In this strength-building course we will partner to learn and practice ELA (English Language Arts) concepts that include: reading fiction and nonfiction, analyzing texts with various thinking skills for greater comprehension and test practice, spelling and vocabulary expansion, punctuation rules and application, and grammar rules. We will also explore different writing styles and creative expression. This course is designed with a flexible, less-is-more format for learners on the move or those who need less time in the classroom; you are welcome to join and leave the class as needed. Every class is a unique set of exercises designed for maximum flexibility and efficient practice with the ultimate goal of connecting language arts to daily life. Additionally, learners can use this weekly class as the basis of a full curriculum (please ask me for workbook recommendations to use as extension exercises for non-class school days; all workbook pages that are turned in will receive teacher feedback). Knowing that each student has a different schedule and comes from a unique background -- that includes schooling history, regional standards, personality, online engagement, individual talents, (among other things) -- this class integrates a variety of language arts skills and exercises designed to meet individual learners where they are, fill in gaps of content that they may have previously missed, and help them to take steps to the next level of well-rounded reading, writing and language usage. This course integrates multiple United States national and state standards, standardized test preparation, TESOL certification, as well as executive functioning and metacognitive development. Please ask me for a free PDF pretest if you are interested in gauging your learner's fit with this class level before signing up, or testing your learner's output at any time during the course of the class. Learners who demonstrate consistent mastery in this class by their spoken or written answers will be invited to level up to my more advanced class. Learners work together by answering questions -- with the option of answering aloud or writing in the messaging box. I incorporate these learner-led responses to model thinking skills and help the entire class move toward the correct answers. Since every family has different learning goals when it comes to class participation and responses, please let me know if you have specific expectations for your learner. This course also has printable PDF worksheets that accompany the live class as an additional participation and tracking option. Learners cooperate to complete the interactive class exercises (including a Canva presentation and virtual workbook/whiteboard exercises). CONSISTENT STRUCTURE Each class will cover the following: 📓 Vocabulary, Spelling (10 min.): We will learn and practice four new PSAT vocabulary words with pronunciation and spelling to broaden the word toolkit and help with standardized test prep. 📚 Reading (20 min.): Each week will feature a brief demonstration of a reading comprehension skill. Then, learners will be given a short fiction or nonfiction passage to read in class. Finally, learners will answer questions in a group discussion format to practice the reading comprehension skills and analyze the author's style. 📝 Writing (10 min.): Learners will write a short story or essay-style paragraph in every class to answer a question about the reading passage or to practice the featured literary technique. Although this writing practice is time-limited to practice standardized testing skills, individual learners can use this section to ask for real-time tips or coaching through the messaging box, and then complete the assignment outside of class. 🎓 Grammar, Punctuation, Word Usage (10 min.): Each week will focus on learning or reviewing different language arts rules -- including grammar, punctuation and word usage -- and practice through group editorial exercises. LEARNING GOALS: Students will learn new PSAT vocabulary. Students will learn and practice reading comprehension skills. Students will learn to analyze texts for conclusions and inferences, predictions, cause and effect, and other literary techniques or story elements. Students will learn to answer reading comprehension questions with short essays. Students will broaden their writing styles with a variety of nonfiction and creative writing prompts. Students will practice class discussion and collaboration skills. Students will review and learn grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation skills. Students will learn to incorporate their skills in real-world applications such as editing texts and writing short pieces. Students will practice standardized test style exercises in reading and English skills. * This course can also be used for ESL learning. I recommend a B1 English Proficiency Level for best results. PARENT REVIEWS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My son's writing is significantly improved. Ms. Pollock is wonderful and great. She emails my son's writing piece each week after the class and made notes. We love her and continue to sign up for her other classes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding teacher! She covered new words, grammar, reading comprehensive to writing in each class. Keep the flow of the class going and encouraged students from beginning to the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My son is always looking forward to Ms. Pollock's class. I can't say enough about Ms. Pollock's wonderful class. We enrolled in her other classes, too. I highly recommend her! You can tell she put in a lot of time to prepare her class content. The slide presentation is the best I've seen! Even as a homeschooled parent, I can't help staying in her class because I enjoy her class personally and learn a lot from her. She interacted with the students very well and kept my son so engaged. Her class is well designed with various parts (Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, and Writing). All I want to say is that we are grateful that we found Ms. Pollock.