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Writing for Reluctant Writers - A

Students will explore various writing genres, learn essential writing techniques, and receive personalized feedback to help them grow as writers.
Courtney Runchey
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(45)
Rising Star
Class

What's included

28 live meetings
23 hrs 20 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. All homework assignments are required for all students to ensure consistent practice and skill development. However, accommodations and modifications will be made as needed to support individual learning needs. This may include extended deadlines, alternative formats, or tailored assignments to match a student's specific challenges or strengths. Homework in this course is an integral part of the learning process, providing students with the opportunity to practice and apply what they have learned in class. By completing regular assignments, engaging in peer and self-assessment, and receiving detailed feedback from the instructor, students will develop their writing skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
Assessment
Assessments in this course are designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of students' writing skills, knowledge, and growth. Through a combination of formative and summative assessments, students will receive ongoing feedback, support, and opportunities to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of writing concepts. Types of Assessments: Formative Assessments: In-Class Activities: Participation in discussions, group activities, and brainstorming sessions. Peer Review: Providing and receiving feedback on classmates' work during peer editing sessions. Quizzes: Short quizzes at the end of some classes to check understanding of key concepts. Summative Assessments: Writing Assignments: Essays, narratives, expository pieces, persuasive essays, and research papers that demonstrate mastery of writing techniques and concepts. Final Projects: Culminating writing projects that showcase students' growth and development throughout the course. Presentations: Oral presentations of final projects or selected writing pieces to the class. Components of Assessments: Content: Assessing the quality and depth of ideas presented in written assignments, ensuring they are clear, coherent, and well-supported. Organization: Evaluating the structure and flow of writing, including introductions, body paragraphs, transitions, and conclusions. Language Use: Checking for proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary usage to ensure clarity and effectiveness of communication. Creativity and Originality: Assessing the creativity, originality, and voice expressed in writing assignments, encouraging students to develop their unique writing style. Critical Thinking: Evaluating the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information, as demonstrated in research papers and analytical essays. Assessment Methods: Instructor Feedback: Detailed feedback provided by the instructor on written assignments, focusing on strengths, areas for improvement, and suggestions for revision. Peer Review: Constructive feedback exchanged between peers during peer editing sessions, emphasizing collaboration and learning from each other. Rubrics: Clear rubrics provided for each assignment, outlining the criteria for assessment and expectations for each level of performance. Self-Reflection: Opportunities for students to reflect on their writing process, growth, and challenges, fostering metacognitive skills and self-awareness.
Grading
Breakdown of the grades for class: Assignments 70% Class writing and participation 10% Homework 10% Final 10%

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
This course is designed to support high school students who struggle with writing or feel reluctant to write. Aligned with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards, this course aims to build confidence, improve writing skills, and develop a love for written expression. Students will explore various writing genres, learn essential writing techniques, and receive personalized feedback to help them grow as writers. Each week focuses on a specific aspect of writing, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and application of writing principles. Classes will meet twice a week.

Students will delve into a wide range of writing genres, including narrative, expository, persuasive, and creative writing. They will learn essential writing techniques such as structuring essays, developing arguments, and utilizing literary devices. The course is structured to provide a thorough understanding of the writing process, including planning, drafting, revising, and editing.

Each week, students will engage in focused lessons that cover specific aspects of writing. The course is designed to ensure students gain a comprehensive understanding and practical application of writing principles. Classes will meet twice a week, providing ample opportunity for in-depth learning, practice, and individualized feedback.

Students will benefit from a variety of instructional methods, including live virtual classes, interactive discussions, writing assignments with personalized feedback, and peer review sessions. Supplemental readings and resources will further enhance their learning experience. Regular practice exercises will reinforce key concepts and skills.
The course will also emphasize the development of critical thinking and analytical skills through writing, encouraging students to express their ideas clearly and creatively. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of diverse writing pieces that showcase their progress and achievements.

Welcome:

           - Introduction and Welcome: A warm greeting to the students, introduction of the instructor, and an overview of the class objectives.

           - Pre-Writing Activity: Engaging students in a quick, interactive pre-writing exercise to stimulate their thinking and creativity.

Main Topic:

           - Slides: Presentation of the day’s main topic using informative and visually engaging slides.

            - Video Clips: Short, relevant video clips to enhance understanding and provide real-world examples.

             - Kahoot!: An interactive quiz game to review key concepts and ensure student engagement.

Activities:

              - Journaling: Individual writing time for students to reflect on the lesson and practice writing skills.

              - Peer Discussions: Structured discussions where students share their thoughts and ideas with classmates.

               - Peer Editing: Students exchange their work with peers to provide and receive constructive feedback.

                - Class Editing: Collaborative class activity to edit and improve a sample piece of writing together.

                 - Brainstorming: Group activity to generate ideas for writing topics and themes.

                  - Think-Pair-Share: A structured approach where students first think about a question individually, then discuss their ideas with a partner, and finally share with the larger group.

Closing:

                  - Summary of the Day’s Lesson: Recap of key points covered in the class to reinforce learning.

                   - Assignment of an Exercise for Next Class: Clear instructions for a homework assignment that builds on the day’s lesson, preparing students for the next class.
Learning Goals
1. Students read a wide range of literature to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world.
2. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, themselves, and the world.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
28 Lessons
over 14 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction to the Course and the Writing Process
 Course Overview and Writing Process Introduction:
  - Overview of course structure and expectations
  - Introduction to the writing process: 
    Prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing
 - NCTE Standards: 4, 5, 6 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Diagnostic Writing and Goal Setting
 Diagnostic Writing and Goal Setting:
  - Diagnostic writing assessment to identify individual strengths and areas for improvement
  - Setting personal writing goals and introducing journaling
 - NCTE Standards: 5, 7, 10 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Building Writing Confidence
 Overcoming Writing Anxiety:
  - Techniques for overcoming writing anxiety and building confidence
  - Freewriting exercises to foster fluency
- NCTE Standards: 4, 5 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Building Writing Confidence
 Personal Goal Tracking and Journaling:
  - Reflecting on personal writing goals
  - Continued journaling practice and sharing experiences
- NCTE Standards: 4, 5 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
A notebook for weekly journaling.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined August, 2020
4.9
45reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
For more than 15 years, I've been deeply involved in education, spending the last 9 years as a homeschooling parent. My greatest joy lies in helping students delve into complex subjects by exploring various perspectives. In today's world, narratives hold significant weight, influencing our understanding immensely. I'm passionate about sharing diverse literature that captivates students and broadens their comprehension. In my classes, I bring history to life through a blend of novels and primary sources, delving into socioeconomic factors, religious influences, and the nuances of narration bias. Encouraging critical thinking, I prompt students to consider multiple viewpoints and the motivations behind historical events.

For over 7 years, I've taught at a local homeschool co-op, both in-person and online. One of my favorite roles has been leading middle and high school book clubs, where I not only introduce students to new books but also facilitate discussions on challenging topics. Having undergone diversity training and sensitivity workshops, I approach these discussions with care, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and respected. Attending numerous professional developments, I've honed strategies for fostering inclusivity and highlighting multiple points of view.

My educational journey began with a B.B.A. from Northwood University, followed by a transition to pursue a teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University. Unfortunately, family circumstances led me to prioritize homeschooling my children over completing the program.

Across various homeschool groups and co-ops, I've taught a range of subjects including English, History, Finance, and Engineering. My passion for literature shines through in running book clubs and teaching classes on essay writing, grammar, and novel analysis. I've curated diverse book selections, fostering rich discussions on themes, characters, and symbolism.

Responding to students' interests, I initiated the Literature through Film series, offering an alternative way to explore classic literature through movie adaptations. This approach accommodated different reading paces and preferences, maintaining our focus on thorough novel analysis.

In my History classes, I employ a multi-faceted approach, incorporating primary sources, articles, and films to examine diverse perspectives and marginalized narratives. Similarly, in Finance and Entrepreneurship classes, I prioritize hands-on learning, guiding students through real-world applications such as budgeting, mortgage calculations, and investment tracking.

Utilizing Lego Education Kits, I've led engineering classes, both in-person and through platforms like Outschool. These sessions encourage creativity and problem-solving, fostering an interest in STEM fields.

Continuing my professional development journey, I actively participate in events like EdCamp, NerdCamp, and NaNoWriMo, enhancing my teaching practices and staying abreast of educational innovations.

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$29

weekly or $400 for 28 classes
2x per week, 14 weeks
50 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class

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