Pathfinders Academy

Writing with Confidence: Exploring Expository and Opinion Writing

Days: Thursdays

Time: 1:00-1:45

Location: Pathfinders Learning Lab (217 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA)

Course Overview

This 14-week course is designed to help reluctant writers in grades 6-8 develop their skills in expository and opinion writing. Each session will focus on specific writing techniques, strategies, and practices that will build students' confidence and ability to express their thoughts clearly and effectively.

Course Objectives

• Understand the purpose and structure of expository and opinion writing.
• Develop skills in brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing.
• Enhance vocabulary and sentence structure for clear and concise writing.
• Foster critical thinking and the ability to construct logical arguments.
• Encourage peer feedback and collaboration.

Materials Needed

• Notebooks or writing journals
• Pens, pencils, and markers

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction to Writing & Exploring Expository Writing

• Objective: Understand the importance of writing and different writing styles and learn the basics of expository writing.

Week 2: Brainstorming and Outlining

• Objective: Develop brainstorming and outlining skills for writing.

Week 3: Writing the Introduction

• Objective: Write effective introductory paragraphs.

Week 4: Developing Body Paragraphs

• Objective: Learn to write detailed and structured body paragraphs.

Week 5: Crafting the Conclusion

• Objective: Write impactful conclusions.

Week 6: Revising and Editing

• Objective: Improve writing through revision and editing.

Week 7: Expanding Vocabulary and Sentence Structure

• Objective: Enhance vocabulary and improve sentence structure.

Week 8: Introduction to Opinion Writing

• Objective: Understand the basics of opinion writing.

Week 9: Persuasive Techniques

• Objective: Learn persuasive techniques for opinion writing.

Week 10: Building Arguments

• Objective: Construct logical and coherent arguments.

Week 11: Writing the Opinion Essay

• Objective: Write a complete opinion essay.

Week 12: Revising the Opinion Essay

• Objective: Revise and polish the opinion essay.

Week 13: Enhancing Clarity and Style

• Objective: Improve clarity and style in writing.

Week 14: Presenting Writing

• Objective: Develop skills in presenting written work.

(Note: Schedule subject to change.)