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Ms. Heather's Summer Refresh series will help your learners practice those important reading and writing skills they need for the upcoming school year. In this five-session summer camp, students will analyze fiction text and learn to write short-answer, paragraph-long responses, as well as extended, multiple paragraph essays in response to prompts. *Students will be given an optional writing assessment on the last day to complete independently. Students are welcome to send their essays to Ms. Heather within one week of the last class session for a free rubric score and an evaluation that identifies the learners' strengths and weaknesses.* 

Session 1: Read & Write a Paragraph-Theme
Students will read a fictional narrative text and identify the theme of the story. Learners will then write a paragraph-long explanation of the theme. Focus will be given to paragraph structure, text evidence, elaboration, and using transitions. Feedback will be given to students individually during the session.

Session 2:  Read & Write a Paragraph-Characters & Plot
Students will read a second fictional narrative. The learners will examine how the characters' affect the plot and write a paragraph-long explanation. Focus will be given to paragraph structure, text evidence, elaboration, and using transitions. Feedback will be given to students individually during the session.

Session 3: Organize Ideas for a Multiple Paragraph Essay-Compare & Contrast
Students will be given a writing prompt that requires them to compare and contrast two texts in a multiple paragraph essay. Students will learn to determine how many paragraphs are necessary to complete the writing task and what information needs to be included. A graphic organizer will be provided, and students will discuss and organize their ideas. Ms. Heather will then discuss writing introductions with strong openings (hooks; attention-grabbers) and model different types. Students will practice writing different openings and will choose one to use for their own essay. Feedback will be given to students individually during the session.

Session 4: Compose an Essay that Shines: Introduction & Body Paragraphs
Students will learn about the purpose and structure of an introductory paragraph and write theirs, including the hook they wrote last session and an appropriate thesis statement. Ms. Heather will then guide them through writing their first body paragraph that follows the same structure as the short-answer paragraphs they wrote in sessions 1 and 2: topic sentence; evidence from the text; elaboration; and transitions. Feedback will be given to students individually during the session. 

Session 5: Conclusion Writing: Finish Your Essay with a Bang!
Students will learn how to construct an effective conclusion that summarizes their essays and offers an insightful final thought. Students will also spend time editing and revising their writing for proper grammar, mechanics, word choice, meaning, and fluency. Feedback will be given to students individually during the session.

This course addresses CCCS and State Content Standards for reading fiction and analytical writing (paragraphs and multiple paragraph essays) in response to text.