Course Description

In this course, students will learn about the process of writing (planning, drafting, revising, proofreading, and sharing writing), and apply this knowledge to three different types of writing. Students will be guided through a step-by-step process to teach them how to write a story, how to write to inform, and how to write about an opinion. This writing course follows Common Core state standards.

Writing a Story:
Students will write a personal narrative and create a short story. Students will learn how to write a personal narrative by brainstorming events in their life, listing ideas in order and using transitioning words. Then, students will identify descriptive words, senses and similes through multiple activities and exercises. Students will also learn how to vary their sentences, create characters and identify plots and settings in short passages. Finally, students will apply what they’ve learned to create a descriptive short story. 

Writing to Inform:
Students will learn multiple ways to write to inform readers. First, students will distinguish the difference between writing a letter to a friend and a teacher. Then, write letters to inform a friend and teacher about something personal or new. Next, students will practice writing different types of instructions to different people. Students will learn how to use words to compare, describe and tell directions. Finally, students will identify main ideas in short paragraphs and learn how to stay on topic when writing to inform. Students will learn how to use the 5 W’s (Who, What, Where, When) and How to interview a reporter and create a news report as their final writing piece for this unit.

Writing an Opinion:
Students will write a letter to the editor of their local newspaper about something important to them. First, students will distinguish the difference between facts and opinions through reading multiple short passages and activities. Then, students will learn how to build sentences and paragraphs using “linking words”. Finally, students will use what they learn about facts, opinions, and linking words to support their opinion in their letter to the editor.