Update: We are still editing.
Anna and Angel submitted papers about Why Study Shakespeare. After reading their essays, I decided to do a writing lesson, with a focus on introductions, conclusions, and editing. Lacie, my home-school student, uses Writing Better Essays in 20 Minutes per Day. I used WBE to review introductions, conclusions, and editing. We spent class discussing and editing. Both the girls can write a solid thesis and supports. Like most people, they struggle with good conclusions. In reality, the introductions and conclusions are mirrors. We talked about using quotes and questions for both introductions and conclusions. We used the tips for editing; the girls are editing their papers for next week.
This approach to education is largely prescriptive. I'm using the Brit Lit book as an outline for the course and for a reading list. But, another kid had raised the question, 'Why should anyone have to study Shakespeare?' I thought it made a good essay topic. After I read the essays, I thought some work was in order. The truth is nearly every essay could use some work. I'm mindful the girls are going to college in a year or two. I want them to be able to write a good essay. I came away feeling today's lesson was useful.
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