UPDATE: Due to the popularity of this course, we have added a second Simplified Writing for Middle School course. The new course takes place on the same dates, except at Noon Eastern. Click now to register for the Noon Eastern course: Simplified Writing for Middle School Noon Eastern.
YOUTUBE: Meet the instructor: Click Here
YOUTUBE: Meet the instructor: Click Here
Simplified Writing for Middle School: Your All-Encompassing Foundational Middle School Writing Course
(click on course title to register for the 2:00 pm Eastern course)
Class dates: Mondays, January 30 to March 19, 2012
Total classes: 8
Starting time: Mondays, 2:00 pm Eastern (1:00 pm Central)
Duration: 45 minutes
Suggested grade level: 6-8
Suggested credit: 2/3 semester
Fee: $150 if you register on or before November 1, 2011; $180 after Nov. 1 for all 8 classes.
Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA (E.B. Conroy)
Course description: This course is designed as a first writing course, to introduce students in middle school to the skills and habits that create a strong and clear writing foundation for high school writing from a Christian worldview. Students will learn how to write effective sentences and paragraphs, including the use of topic sentences, linear writing, and transitions; the purposes of writing, including expression, informing, and persuading; the effect of audience on writing; how to sculpt a piece of writing with direction, including the characteristics of an effective introduction, body, and conclusion; and practice writing with specific feedback from the instructor that leads to an increase in skill through rewriting.
Class 1: Writing for a purpose and audience: the “why” of writing
Class 2: Great word choice: how to choose the “right” word
Class 2: Strong sentences: how to write a great sentence
Class 3: Clear paragraphs: what makes a great paragraph
Class 4: Clear paragraphs: linear writing that makes sense to the reader
Class 5: Writing with direction: great introductions and the hook
Class 6: Writing with direction: great introductions and the thesis
Class 7: Writing with direction: the body (of your paper) and how to make it “shapely”
Class 8: Writing with direction: the conclusion
Course materials: Everything is provided FREE online from Professor Brown Conroy
Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated three to four hours per week for homework, outside of class time.
Professor's biography: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, is the professor of College-Level Writing and Writing and Research for Patrick Henry College (five years) and taught writing at Cornerstone University for seven years. She is the author of several non-fiction books, including Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Writing Success, and has designed four college writing courses, including an AP English Language and Composition course for PHC Preparatory Academy online. Professor Brown Conroy also privately coaches ACT English prep live and across the US via Skype and phone conferencing and has spoken at conferences regarding the teaching of writing. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators, she is also a fiction writing coach for high school and college students for the last ten years and has judged writing contests. She is also a freelance professional writer and ghostwriter. Professor Brown Conroy also authored True North Reading: The Complete Mastery Reading and Spelling Program, a five-level multisensory learn-to-read program for children ages 3 to 15. Mrs. Brown Conroy lives in Howell, Michigan and attends Old St. Patrick's Parish. She has been homeschooling for 27 years. Mrs. Brown Conroy loves enjoying her two Australian Labradoodles, playing the Irish wooden flute, and homeschooling five of her 13 children who still live at home.
Equipment requirements: Classes are online, live and interactive. Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Mrs. Brown Conroy will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.
(click on course title to register)