Middle School Writing Foundations 2: Narratives (Spring 2025)

Making the leap into early academic writing can feel overwhelming — for learners and teachers alike!

There are many types of writing included under the umbrella of "academic writing," and it can be beneficial to take some time to really focus on learning the elements of each particular type.

This class focuses on narrative writing (storytelling). While we often associate narratives with fiction, they are also commonly used in nonfiction (such as memoir, personal reflections, and essays for scholarships/applications).

We will spend this time really focusing on the core elements of narrative writing, identifying those elements at play in example texts, and write our own narratives with multiple drafts.

Gain Key Academic Writing and Reading Foundations

Narrative writing is a key academic writing component that comes up again and again throughout learners' academic writing experiences.

This class will dive deep into the following narrative elements:

Dialogue
Setting
Narrative Perspective
Attention-Grabbing Introductions
Pacing
Meaningful Conclusions

Meet Live Weekly

This is a live class, which means we meet weekly to discuss the reading and explore writing tips. Learners can also interact with each other and the instructor between class meetings on our discussion boards.

Provided materials include reading guides and activities to help with vocabulary and comprehension as well as writing tips to apply to the creation of our own narratives.

Find Individual Processes for Writing

There is no one way to write well. Learners must develop their own strategies and build a toolbox of approaches they can turn to as demands increase over time.

This class is designed to focus with intention on the tools used in narrative writing.

Writers will get to practice writing their own narratives with multiple drafts, each focused on developing specific elements of a successful narrative.

Ages

11-14

Class Size

3-10 learners

Schedule

Class runs from March 31-May 25, 2025

We’ll meet via Zoom for a live discussion session each Tuesday at 12-12:45pm Eastern/11-11:45am Central/10-10:45am Mountain/9-9:45am Pacific

If a learner cannot attend a session due to illness or a schedule conflict, they will still have access to all class materials and can check in with the instructor with any questions.

Supplies

To participate successfully in class, learners will need the following:

Microphone and camera for in-class participation
PDF Reader
Zoom (free account)
Learners will submit work through Google Drive (a Google (Gmail) account can be acquired for free)

(Note: There are no required texts to purchase. Learners will receive access to links of class materials.)

Choose a Pricing Option

$286

Market Rate +25%

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities. You can read more about the plan and its goals here, but all options give access to the same classroom experience. This option allows us to build a more accessible and equitable community of learners by offering discounted pricing options.

$242

Market Rate +10%

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities. You can read more about the plan and its goals here, but all options give access to the same classroom experience. This option allows us to build a more accessible and equitable community of learners by offering discounted pricing options.

$220

Market Rate

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities. You can read more about the plan and its goals here, but all options give access to the same classroom experience. Pay what works for your family.

$175

Market Rate -20%

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities. You can read more about the plan and its goals here, but all options give access to the same classroom experience. Pay what works for your family.

$110

Market Rate -50%

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities. You can read more about the plan and its goals here, but all options give access to the same classroom experience. Pay what works for your family.

Meet Dr. Michelle Parrinello-Cason

Dr. Michelle Parrinello-Cason is the founder of Dayla Learning. She has a PhD in rhetoric and composition, a passion for helping students find their writing voice, and two homeschooling children of her own.

Michelle has taught in a wide variety of settings including six years as a full-time college professor. She has been teaching virtual and in-person homeschool writing and humanities classes for more than five years.

Michelle believes in meeting students where they are and — as any of her previous students will tell you — believes deeply that there is no such thing as a bad rough draft!

Is this the right fit for your learner?

This class is a beginner option for my Middle School level classes (Middle School Foundations). It’s designed for learners who are new to academic writing expectations. Learners will do best if they have the following skills:

Can write about 150-200 words (about one-half page double spaced) on a single topic
Confidently reads texts at or above ~650L on the Lexile rating

This class is a good fit for middle school readers and writers who have not had much formal academic writing experience. It’s an especially good fit for those who need practice in understanding the main idea of a text and capturing key ideas for comprehension and summary.

Finding the Right Challenge

More advanced writers with experience writing academic essays may benefit from this class if they struggle with reading comprehension.

Writers who can confidently summarize texts, take notes with focus and clarity, and have experience writing academic essays may find this class lacks challenge.

These writers may instead benefit from a Middle School Level 2 class.

Skills Gained

We will practice note-taking and summary with a range of texts (including news articles, videos, narratives, and visuals).

Students will gain the following skills:

Developing reading comprehension and note-taking strategies
Reflecting on what works to build strong writing habits
Writing unbiased and clear summaries

Common Core Standards Alignment

For those who are using Common Core standards, this course meets the following:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2, 7.2, and 8.2 (identifying central ideas)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.4, 7.4, and 8.4 (determining word meaning in context)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3, 7.3, and 8.3 (write narratives with details)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4, 7.4, and 8.4 (write appropriately to audience)
CCS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.5, 7.5, and 8.5 (plan, revise, edit and rewrite)
CCS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.10, 7.10, and 8.10 (write routinely over extended time frames)

Upon successful completion of class, instructor provides detailed exit letter suitable for inclusion in portfolio. Families may request numerical grade at beginning of class for a detailed course grade summary, but it is optional.

Choose a Pricing Option

$286

Market Rate +25%

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities. You can read more about the plan and its goals here, but all options give access to the same classroom experience. This option allows us to build a more accessible and equitable community of learners by offering discounted pricing options.

$242

Market Rate +10%

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities. You can read more about the plan and its goals here, but all options give access to the same classroom experience. This option allows us to build a more accessible and equitable community of learners by offering discounted pricing options.

$220

Market Rate

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities. You can read more about the plan and its goals here, but all options give access to the same classroom experience. Pay what works for your family.

$175

Market Rate -20%

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities. You can read more about the plan and its goals here, but all options give access to the same classroom experience. Pay what works for your family.

$110

Market Rate -50%

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities. You can read more about the plan and its goals here, but all options give access to the same classroom experience. Pay what works for your family.