In this ongoing class, students 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.Students 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 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 2 
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)
 

Week of October 14-17: Narrative Essay/Grammar lesson on Avoiding Run-On Sentences  
Students will learn about the structure of a narrative essay focusing on how to write a hook and thesis statement. This week's grammar lesson will be on how to avoid writing run-on sentences.

Week of October 21-24: Descriptive Essay/Grammar lesson will be on using italics
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: 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 November 4-7: Problem and Solution Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Commas Correctly Part 2
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: Comparison and Contrast Essay/Grammar lesson on Writing Plural Forms of Nouns
 Kids will write an essay that describes the similarities and differences between to topics. Analytical skills are a focus.  

Week of Nov 18-21: Persuasive Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Single Quotation Marks
This week kids will learn keys for being persuasive in their writing as they write an essay to convince the reader of something. This essay includes learning about using logos, ethos, and pathos to persuade, presenting the opposing viewpoint and arguing against it, and citing a source. 

Week of Nov 25-27: 5 Paragraph Essay of Kids Choice 
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). There will be no grammar lesson this week.

Week of Dec 2-5: Writing a 5-Paragraph Essay With a Prompt/Grammar Lesson on Using Pronouns
Kids will be given a topic and will plan and write an essay on that topic. No research will be necessary. Grammar lesson TBD

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 applications. They will focus on personal development, experiences, and aspirations. Grammar lesson TBD.

Week of Dec 16-19: Historical Essay/Adjectives and Adverbs
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 Aug 5-8 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 Aug12-15: Observational Essay/Grammar lesson on Using Abbreviations
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 August 19-22: 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 August 26-29: 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 Sept 3-5: Genres of Fiction Essay
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 Sept 9-12: Synthesis Essay
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 Sept 16-19: 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 Sept 23-26: 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 Sept 30-Oct 3: 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 October 7-11: 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. 

Starting October 14, we'll go back to the top of this list of lesson topics. The next lesson is Writing a Narrative Essay.