In this ongoing creative writing class, we'll begin each week with a new paragraph type and fun writing prompt. 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, etc…

This class doesn't build on previous classes, so learners are welcome to join at any time. Every week a new writing prompt is introduced to keep things fresh. The class has exciting imagery and fun slides. Some of the visuals may be AI generated. I encourage output and engage the learners. Unless the writer has Outschool's pre-verification badge, writers are asked to remain on camera during class... which really helps spark some exciting writing ideas! Every class is followed up with a class recap which includes: the writing prompt, topic sentence examples, important things to remember we covered in class, and an example graphic organizer AND paragraph that follows the prompt for writers to use as a guideline.

Each class will follow this schedule:
5 minutes: Greetings, sharing and class rules. 
10 minutes: Introduction of weekly paragraph type & the genre writing rules.
10 minutes: Introduce Writing Prompt: Every week, a new writing prompt will be introduced.
20 minutes: Topic sentence ideas & covering how to use the graphic organizer. (Writers may jot down ideas for supporting sentences & develop examples or details.)  Brainstorming options are discussed and writers share ideas. We analyze strong examples based on the writing prompt using teacher produced examples (weak/strong). We discuss how to “color” your work to produce pictures in the readers’ minds.
5 minutes: Brainstorming continued. If there's time, students can share. 
(Students may submit their completed, written work in paragraph form to the teacher WITHIN ONE WEEK for feedback. Due to the high number of completed works I receive through the Outschool Conversations tab, I submit private, video recorded feedback 3-5 days upon receiving work.) ***This class will be canceled and you will be refunded if the (3) student minimum isn't met unless otherwise discussed beforehand. All other cancellation and refund policies are based on Outschool guidelines.***

WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
August 11-August 17: Narrative
August 18-August 24: Informative (VACATION: no class on 8/23 or 8/24)
August 25-August 31: Informative  (VACATION: no class on 8/25 or 8/26)
September 1-7: Persuasive
September 8-14: Narrative
September 15-21: Informative
September 22-28: Persuasive
September 29-October 5: Narrative
October 6-12: Informative
October 13-19: Persuasive
October 20-26: Narrative
October 27-November 2: Informative
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PLEASE CHECK YOUR OUTSCHOOL CALENDAR! NEW TIMES MAY BE APPLICABLE TO YOU DUE TO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!!

November 3-9: Opinion
November 10-16: Persuasive
November 17-23: Informative
November 24-30: Narrative (***No class Thanksgiving Day: 11/28)
December 1-7: Opinion
December 8-14: Persuasive
December 15-21: Informative
December 22-28: Narrative (***No class Christmas Eve or Christmas Day: 12/24 & 12/25)
December 29-January 4: Opinion (***No class New Year’s Day: 1/1)
January 5-11: Persuasive
January 12-18: Informative
January 19-25: Narrative
January 26-February 1: Opinion
February 2-8: Persuasive
February 9-15: Informative
February 16-22: Narrative
February 23-March 1: Opinion
March 2-8: Persuasive