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Writing 4 Square Method (Elementary)

Organizing your writing is one of the most important things you can do to begin the process of becoming a great writer.
Maline Carroll
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(146)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Due to the fact that this is one class, students will not be assigned any homework but they will be assigned time to complete the work during class. If they do not complete the work, this will be due the following week via the platform. For extra practice, I give optional assignments.
Assessment
The learner will be assessed by showing me their work and showing their work to the rest of the class.

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 5
There are many ways for students to learn and understand the writing process. I believe in doing, not just speaking. As students begin to write, and express themselves, they will discover methods that work best for them. During class, students will use a computer, pencil/pen and paper. 
1. Class will begin with a 5 minute uninterrupted writing session where each student will spend time jotting down words and ideas. They won't need to focus on spelling or grammar initially but will later circle back to it. During the five minutes, students can write about whatever they want. 
2. Once the five minutes are finished, I will then teach a 10-15 minute lesson based on the 4 Square method that will essentially lead to more free writing time within the confines of the topic. For example: If the lesson is about paragraph structure, the next free writing time will focus solely on writing good strong paragraphs. 
3. After the guided lesson, students will be given time to write. Once they have completed their writing for the 2nd time, they will have a few minutes to share their writing. 
4. Depending on how many students are in the class, this could take up to 15 minutes. During the last 5-10 minutes of each class, the students will be asked to summarize what was covered in the lesson and then will be given homework to complete for the following time we will meet.

Learning Goals

TLW (The Learner Will)
TLW-Learn to free write.
TLW-Learn to create the 4 square planning method 
TLW-Learn to reverse their writing turning it into the 4 square planning method. 
TLW-Learn and understand how each square functions and what it means for longer pieces of writing. 
TLW-Write 2 different paragraphs with 2 4 square planning prewrites.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Students should use pencil, paper, laptop or Ipad.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.8
146reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I'm an elementary and secondary teacher who also has experience teaching adults who are learning to speak the English language. I teach English, Spanish, and math to elementary students. I also teach US history and English to 6-12 graders. 

I received my BA in Secondary English and Spanish (as a minor) and a teaching certificate in K-8th self-contained classroom in Grand Rapids MI. I had my first real teaching experience at an international school in the Dominican Republic. 

I believe all students have the potential to acquire knowledge but many struggle to find the key. My calm, loving and peaceful demeanor helps students feel comfortable, accepted, and encouraged. My goals are to empower students as they grow, mature and learn about their strengths and weaknesses by using a variety of differentiated instruction while I teach different academic subjects. 

In my free time I love to bike ride with my Border Collie, make jewelry, play the piano and the guitar. I am in the process of learning how to play the Ukulele. 

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$22

per class
Meets once
55 min

Completed by 75 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
1-4 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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