Writing Perfectly Powerful Paragraphs (8-11)
Writing paragraphs is as easy as 1-2-3-4, if you know the parts of speech and steps to organize your sentences. In this interactive class, we start with strong sentence patterns then write fun, organized, and powerful paragraphs and essays.
Gina Conroy
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(357)
What's included
9 live meetings
6 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. *Learners will be assigned weekly written homework and reinforcement videos outside of class. *Learners will be assigned to write sentences on homework handouts and paragraphs which need to be typed out and turned in via WORD. It is the parents responsibility to make sure assignments are completed and turned in before class each day if they want their child's work to be evaluated. **In teaching a course like this, there will be students of different ages and abilities. It may be a review for some while at the same time being a challenge with an introduction of new concepts to others. It is the parent's responsibility to message me with any questions to see if this is the best level class for their learner.Assessment
**Individual and informal assessments are done when I edit each assignment outside of class and give feedback for each learner writing to improve their writing. This is best done if students turn in their assignments on time and via google docs. This service and time I spend outside of class is reflected in the price. **All students are encouraged to share in class for participation and assessment. The more a child shares in class, the better understanding of the material they will have. **No formal report or written assessment will be given, but parents are encouraged to monitor the comments I make on each child's writing so they can determine where their child needs to focus improving. **To get the most out of this course, I suggest that each child attempts to complete the homework and turns it into me before the next class via the classroom Teacher’s private messaging section or preferable google docs. ***I cannot guarantee I will give your child feedback if assignment is turned in late. You can take a photo and upload it, and I will give specific feedback during the paragraph portion of course. They can also share their stories on the class page if they wish others to read their stories.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
****NEW EXTENDED UPDATED COURSE WITH NEW MATERIAL based on the popular "Building Perfectly Powerful Paragraph class." ****Please note some classes are for 3 weeks, and some are weekly classes for the fall semester. Please double check the dates and times. COURSE DESCRIPTION: A foundational course on writing strong sentences and paragraphs Perfectly powerful paragraphs start with strong sentences. And strong sentences start with strong words. In this 9 session live, interactive course and discussion, we start by reviewing the 8 parts of speech and learn what syntax is and why it is the key to strong writing. Through a fun, colorful power point presentation and videos, learners will start writing fun, detailed, descriptive sentences. Learners will build on their understanding of simple sentence structure and build towards compound and complex sentences through class participation. After learning 1-2-3-4 block“Four Square” paragraph planning method and the “Hamburger” formula for writing powerful paragraphs, students will choose interesting topics and construct sentences into a cohesive and perfectly powerful paragraph. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: • Students should know how to construct basic sentences and to use the nouns, verbs, and adjectives. • Learners may need parental assistance in typing and turning in their homework on time. • Learners need to type paragraph assignments and submit via WORD document or GOOGLE DOCS for easy review and editing. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s progress and note my comments for further areas of study and emphasis. • Parents are responsible for making sure homework is turned in for assessment and that students show up to all classes or watch the replay. Replay of the class missed is available by request only. • All students are required to participate in class discussions verbally or via text box. ACADEMIC COURSE DESCRIPTION: Lesson 1: Learners will be introduced to syntax and why it’s important in writing. Then we will review the 8 parts of speech as the building blocks of strong writing and syntax. Journaling will be introduced as a way to practice writing and finding each student’s unique voice. Informal journaling will assigned 3-4 times a week. Lesson 2: We will review syntax, journaling, and the 8 parts of speech. We will learn about Independent and Dependent clauses, then practice writing “active” simple sentences. Using colorful picture prompts and short videos, I will introduce sentence variety as we learn different sentence structures using Indirect and Direct Objects as well as the Object of the Preposition. Lesson 3: We will continue to practice using nouns as Indirect and Direct Objects as well as the Object of the Preposition. Building on what we’ve learned, students add adverbs to vary their sentence structure. They will be introduced to the “Why” and “Because” clause. Using fun and engaging picture prompts, students will practice writing sentences and short one-paragraph stories using all the different sentences learned. Lesson 4: We will review why different sentences patterns are important for variety in our paragraphs and practice using different parts of speech as sentence starters. Students will learn the four types of sentences: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. Different sentence starters will be introduced as we learn how different parts of speech can start sentences. F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. coordinating conjunctions and how they create compound sentences will be reviewed as well as Independent and dependent clauses and how they work in complex sentences using subordinate conjunctions. A fun and engaging comma review will help students remember where and when to use commas. Lesson 5: Students will be introduced to the Writing Process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. They will learn the “Hamburger” paragraph structure and using the 4 square planning method to organize their paragraph and start one of their own. The main idea and topic sentence will be taught with examples practiced in class. Students will begin their own opinion paragraph. Lesson 6: Building on main idea and topic sentence work, students will add more details to their paragraphs using descriptive words. Students will write strong concluding sentences that reflect the topic sentence for a strong “Hamburger” paragraph. Students will finish their paragraph and turn it in for evaluation before the next class. Lesson 7: Finishing off the writing process, students will be instructed in revising and editing their paragraph using every thing we've learned in lessons 1-6. An emphasis on strong sentence patterns, subordinate conjunctions, and varying their sentence starters will be encouraged to complete their perfectly powerful paragraph ready for publishing. Lesson 8: Students will start a new paragraph (opinion and informational) and be introduced to using a hook and figurative language in their introductions and conclusions. Students must turn in their paragraph for review before the last class. Lesson 9: Students will be guided to revising their paragraphs, adding all the elements of perfectly powerful paragraphs we learned in class. ***Look for the follow up “DROP IN PRACTICE: Perfectly Powerful Paragraph class*** ***A SECOND PARAGRAPH COURSE “Perfectly Powerful Paragraph (part 2)” and “Exceptionally Excellent Essays” are in production to focus on writing strong 5 paragraph essays. Please message me with any questions if you’re not sure what class your learner should take.***
Learning Goals
Course Objectives:
• Understand what syntax is and why we need to write right.
• Identify and use the 8 parts of speech: noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, interjection, and conjunction in addition to subordinate conjunctions.
• Understand the jobs of the 8 parts of speech and how they work in a sentence
• Write strong sentences and learn to vary their sentence structure
• Learn the 4-square and “Hamburger” method of planning and writing a paragraph.
• Learn to write clear, focused, and cohesive paragraphs: Students will narrow down an idea, choose a paragraph topic, and focus their paragraph on answer one question (topic sentence,) and write a detailed paragraph with a strong concluding sentence.
• Write a perfectly powerful paragraph with a beginning topic sentence, a middle supporting sentence, and a concluding summary sentence.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I prefer essays to be typed and turned in via google docs or uploaded to the private learner section on the classroom page. Parents will need to monitor and make sure the assignments get turned in and uploaded on time, and that the child understands the assignment. Your learner may need help revising their paragraphs with the suggestions made.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: I will start each class announcing my class expectations which include:
**NO using the chat box for messages not relative to the discussion and questions
**NO drawing and writing on the screen I use for teaching
**NO learning sharing their screen for any reason
**NO disruptive behavior such as flashing lights in the screen and constantly switching their background
**Students should have their videos on (and be dress appropriately) unless there is a pre-discussed concern. This helps me know if they are focused and engaged in the lesson.**
While I understand many students are new to online learning, if a student does not respond to correction and continues disruptive behavior, he or she will be asked to leave the class for the day or the rest of the time. Videos may be accessed, however no refund will be issued if learner does not show cooperation in correction and is asked to leave class.
THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING these rules are in place due to problems in past classes (with younger students) and are enforced to ensure that ALL students have the best experience possible.
Supply List
Pencil, eraser, lined notebook paper, folder or binder Worksheets will be handed out daily if used in class. Word doc
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2018
4.8
357reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Oral Roberts University
My love of writing started when I was 8 years old and hasn't stopped.
I'm a published author, writing teacher, and tutor who's worked with gifted and struggling kids for over 20 years. I saw a gap and a need when it came to writing because children didn't have a basic knowledge of sentence structure or paragraph writing. I developed a program with fun techniques to engage them to write powerful and sometimes silly sentences. The techniques seemed to work with kids who loved writing as well as those who didn't. I'm excited to bring my program online to an even bigger audience.
What parents are saying:
Gina is a phenomenal writing teacher! We have loved working with her. We have a range of ages and she is great at adapting to their ages and learning styles. She's very patient and good at helping them focus. My kids have learned so much and been stretched and challenged in the area of writing. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to advance in any area of writing! - Bethany mother of K, 1, 3, 4 tutored students.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$225
for 9 classes3x per week, 3 weeks
45 min
Completed by 284 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
5-8 learners per class
