Gramática con una sonrisa: gramática avanzada, redacción y retórica para PSAT/SAT/ACT

In the Greek Academy of Plato’s time, only three subjects were taught: Rhetoric, Logic, and Grammar. Nothing else mattered if you had no foundation in those three subjects. Times haven’t changed much, as these are the foundational skills of communication, reading, and writing. This course prepares students to use grammar concepts in their everyday lives and master the grammar/writing portion of the SAT/PSAT. 

Each week, students will be introduced to a grammar topic. The foundations of grammar are taught throughout elementary and middle school (increasing in reading level and complexity), however, many students need a "refresher" on these skills. This course does just that. At the beginning of each week, students are given a plethora of materials to engage with outside of class (writing assignments (in which they will engage with the grammar concepts i.e. "highlight examples of idioms used and adverbial clauses"), quizzes, fun activities, games, etc. Some activities in the course are for extra enrichment (not required), however, writing pieces and quizzes are required. Extensive student feedback will be given. There are also practice SAT tests posted each week (optional).

We will start each class with a warmup (IEW style) in which students identify various parts of speech, define a word using context clues, and fix mechanics or usage errors. This course is a complete grammar/mechanics/usage curriculum with rhetoric and writing mixed in.

UNIT 1:  In the Beginning, There Was...Grammar
Week of  (8/7)-A Brief History of the English Language and The Definitions of Grammar 
Week of (8/14)-Grammar Syntactical Structure and Prescriptive and Descriptive Grammar
Week of (8/21)-Neologisms and Faulty Idioms
Week of (8/28)-Parts of Speech
Week of (9/11)-Run-Ons and Fragments

Unit 1 Optional Creative Assignment: Slang Flash Cards OR Neologisms Flash Cards
Unit 1 Writing: "Rant" Essay Writing Assignment (Required)
Unit 1 Quiz (Required)

Unit 2: Everything You Want To Know About Verbs But Were Afraid To Ask
Week of (9/18) -The Logic of the Seemingly Illogical English Verb 
Week of (9/25) -Verb Forms and Tenses
Week of (10/2) -Subjects (collective nouns, pronouns)
Week of (10/9) -Subject / Verb Agreement
Unit 3: Punctuation
Week of (10/10) -Apostrophes
Week of (10/17)- Commas Part 1
Week of (10/24)- Commas Part 2
Week of (10/31)- Dashes

Unit 2 Quiz

More Dates Updated Soon!

Unit 4: Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers, Adjectives v. Adverbs, Comparatives & Superlatives
Unit 5: Stylistic Grammar

PARTICIPATION: 
Students may choose to keep cameras on or off as long as they briefly verify themselves with me at the beginning of the class (per Outschool policy). I do expect participation in this class. Students should be comfortable and willing to speak verbally at times. We cover quite a bit of material and it is essential that students discuss and understand the material. Being active participants helps them do so. I expect all students to participate in each class. 

MISSED CLASSES
If your student misses a class, a recording will always be accessible on the classroom page. The PowerPoint lesson and notes are always available as well. Do note that learners that leave and then come back (i.e. pausing a subscription) may not be able to see my posts if I posted anything while they are away. Reach out to see if you missed anything. Recordings are unfortunately unavailable for weeks that your learner does not attend AND if they have not been present for a live class (Outschool Policy).

REFUND POLICY 
If your student is not able to attend in person but stays enrolled, refunds will not be issued. This is because the student can still access the materials, recordings, and receive feedback for assignments. I do provide refunds for emergency situations. If you have a tech or Zoom issue, contact Support and mention the Happiness Guarantee.

GRADES
Tests/quizzes are graded. I provide grades for every quiz and writing assignment and keep track of student grades. If parents want to use this class for credit, I can send grades (just let me know upon enrolling). I am a licensed English educator, but some states have different requirements, so parents should make sure that the class fulfills all of the requirements.