Course Description
This live online writing class for middle school students uses high interest assignments to show students how to increase their confidence and skill. Based on Debra Bell’s curriculum, Writers in Residence, Volume 2, Journeyman (with the religious content removed), this class will serve as a writer’s community with instruction and feedback on each stage of the writing process. It will equip students to grow further in their process of becoming authentic writers, critical thinkers, and excellent peer reviewers. During this course, students will write a research paper, an argumentative paper, poetry, and create their own short stories.
Course Structure
Assignments for the week are posted each Monday on our course page, with weekly homework given. Students should plan on spending approximately 45 minutes per day on homework.
A highly recommended but optional add-on to this class has been created to assist students with writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills. To participate in this extra learning opportunity, students need to register separately. See Language Arts Lab CC2 for details and to register.
Who should enroll?
- Students who have written and are becoming comfortable with the basic essay.
- Students who want to focus on the art of writing well, who want to become a critical reader, and who want to study the craft of expert writers.
- Students who are willing to do some risk-taking and experimentation in writing to discover one’s God given voice.
Technology Requirements
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Sound card, microphone, and webcam (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities for viewing recorded lectures
Evaluation and Feedback
Students will receive specific feedback on their work each week before class. While students will not receive letter grades for every assignment, each weekly assignment is marked as complete or incomplete, and given a numbered score provided on the reviewer’s rubric for each final draft of projects.
I will provide specific instruction and guidance, as well as give targeted feedback on each stage of the writing assignments, utilizing the rubrics in the course text, and ensuring each student’s work is completed to mastery for their individual skill level. The final result will be a strong writing portfolio containing diverse writing projects.
Communication
I will give a confirmation for registration with parents and provide a welcome email. Parents are welcome to join us in Canvas as observers, and I respond to parents’ communication via email or Canvas.
Student –
I appreciated your feedback on my writing. That was what helped me the most in the class.
Lily M. –
I loved writing our fantastical short story. I liked how we would go over problems in class! It definitely helped if you couldn’t figure out the problem without help. I also liked how we would read our writings to the rest of the class
Mrs. Pindak –
March 6, 2020
Mrs. Roy was able to teach my son how to improve his writing style and build his confidence as a story teller. We loved her teaching style, and constant encouragement to persevere in his writing. She works incredibly with kids of all ages & is passionate about teaching.
Linda Kidder –
March 5, 2020
Our daughter specifically learned valuable skills in writing her first research paper, including how to identify credible sources and proper citation. She also had the opportunity to experiment in writing fantasy for the first time, which was a brand new genre for her.