Writing for Dog-Lovers: Creative Dog Descriptive/Informational Paragraph

This one-time class combines students' interest in dogs with developing writing skills. Many students do not like planning and writing paragraphs, but they will have fun writing this descriptive paragraph; it won’t seem like work! 

Guided by an experienced and certified English teacher, students will take a creative approach to write this paragraph since they will need to use their imaginations to create a dog character to use as a basis for writing their descriptive paragraphs. Students' descriptive paragraphs (sometimes called an informational paragraph) will be written in third person point of view and will include an informal topic sentence, transitional (linking) words and a conclusion sentence. 

The class will start will brief greetings and introductions. Students will then engage in a short ice-breaker activity related to dogs that will also help to generate some ideas for their paragraphs. Next students will learn about (for some 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). Students will also examine a paragraph sample. After that, students will create their own dog characters that they will then use to plan their paragraphs and then finally write their paragraphs. If there is time and students would like, they will share their paragraphs at the end of class. (Students are welcome to send me their paragraphs after class for feedback). 

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 dogs. 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.