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.)