
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Certificate of CompletionCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Get $10 off my class until September 28 with coupon code SUEMALBPYI10, 2024. Look through my classes at https://outschool.com/teachers/Miss-Sue-2024 and enter the coupon code at checkout. What will be taught? Grammar and sentence structure: writing a topic sentence, adding details to 3-6 sentences, learning standard English conventions (punctuation, capitalization, spelling, practice informative, writing The four components of writing: brainstorm, write, edit, final draft, peer edit Practice including explanation and evidence. What topics will be covered? Brainstorming, writing, revising, editing, grammar, standard English conventions, descriptive details, sensory language, conclusions How is class structured? Brainstorming, writing, revising, editing, grammar, standard English conventions, peer, self, and teacher editing. Final Draft. How will you teach? This continuing class offers prompts shared on my screen that are not from your ordinary textbook, e.g. “Friends are important, but everyone has a different opinion of what makes a good friend. Explain what, in your opinion, makes a good friend." What's your teaching style? My classes are considered fun and engaging. There is a lot of positive feedback and encouragement, because I know writing is difficult for a lot of people. The peer editing allows for interaction between students and practice in social, emotional learning. Students will learn how to give a critique of another's writing without being insulting. Writing a paragraph a week has many benefits. Students grow from the discipline of regular writing; committing to weekly writing helps with time management. What is learned from this class will undoubtedly increase confidence and strengthen academic performance in school. I am very hands-on and take care to interact with every student. That's why the class is small. Testimonials Ms. Sue is a very helpful tutor. She helped me pull up my grades. When we started a year ago I was below average. Now I am advanced. My reading scores went up. I have more confidence. She helped me become a better writer. It was fun to read play scripts with Roderick. She also taught me better coping skills. I don’t burst out crying now. I don’t always think I’m gonna fail stuff anymore. Without her I don’t think I would have made it to where I am now. I’m ready for middle school. Most definitely ask if Ms. Sue can help your kid. (5th grader from Washington D.C. (note: This student’s scores on “The Reading Inventory” given by her school 8/31/22 and 1/18/23 went from Lexile 788 to 1162; Percentile Rank 47 to 95; NCE (normal curve equivalent) 48 to 85; and Stanine 5 to 8.) Ms. Sue is kind and loving and smart. I could hardly read in 2nd grade and I just took the STAAR Reading and felt confident. I feel fine to read out loud in class. I’m sure you will like Ms. Sue as much as I do. She is forgetful sometimes and that makes her cool and so fun. (4th grader from Texas who I have worked with for two years on word recognition using explicit, systematic instruction in phonics, spelling and sight recognition; and teaching language comprehension including background knowledge, vocabulary, grammar and syntax, verbal reasoning, and reading fluency.)
Learning Goals
Week 1: Be able to define informational/descriptive writing. Learn the process of brainstorming, writing, editing/revising, writing a final draft. Write a thesis sentence to answer the prompt.
Week 2: Add details to sentences and utilize a checklist to be accountable for including the requirements. Practice using explanation and evidence. Write a concluding sentence.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum3 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Informational/Descriptive Writing
Writing to the prompt: Friends are important, but everyone has a different opinion of what makes a good friend. Explain what, in your opinion, makes a good friend. In this class we will brainstorm and discuss.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Informational/Descriptive Writing
My lesson is about writing a rough draft using a structured set of requirements including topic and concluding sentences, details, and watching for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and standard English.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Informational/Descriptive Writing
Student will ask a peer to edit their paragraph according to a set of reminders. Student will write a final draft and rate it according to a rubric.
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
See testimonials in the class description section.
This class supports the learning needs of students with ADHD and Dyslexia through shortened lessons, step by step guidance, repetition, and lots of encouragement.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Washington Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
3 Degrees
Master's Degree in Information Technology from University of Washington
Master's Degree in Theatre Arts from University of Washington
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Washington
Testimonials from my Tutoring Business
Excellent tutor! So thankful for how Sue educates and the breadth of material she covers. Above and beyond!! Parent of 5th grade girl at Cincinnati Country Day creative writing and drama.
Fabulous, thoughtful, insightful tutor! Same parent of 8th grade brother at Cincinnati Country Day receiving enrichment ELA tutoring focusing on literature and academic writing.
Sue, thank you so much for your time and for sharing your expertise with our team and students! I appreciate your dedication towards finding the strengths and motivations for each of our students.
Teacher at the Seattle Children's Hospital School.
Ms. Sue is a very helpful tutor. She helped me pull up my grades. When we started a year ago I was below average. Now I am advanced. My reading scores went up. I have more confidence. She helped me become a better writer. It was fun to read play scripts with Roderick. She also taught me better coping skills. I don’t burst out crying now. I don’t always think I’m gonna fail stuff anymore. Without her I don’t think I would have made it to where I am now. I’m ready for middle school. Most definitely ask if Ms. Sue can help your kid.
5th grader from Washington D.C. (note: This student’s scores on “The Reading Inventory” given by her school 8/31/22 and 1/18/23 went from Lexile 788 to 1162; Percentile Rank 47 to 95; NCE (normal curve equivalent) 48 to 85; and Stanine 5 to 8.
Ms. Sue is kind and loving and smart. I could hardly read in 2nd grade and I just took the STAAR Reading and felt confident. I feel fine to read out loud in class. I’m sure you will like Ms. Sue as much as I do. She is forgetful sometimes and that makes her cool and so fun.
4th grader from Texas who I have worked with for two years on word recognition using explicit, systematic instruction in phonics, spelling and sight recognition; and teaching language comprehension including background knowledge, vocabulary, grammar and syntax, verbal reasoning, and reading fluency.
I highly recommend Ms. Sue as a tutor. Her exceptional skills and experience in test preparation helped my son improve his SSAT score from 1490 to 1941 in just five months. Ms. Sue's dedication and ability to create an engaging learning environment have made a significant impact on my son's academic progress. With Ms. Sue's help, my son was able to get into his preferred school, which speaks to her effectiveness as a tutor. I strongly recommend Ms. Sue's tutoring services to anyone looking for academic support that can make a significant impact on their child's educational journey.
Parent of 5th grade male SSAT Prep student
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K-12 certified, 40 years classroom and school library experience, 2 Master's degrees, and plenty of practice in online learning through my own tutoring business. I love kids and have some tips to help them write a decent paragraph!
Reviews
Live Group Course
$150
for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
2-6 learners per class