Creative writing has never been so goofy, gross or gripping! In this ongoing class, students will learn about, discuss and brainstorm ideas focusing on a strange, new animal each week.  Together, we will evolve our ideas using the 4-Square paragraph writing method. With this formulaic approach, getting started is actually easy because there is a step-by-step plan to get key words down on paper. After that, the writing blooms! I love this method because it allows young writers freedom to express their own ideas while at the same time strengthening unity, order and coherence. Throughout the class, we'll delve into concepts, such as: strong topic sentences, figurative language, action verbs, adjectives, transitional words & phrases, and more!

This class doesn't build on previous classes, so learners are welcome to join at any time. I encourage output and engage the learners. 

Each class will follow this schedule:
5 minutes: Greetings and short recap of how to use the graphic organizer
15 minutes: Introduction of weekly animal & teacher produced examples of weak/strong sentences
20 minutes: Write topic sentence. Brainstorm ideas for supporting sentences & develop. Write summary sentence.
10 minutes: Share some writing if there is time. (Students may submit their completed, written work in paragraph form to the teacher after class for feedback. Due to the high number of completed works I receive through the Outschool Conversations tab, I submit personal feedback on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.)

WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
September 11-17: Goofy Animal
September 18-24: Gross Animal
September 25-October 1: Gripping Animal
October 2-8: Goofy Animal
October 9-15: Gross Animal
October 16-22: Gripping Animal
October 23-29:Goofy Animal
October 30-November 5: Gross Animal
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PLEASE CHECK THE SCHEDULE ON THE OUTSCHOOL CALENDAR. BECAUSE I LIVE IN ARIZONA AND MY STATE DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINNING NOVEMBER 6TH, I HAVE ADJUSTED THE CLASS TIME TO ACCOMMODATE THE MAJORITY OF STUDENTS WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE TIME SHIFT. PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME ON OUTSCHOOL IF THIS CAUSES A PROBLEM FOR YOU AND I WILL SEE WHAT WE CAN DO.
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November 6-12: Gripping Animal
November 13-19: Goofy Animal
November 20-26: Gross Animal  (**No Class On 11/24 for US Thanksgiving holiday**)
November 27-December 3: Gripping Animal
December 4-10: Goofy Animal
December 11-17: Gross Animal
(NOTE: If a new section is started and after 3 weeks there are fewer than 3 students, the section will be cancelled and scheduled at another time.)