第一學期高級句子結構與高中論文寫作

**This is the "Level 3"/Advanced course. It is intended for ages 13-16 and best suited for 8th-10th grade students who want more practice and feel moderately comfortable with writing essays. I also offer a "Level 2"/Intermediate course. Each course is unique but builds upon or supplements the other when taken in sequence. I plan to also create a "Level 1/Beginning" course and a Semester 2 course for all levels -- coming soon! Please message Mrs. Grysko with any questions.**

If you were to build a beautiful, breathtaking castle out of toy building blocks, would you use blocks that were all the same color, size, and shape? Probably not. You would creatively arrange an assortment of blocks to construct something unique and remarkable according to your personal style. It’s the same way with our writing. If we only use one type of sentence structure over and over again, our writing gets pretty boring. If, however, we know how to change up our sentences, our writing can easily become that beautiful, breathtaking castle.

In this 9-week course, students will learn about three different types of phrases and will practice effectively incorporating them into their writing. We will also learn all about the four types of sentence structures: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.  We'll talk about proper punctuation and editing. Understanding how to formulate these different phrases and sentences will empower students to bring maturity and variety to their writing. By the end of the course, students will write and revise several engaging paragraphs and one full multi-paragraph essay using the new writing strategies they’ve learned. Extension opportunities will be provided each class for students who want an extra challenge and/or more practice. 

Week 1: 
Quick write: First Draft Descriptive Paragraph 
Definitions & Examples of Absolute, Appositive, and Participial Phrases
Tips on Punctuation (Comma Placement); Editing Example Sentences
Avoiding Common Errors such as Misplaced Modifiers (Structuring Phrases/Sentences for Clarity)
Practice Using the Three Types of Phrases
Kahoot! skills review game
Revise your First Draft Descriptive Paragraph to Effectively Include Phrases

Week 2:
First Draft of Narrative Paragraph 
Simple Sentences
Phrases vs. Independent Clauses
Simple Doesn't Mean Boring! Using Modifiers (Adjectives, Adverbs, Conjunctive Adverbs, our Three Phrases) to Make Your Simple Sentences Shine 
Revise/Write Two Simple Sentences in your Narrative Paragraph
*Extension/Extra Challenge: Write and edit simple sentences about a new topic.

Week 3: 
Compound Sentences
Using Coordinating Conjunctions ("FANBOYS")
Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons Correctly
Making Good Use of More Conjunctive Adverbs ("CARES" Strategy)
Revise/Write Two Compound Sentences in your Narrative Paragraph
*Extension/Extra Challenge: Write and edit compound sentences about a new topic.

Week 4: 
Complex Sentences
Dependent vs. Independent Clauses
Using Commas Correctly
Using Subordinating Conjunctions Effectively ("CCT-RAMP" Strategy)
Revise/Write Three Complex Sentences in your Narrative Paragraph
*Extension/Extra Challenge: Write and edit complex sentences about a new topic.

Week 5: 
Compound-Complex Sentences
Review the Components & Rules of Compound and Complex Sentences
Practice with Six Different Compound-Complex Sentence Formulas
Use Two Different Formulas to Revise/Write Two Compound-Complex Sentences in your Narrative Paragraph
*Extension/Extra Challenge: Write and edit compound-complex sentences about a new topic.

Week 6: 
Review Three Phrases & all Four Types of Sentences
Test Your Knowledge
Putting It All Together: Write a Persuasive Paragraph using Two Phrases and all Four Sentence Structures
Kahoot! skills review game.
*Extension/Extra Challenge: Write and edit all types of sentences about a new topic.

Week 7: 
How to structure the main parts of an argumentative essay:
Intro (Hook, Explain Hook, Bridge, Thesis)
Body (Topic, Evidence, Elaboration); Counterclaim & Rebuttal
Smoothly Integrating Quotations
Conclusion (Restate Thesis, Real-World Application, Clincher)
Kahoot! skills review game.

Week 8:
Argumentative Essay Prompt Options, Outline Planning Sheet, and Rubric for Demonstrating Mastery
Write an essay on one of the topics provided in class.
Communicate with Mrs. Grysko during class to ask questions and get feedback as you work.
Show off your new writing skills by using all types of phrases and sentences we've learned in your essay.
Ensure all elements of the rubric are followed.

Week 9:
Receive feedback from Mrs. Grysko about your essay. 
Revise and resubmit your essay.
*Mrs. Grysko will provide final feedback via private message within five (5) days of your final essay submission.

Required Experience/Prior Knowledge: 
Students should have prior experience with recognizing and writing complete sentences (subject + predicate) and identifying basic parts of speech, such as nouns, adjectives, and verbs.  

Mrs. Grysko's Teaching Style:
I use the instructional model of “I Do, We Do, You Do.” 
*I first teach terms, definitions, and writing skills directly, all while showing exemplars and demonstrating how to apply the new knowledge (hence, “I Do” the teaching). 
*Next, in the “We Do” stage, I guide students in practicing the key skills by helping them look at a text closely. I provide immediate, in-class feedback, such as clarifying misunderstanding and assisting with correct application of skills. (When we try something new, no one is expected to be perfect, and in my class, we positively support each other while we learn!)
*Finally, it’s the “You Do” stage: Students show off what they’ve learned by trying out the writing techniques on their own. Of course, I’ll be there to help, but this part of the process is the key to retention and ownership of the learning. 
*Everyone learns at a different pace. I will work to ensure all learners are understanding the foundational skills within the class before moving on to the more advanced concepts. I will also offer support for students who need extra help and, wherever possible, more rigorous questions/options for students who are up for the challenge! 

Mrs. Grysko’s Class Participation Expectations:
*During class, I'll ask learners to respond to various questions and quick check-ins. This helps me 1) assess each student’s progress and 2) offer immediate help if needed. Learners may choose to respond by speaking, typing in the chat, and/or using the “reactions” feature on Zoom. 
*Zoom's video feature is very helpful for me to monitor your child’s learning and understanding. I encourage all students to keep their Zoom video on during the duration of class. Learners may, however, choose to turn their video off after an initial video check-in if they prefer. Active participation verbally and/or in the chat is required so that I know the student is working and understanding the content.
*I have so much planned for your child’s learning! Any class activities we do not get to during the live class will be assigned for homework. In most circumstances, the homework is optional (but recommended), and, unless otherwise stated, the homework should take no more than 10-15 minutes. FOR ANY WRITING HOMEWORK: I will assign the homework via Outschool student message and/or parent message. Learners should reply to the message with their homework responses, and I will give feedback within 24 hours. I highly recommend that students complete any assigned homework to get the most out of the class!