In this ongoing class, kids will meet 3 times a week and write a different type of essay each week. As they write their essays, they will be coached on the structure of an essay, outlining, researching, writing good sentences and paragraphs, grammar, punctuation, and editing. On the third day of class each week, kids will have an opportunity to read what they have written (optional) and we will do a short grammar lesson. 

Learners will be able to write an essay every week for as long as they stay enrolled, or they can drop in on any given week for some extra writing practice. 

Here is a breakdown of what to expect each day of the week for this class:
Day 1: Learn about the type of essay, read an example, and start planning (often with the use of planning or graphic organizer worksheets made available in the classroom)
Day 2: Continue planning and begin handwriting a rough draft, which is due on day 3 
Day 3: Opportunity to read rough draft to the class (optional), create an editing checklist to use when writing/typing the rough draft, and do a short grammar lesson (worksheets available in the classroom). Some weeks there will not be a grammar lesson. It depends on how much time we have.
 

Week of March 17, 2025: Definition Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Commas Correctly Part 1
This week kids will choose a single word to write about. Their essay will include writing their own definition for the term, explaining examples of the term, and describing other words that are similar. 

Week of March 24, 2025: Descriptive Essay/Grammar lesson will be on Using Commas Correctly Part 2
This week, kids will learn about the structure of a 5-paragraph essay focusing on using sensory detail words to describe. 

Week of October 28-31: For and Against Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Commas Correctly Part 3
This week, kids will choose a topic, list arguments for and against it, and write an essay that presents both sides. They will also find sources to support the arguments for and against the topic. 

Week of November 4-7: Problem and Solution Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Italics
Kids will plan and write a problem and solution essay that examines a problem and offers solutions. Proper essay format will be a focus. 

Week of Nov 11-14: 5 Observational Essay/ Grammar Lesson on Writing Plural Forms of Nouns
This week kids will choose a topic to observe, take notes on their observations, and then write about it in a proper essay format. The grammar lesson will be on Using Abbreviations
 

Week of Nov 18-21: Process Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Dashes
Kids will learn how to write an essay that describes a process. The focus is on writing clear, detailed steps and using transition words to move from one step to the next. The grammar lesson will be on Using Dashes.


Week of Nov 25-27:  Please note that this week some classes will meet on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Other classes will only meet on Monday and Tuesday. Check the notes I post in the classroom. 
5-Paragraph Essay - Topic of Kids Choice/No grammar lesson
This week kids will write a 5-paragraph essay on a topic of their choice. Focus will be on the basic structure of a 5-paragraph essay (hook, thesis statement, topic sentences, concluding sentences, conclusion paragraph).

Week of Dec 2-5: Please note that classes will be on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week
Proposal Essay/no grammar lesson
Kids will propose a specific action or plan and write an essay to convince the reader to accept and support the proposal. This week's grammar lesson will be on how to avoid writing run-on sentences.

Week of Dec 9-12: Personal Statement Essay/Grammar Lesson on Figures of Speech
Kids will get valuable practice for writing future essays for college or school applications. They will focus on personal development, experiences, and aspirations. Grammar lesson TBD.

Week of Dec 16-19: Please note that this week's classes will be on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. We will break for the holidays for two weeks and resume classes on Monday, January 6th.
Historical Essay/no grammar lesson
Kids will examine an historical event, figure, or period and its significance or impact. They will do research and interpret the historical data they collect. 

Week of January 6, 2025: Analytical Essay/Grammar lesson on Writing Complete Sentences
Kids will analyze a topic and present their argument/claim. Then they will defend that claim with evidence. This week kids will need to do some research on their topic to prove their argument/claim. 

Week of Jan 13, 2025: .Comparison and Contrast Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Single Quotation Marks
Kids will write an essay that describes the similarities and differences between to topics. Analytical skills are a focus.  There will be no grammar lesson this week.

Week of Jan 20, 2025: Cause and Effect Essay/Grammar lesson on The Mechanics of Writing Dialogue and Monologue
Kids will write an essay that describes how one event or action causes another. This week's grammar lesson will be on The Mechanics of Writing Dialogue and Monologue. It will mainly focus on the mechanics (proper format and punctuation usage).

Week of Jan 27, 2025: Personal Response Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Acronyms
This week kids will examine a work of art and write an essay that describes how that art made them feel and what the artist was trying to convey. Kids will pick from 4 different paintings by famous artists. I will provide them with the options, and they can pick whichever one they choose. Grammar lesson: Using Acronyms

Week of Feb 3, 2025: Genres of Fiction Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Adjectives and Adverbs
This week kids will write an essay describing a fictional story they have already read. This is similar to a book report, but will be in an essay format. Since this is s shorter week due to Labor Day (classes are on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) there will be no grammar lesson.

Week of Feb 10, 20252: Synthesis Essay/Grammar lesson TBD
This week kids will gather a variety of evidence from different sources, and they will combine the ideas/incorporate views from multiple sources and present it to the reader in one essay. This is a great way for kids to learn to synthesize information from different sources. This week there is no grammar lesson because this type of essay is more complex.

Week of Feb 17, 2025: Reflective Essay /Grammar lesson on Parentheses vs Dashes
Kids will reflect on an experience, perspective, or idea and write an essay about it. 

Week of Feb 24, 2025: Expository Essay/Grammar lesson on Avoiding Fragmented Sentences
Kids will write an expository essay. Focus will be on writing in 3rd person and using academic voice and tone. 

Week of March 3, 2025: Impromptu Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Colons
Kids will be given a topic and will plan and write a 5-paragraph essay on that topic. 

Week of March 10, 2025: Narrative Essay/ Grammar lesson on Run-on Sentences
Students will learn about the structure of a narrative essay focusing on how to write a hook and thesis statement. 

NOTE: When we get to the bottom of this list, we'll circle back to the top of the list. I'll continue to update the dates on the lessons as we go through the year.