Words With Purpose
One of the keys to developing a good writer is giving them a purpose. Looking through history, one can find many strong compilations of words that were created with a purpose. Through exploration and analysis of these works, the budding writer begins to broaden their point of view.
Some works were chosen for their keen writing, while others were chosen for their honest portrayal of personal challenges. The student will struggle with Dostoevsky's writing style at first, but begin to appreciate the purpose behind his words. The words of Winston Churchill foreshadowing the evils of Hitler will leave them incredulous that the public did not listen.
In addition to choosing works that inspire, providing the student with a varied selection of writing assignments will keep them engaged. The five paragraph essay is a wonderful skill to teach; however, it is the analysis and support that bring it to life. Teaching syntax, grammar, MLA formatting, vocabulary, how to write by showing not just telling are key elements provided in this curriculum.
The curriculum consists of 36 lessons that give weekly instruction along with a writing resource and vocabulary section. You are free to print out all or simply use lessons that appeal to you and may assist you in your educational setting. I searched for months to find lessons/ideas from other teachers that I could apply to this curricula. Many rubrics were used that were tweaked to fit the lesson and varied enough so that the student does not get complacent in following them. Some emphasized style, while others focused on organization. Poetry, short stories, excerpts, essays, and articles are included in this study. I tried to focus on including a smorgasbord of experiences to exercise their writing skills. As a Christian, I always strive to explore the disparity between nature of man and the nature of God. I am unapologetically designing my courses to reveal the character of all that is good, and through my beliefs comes from the nature of God.
My hope is that my efforts in providing a concentrated study in the written word will help facilitate the teaching of writing. This can be used in a homeschool co-op setting, a home setting, or any educational setting that fosters the sharing of ideas. Several links were provided, for instance, on the lesson on note taking (Cornell Method/mapping/etc.) if these links should cease to work, choose a lecture that would appeal to your students. I love the TedTalks and various lectures from Cambridge/Oxford by students. Enjoy teaching and let the minds of your students amaze you as they reach for a greater understanding and application of the written word.
One of the keys to developing a good writer is giving them a purpose. Looking through history, one can find many strong compilations of words that were created with a purpose. Through exploration and analysis of these works, the budding writer begins to broaden their point of view.
Some works were chosen for their keen writing, while others were chosen for their honest portrayal of personal challenges. The student will struggle with Dostoevsky's writing style at first, but begin to appreciate the purpose behind his words. The words of Winston Churchill foreshadowing the evils of Hitler will leave them incredulous that the public did not listen.
In addition to choosing works that inspire, providing the student with a varied selection of writing assignments will keep them engaged. The five paragraph essay is a wonderful skill to teach; however, it is the analysis and support that bring it to life. Teaching syntax, grammar, MLA formatting, vocabulary, how to write by showing not just telling are key elements provided in this curriculum.
The curriculum consists of 36 lessons that give weekly instruction along with a writing resource and vocabulary section. You are free to print out all or simply use lessons that appeal to you and may assist you in your educational setting. I searched for months to find lessons/ideas from other teachers that I could apply to this curricula. Many rubrics were used that were tweaked to fit the lesson and varied enough so that the student does not get complacent in following them. Some emphasized style, while others focused on organization. Poetry, short stories, excerpts, essays, and articles are included in this study. I tried to focus on including a smorgasbord of experiences to exercise their writing skills. As a Christian, I always strive to explore the disparity between nature of man and the nature of God. I am unapologetically designing my courses to reveal the character of all that is good, and through my beliefs comes from the nature of God.
My hope is that my efforts in providing a concentrated study in the written word will help facilitate the teaching of writing. This can be used in a homeschool co-op setting, a home setting, or any educational setting that fosters the sharing of ideas. Several links were provided, for instance, on the lesson on note taking (Cornell Method/mapping/etc.) if these links should cease to work, choose a lecture that would appeal to your students. I love the TedTalks and various lectures from Cambridge/Oxford by students. Enjoy teaching and let the minds of your students amaze you as they reach for a greater understanding and application of the written word.
| english_composition_complete_36_week_course.pdf |
