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Writing Under Pressure: Timed Writing Practice 101 for Teens (Semester Course)

In this 13-week semester course, young teens will be given a weekly prompt to help them practice writing clear, one to four paragraph responses within a set time frame of 20-30 minutes. #academic
Mrs. Lisa Galvao, B.A. English Ed; M.A.,TESL/TEFL
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(50)
Class
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What's included

13 live meetings
7 hrs 35 mins in-class hours
Assessment
All student writing is given written feedback by the teacher and is graded. Learners will receive their graded assignments back each week so that they can see where and how to make improvements for the next assignment.
Grading
included

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 10
The goal of this course is for learners to be confident in how to "attack" a prompt quickly and efficiently so as to get words on paper within a set time frame.  Learners will be guided in organizing their ideas into a cohesive paragraph and/or multi-paragraph response while maintaining a firm handle on grammar, mechanics, and sentence structure.  Additionally, learners will be encouraged to strengthen their writing through expanding their vocabulary and by using logical connectors.  

This course will primarily involve in-class writing assignments.  Select classes will involve more direct instruction along with looking at written examples.  (See schedule below.)  On writing days (prompt days), directions will be quickly given by the teacher within the first five minutes of class time and then students will have the majority of class time to write.  The instructor will guide learners during the writing time period, letting them know what minute mark they are at and where they should be in regards to their written responses.  

Learners will be encouraged and expected to respond to questions and discussions, either orally or via the chat.  They will also be encouraged to share their writing, if comfortable, either orally or via screen sharing with the class.  Learners must share their writing with the instructor, preferably during class via an unrestricted Google document link that is privately shared with the instructor, or immediately at the close of class via a PDF, Word document, or scanned picture of written work that would then be posted in the classroom teacher area (directly to teacher).  Instructions on how to share links and/or upload assignments will be given during the first class session.  

The course schedule is as follows:  
Class 1:  Welcome & What is a prompt?  
Class 2:  Analyzing stellar, one-paragraph responses
Class 3:  Brainstorming & Prompt 1:  Narrative
Class 4:  Editing & rewriting
Class 5:  Prompt 2:  Descriptive
Class 6:  Examining excellent, multi-paragraph responses
Class 7:  Prompt 3:  Opinion #1
Class 8:  Boosting vocabulary level
Class 9:  Prompt 4:  Opinion #2
Class 10:  Prompt 5:  Advice
Class 11:  Prompt 6:  Autobiographical Sketch - part 1
Class 12:  Prompt 7:  Autobiographical Sketch - part 2
Class 13:  Sharing your best writing

The bulk of the work for this class will be done within the class time frame.  No outside research will be needed.  However, some homework assignments may be given to strengthen grammatical, syntactical, and mechanical skills.  

Note:  If extensive revisions are deemed necessary or it becomes apparent that a learner needs additional fundamental writing assistance, learners may be referred to a separate tutoring section to take alongside this course in order to make maximum progress.  Additional tutoring is always optional and involves enrolling in a separate class specifically for one-on-one tutoring.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to respond to a prompt directly and quickly.
Students will grow in confidence with their writing ability.
Students will produce quality and quantity writing within a relatively brief amount of time.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
13 Lessons
over 13 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Welcome & What is a prompt?
 Understanding what a writing prompt is 
35 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Analyzing stellar, one-paragraph responses
 Identifying key point in paragraph responses 
35 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Brainstorming & Prompt 1: Narrative
 Writing a narrative response in first person 
35 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Editing & rewriting
 Applying basic grammar, punctuation, and formatting skills 
35 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Pre-Requisites
Learners must be able to write basic paragraphs.
Supply List
In addition to Outschool technology and internet requirements, students should have a designated folder (physically and/or electronically), notebook paper, pencil, and eraser.  It is preferable that students use Google documents for writing assignments in class, but Microsoft Word and handwriting are also options.  All assignments will will need to be uploaded (or the Google doc link shared) into the Outschool classroom learner area at the end of each class period.
Language of Instruction
English
4.9
50reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Wheaton College
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Judson College (now known as Judson University)
I teach English writing, grammar, and test prep; English as a second/foreign language; poetry; and  introductory Brazilian Portuguese classes.  I have a B.A. in Secondary English Education and an M.A. in Missions and Intercultural Studies along with a graduate-level certificate in Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language.  With over 25 years of experience working with children, youth, and adults to help them achieve improved communicative and comprehension skills, I believe that everyone can learn and improve and that each person is uniquely wired to learn.  It is my privilege to come alongside and to help, engage, challenge, and motivate all learners to be their best and do their best.

Personally, I enjoy reading, writing, spending time in God's Word, and hanging out with my family.  We love hosting Brazilian-style cook-outs at our home and entertaining guests locally and from around the world.

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Live Group Course
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$19

weekly or $240 for 13 classes
1x per week, 13 weeks
35 min

Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-15
3-4 learners per class

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