Students will become familiar with and be able to use the following:
- MLA formatting
- Finding resources
- Choosing and narrowing a topic
- Evaluating sources
- Plagiarism and academic integrity
- taking notes
- Maintaining a working bibliography
- Works cited
- Paraphrasing, summarizing and quoting sources
- Writing paragraphs for a research paper
- Writing a clear thesis statement
- Writing Mechanics (capitalization, numbers, names, abbreviations, acronyms, italics, punctuation, titles of works, spelling, writing quotations)
- Writing introduction and conclusion of research paper
- Research paper format (MLA)
- Writing a rough draft, typing a second draft, and editing to create a final draft
- Creating an editing checklist
- Creating an electronic and oral presentation to show what they have learned
- Giving an oral presentation

I have 14 years of teaching experience, and I have taught in both traditional school settings and as a homeschool parent. I am passionate about helping kids at all levels of their reading and writing journey. It's so exciting when I see a student gain confidence as a reader/writer or when I can help a young aspiring writer achieve their dreams.

My writing experience includes writing copy for marketing materials, ghost writing for corporate executives, technical writing, writing newspaper articles, and writing instructions for digital technology applications. Managing a corporate internal newsletter was one of my favorite projects. I created the newsletter design, interviewed and wrote articles about team members, and managed the editing and submission process for all the contributors. As a hobby, I love to write short stories, poetry, and songs. I have also co-written a published academic journal article. I can't imagine my life without writing.

My education includes a BA in Communications and a Master of Science in Technical and Professional Communication (MSTPC). Because I have completed 2 years of my BA and all of my MS classes online, I am skilled with the various aspects of online learning. I love using what I have learned to help kids become better at reading and writing.

Homework Offered
Homework will vary. Please see the classroom description for weekly writing goals.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
I will give students regular feedback throughout the semester as I have them turn in portions of what they are working on. After they turn in their final paper, I will send them detailed written feedback on what the did well and what they can improve.
Grades Offered

I will provide any handouts or worksheets needed. Students will be responsible to get library books or other materials needed for their report.