Simple Sentences to Formal Paragraphs

Best for Ages 7-10
45-minute course

Begin with a basic sentence and work up to a full, formal 4+ sentence in 4 weeks!

Class Structure

In each class, we will use a group approach first, then learners will write individually and get feedback during the group session or privately with the teacher after class.

Week 1: We begin with basic sentences. Learners will look at a picture and be guided through writing a simple sentence. The teacher will encourage learners to write a sentence about 4 or 5 words long and use a whiteboard for support. There will be reminders to use capital letters to begin the sentence and periods to end it. Learners will begin understanding parts of speech by learning and identifying nouns. After each new sentence, learners will be given a break by being able to draw a picture to go with the sentence. During the second class, the teacher will begin to encourage learners to try to write without copying and check their work after they write the sentence, thus beginning to learn independent writing.

Week 2: We move on to building complex sentences. As the week before, learners will look at a picture and write a simple sentence. After identifying the noun, learners will be encouraged to add at least one adjective to the sentence. The class will discuss what an adjective is and how to add it to the sentence, writing the longer sentence. Finally, the learners will work on adding a verb or preposition/place. There will be continued encouragement to use CUPS as they work. The teacher will support with the whiteboard. Between each set of 3 sentences, learners will be able to take a break and draw a picture to go with the sentences. Again, during the second class, learners will be prompted to try working independently.

Week 3: We begin to write simple paragraphs. Using the same picture prompt method, learners will begin to learn about topic sentences, supporting details, and conclusions. The teacher will continue to support with the whiteboard and discuss CUPS. The idea of the sandwich analogy will be introduced as well and the paragraph will be 3 sentences long to begin. Learners will be able to take a break from writing between paragraphs by drawing what they wrote about. At the end of the second class, the teacher will encourage some independent writing.

Week 4: We work on formal paragraphs with 4 sentences or more. Learners will be introduced to the idea of a formal paragraph that avoids the use of "I" or "you" and contractions. They will be introduced to graphic organizers to help organize ideas. There will be continued use and reminders about CUPS and sandwiches as learners work together to construct a paragraph, then work independently (with teacher support as needed) to create their own. Learners will be able to share their paragraphs with the group at the end of each class.

Learning

Classes will include grammar, punctuation, and parts of speech discussions, using the CUPS acronym (capitalization, usage of grammar, punctuation, and spelling) and a sandwich analogy for the paragraphs.

Each class's goal is for students to finish class with some written work.

Objectives

Students will:

-use nouns, verbs, prepositions, adjectives
-use capitals
-use periods and occasionally question marks and exclamation points
-construct simple 3-5 word sentences
-build complex sentences one step at a time
-identify the parts of a paragraph
-use graphic organizers
-write a simple paragraph
-start writing formal paragraphs

Miscellaneous

This class will run for 4 weeks, with classes being held 2 times a week.

The price of the class is paid upfront.