Powerful Paragraph Intensive – Monday – 6 Weeks in July and August – Grades 5 – 9
Monday, July 10 2023 @ 5:00PM – Monday, August 14 2023 @ 6:30PM EDT
Instructor:
Jonathan MeolaInstructor Email:
jonathan@opententacademy.comGrade/Level:
5 – 9Day of Week:
MondayClass Times:
5:00PM – 6:30PM (ET)Terms/Semesters:
Summer 2023
In this “technical writing” (nonfiction) class, students will focus on exploring, brainstorming and writing strong, one paragraph pieces. Students should come to class knowing what a topic and clincher sentence is.
Each class will focus on a different type of Powerful Paragraph.
July 10 – Chronological
July 17 – Descriptive
July 24 – Spatial
July 31 – Process Analysis
August 7 – Definition
August 14 – Compare / Contrast
Powerful Paragraphs is a good option for the student who is not yet ready to tackle the five paragraphs expected in Middle School Writing. In addition, if you have a new or a reluctant writer, you will find it is better to build confidence rather than overwhelm your child with a class they aren’t ready for. This is a one-year class.
The goal is to help students focus on making every word count by choosing colorful, powerful words that create vivid pictures using the fewest number of words possible, as well as understanding the specific differences within each structure, and applying the appropriate transitions and stylistic techniques that lend themselves to each structure.
Students will learn how to apply appropriate transitional words for each paragraph.
Students will learn a variety of stylistic techniques to enhance their writing.
Students are expected to be present in class, with class notes in front of them, participating actively and asking questions when they arise.
Students are expected to USE their CLASS NOTES (provided by instructor) while writing.
Students are expected to USE their COMPOSITION CHECKLIST while editing.
Students are expected to USE their ASSIGNMENT PLANNERS while writing.
Homework is given at the end of each class session. It is expected that students work on their assignment 20 – 30 minutes daily between class sessions depending on the student’s focus and speed.
NOTE: Registration deadline is June 25, 2023. There must be a minimum of 5 students to run this class.
Learning to love the past
History. This was definitely not my strongest area as a homeschool mother. I knew to provide my kids with what they needed, I had to look at outside resources. Taking a leap of faith, I registered both my 7th and 8th grader for U.S. History with Jonathan Meola.
Learning history through simple short stories using. “A History of US,” has been fun to read-a-loud. With a subject I once disliked myself, I’ve been able to power through, and engage with my children learning to love the past. Mr. Meola is a phenomenally fair instructor, and has allowed our kids to use their creativity for the semester project. The kids have enjoyed this area most about the class. Seeing their creations from the past come to life is a gift in itself. Thank you, Jonathan! You have lit a fire for history within my children!
Thanks for making homeschooling so much easier for us parents
We have absolutely loved Jonathan’s Ancient Civilizations class this year.
He is so organized, and his classes are expertly taught – my son usually makes me leave the room but I will often go back and listen to the recordings and watch some of the videos because they are so interesting.
We are thrilled that OTA is now a vendor with our charter school, and since Z will be in middle school next year, we plan on signing up for a lot more classes.
Keep up the excellent job and thanks for making homeschooling so much easier for us parents!
Best Course EVER!
During our family new year’s celebration, everyone completed a year-in-review questionnaire. One question asked, “What are you most proud of that you accomplished this past year?”
Without hesitation, our daughter blurted out “I learned to write a five-paragraph essay!”
Our daughter, who up until this past semester would only write science lab reports, should be proud of this accomplishment. She willingly dedicated days to completing required essays, and we owe this success to Lights! Camera! Action! class.
Mr. Jonathan’s enthusiasm, instruction, encouragement and feedback all generated a newfound level of confidence within our daughter. Plus, the course spurred everyone in our family (including grandparents) to watch incredible movies, which normally would not be in our Netflix queue. Mr. Jonathan’s impact reached beyond our daughter.
Amazing course!
I would like to say thank you. My daughter, Laura, was so inspired by OTA’s Lights! Camera! Action! class. She WANTS to improve at writing instead of shying away from the process that she finds so difficult. She is putting her heart and soul into trying. I am seeing improvement and I am seeing enthusiasm that just were not there before. You have no idea how joyful that makes me. This latest essay was really, really hard but a bit less overwhelming than the prior two. Slowly the elements that Laura is learning in class are sinking in. I appreciate all that you do for the class! Thank you!
Great class!
History. This was definitely not my strongest area as a homeschool mother. I knew to provide my kids with what they needed, I had to look at outside resources. Taking a leap of faith, I registered both my 7th and 8th grader for U.S. History with Jonathan Meola.
Learning history through simple short stories using. “A History of US,” has been fun to read-a-loud. With a subject I once disliked myself, I’ve been able to power through, and engage with my children learning to love the past. Mr. Meola is a phenomenally fair instructor, and has allowed our kids to use their creativity for the semester project. The kids have enjoyed this area most about the class. Seeing their creations from the past come to life is a gift in itself. Thank you, Jonathan! You have lit a fire for history within my children!
