Course Focus
The main objective of this course, Writing to Communicate, is to provide opportunities for middle-grade students to become more confident and proficient at academic writing. Writing skills remain the most important communication tools students can develop during their K-12 schooling (National Assessment of Education Progress). Through the clarity of writing, our thoughts, ideas, and intents become better understood. 

Topics Covered
The course will use foundational writing skills to cover seven essays (autobiographical, short story, descriptive, persuasive, comparison-and-contrast, cause-and-effect, and how-to), one research report, one response to literature, and one writing for assessment. 

Class Structure
The first two weeks of the course will involve a presentation of the qualities of good writing and the steps of the writing process - prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and proofreading, publishing, and presenting. The writing process will be followed for the seven essays, the research report, the written response to literature, and the writing for assessment work. 

Teaching Approach and Style
The instruction will be delivered using a constructivist approach to teaching. This approach encourages students to use their current knowledge to build new knowledge.  This promotes growth and understanding of the unique differences in academic modes of writing. The constructivist approach supports a style of teaching that promotes independence in learning.  As students become more independent in learning, they become more self-confident in their ability to write and communicate effectively. 

Student-Teacher Interactions
When questions arise during class, students may raise their digital hands to be recognized. Everyone's question is important but often time runs out and questions go unanswered. When this occurs, students may contact the teacher outside the classroom through the OutSchool email communication system.