How can we expect students to write great essays when we never invite them to read great essays?
Hello!
My name is Ellen Finnigan.
I have a B.A. in English from Boston College and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing / Creative Nonfiction from the University of Montana, where I won the Merriam-Frontier Award for distinguished achievement in writing.
My essays have been published in a wide variety of venues both online and in print, including in an educational anthology called Humor: A Reader for Writers published by Oxford University Press.
I've been teaching homeschooled kids online since 2008, and this is the class I have always wanted to teach.
We will study the art of Creative Nonfiction, what Gay Talese called the "the literature of reality," through the study of Great Essays.
We will read, study, discuss, imitate, and experiment!
Time & Place
We will meet on the first three Thursdays of the month at
12:00-1:00 p.m. PST
3:00-4:00 p.m. EST
in Ms. Finnigan's online classroom.
Topics, Deadlines, & Dates
March: Personal Essay
March 5: Turn in first draft
March 7, 14, 21: Live classes
March 27: Turn in revised essay
April: Argumentative Essay
April 2: Turn in first draft
April 4, 11, 18: Live classes
April 23: Turn in revised essay
May: Expository Essay
May 1: Turn in first draft.
May 2, 9, 16: Live classes
May 22: Turn in revised essay
June: Personal Essay
June 4: Turn in first draft
June 6, 13, 20: Live classes
June 25: Turn in revised essay
July: Argumentative Essay
July 2: Turn in first draft
July 4, 11, 18: Live classes
July 23: Turn in revised essay
August: Experimental Essay
July 30: Turn in first draft.
August 1, 8, 15: Live classes
August 20: Turn in revised essay
Parent Testimonial
"In Ms. Finnigan you have the stellar combination of a great teacher and an amazing person. Being at the same time professional and warm-hearted, she inspires her students to bring their best into her literature and writing classes. She meets students where they are ability-wise, and brings out the best in them with her encouraging and detailed feedback. She has a great grasp of the literature she teaches and the human nature that lies behind it. She came alongside my daughter in many ways in her life during her high school years, and we are forever grateful."
-- Amy Grasso
Recommended for Students Who:
- are 16 and up*
- are ready to move beyond formulaic, academic writing
- need inspiration for college application or scholarship essays
- want to try a new kind of creative writing (i.e. not fiction or poetry)
- wish to foster a love of the written word
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are ready to move beyond the five-paragraph essay!
*Younger students may enroll, but parents should read the "Note to Parents" first. (Scroll down)
Note to Parents -- Please read!
I will select essays that I believe are appropriate for high school students. I will stay away from essays that are written in poor taste, essays with explicitly adult or sexual themes and foul language, as well as contemporary essays about "hot button" social and political issues. I will try to select "classics" that have withstood the test of time and are widely recognized as great writing.
However, most great essays are written by adults for adults, and are probably in some way provocative, in the best sense of the word. We will not be studying essays only written by Christians (though many of the great writers were Christians); therefore I can't guarantee a Christian worldview in every essay, though, as a Christian myself, I will steer clear of essays that would be, on their face, an affront to Christian parents and a scandal to their children.
In general, we want to read essays that point us toward the Good, the True, and the Beautiful (though what is True is often controversial!) In the end, our task will be to learn more about the craft of good writing, not to discuss or argue the point of the essay.
All of this naturally demands more maturity on the part of the students, which is why I recommend the course for juniors and seniors.
Thank you for your understanding!
How the "Great Essays" Class Works
1 Write
Student writes an essay in response to a prompt, just to get something down on paper, and have something to work with.
Turns it in to teacher for accountability. (No feedback given with the basic pricing plan.)
2 Read and Discuss
Student reads 1-2 Great Essays per week for three weeks.
We meet in class to study, learn, and discuss.
Ms. Finnigan suggests one writing exercise each week for play/practice.
(Student does not turn in work with basic pricing plan.)
3 Revise
Student revises original essay during final Writing Week. (No class)
Student will be encouraged to experiment, perhaps imitating new techniques or playing with a different voice, approach, structure, or style.
Turn in final essay for detailed teacher feedback.
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Feedback and Grades
If you wish to receive feedback on all assignments, including the initial draft, select "More Feedback!" at checkout. ($35)
I don't usually give grades, but if this is something you need, reach out to me before you sign up. I can likely make accomodations.
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Course Texts / Additional Purchases
I will aim to select essays that are free online, that you can print yourself.
If I can't find a free version, I will give those enrolled enough time to be able to check it out from the library.
If an additional purchase will be required, I will be sure to give a month's notice.
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Questions? Email me at:
contact at teachtothetext dot com
Parent Testimonial
"Ms. Ellen Finnigan is one of those rare teachers who effectively combines deep subject knowledge, abundant joy, engaging inspiration and captivating creativity in her approach to teaching children. For over six years, Ms. Finnigan instilled a love for literature and writing to four of my children through her classes in Greek literature and creative writing. Her writing tutorial has been indispensable to preparing my children for college level writing. Ms. Finnigan’s joy for teaching is genuine and made every class exciting and enjoyable for the children. She enabled her students to recognize the deeper meaning of the great literature of the past and draw on its impact on their lives and its meaning in the modern world. I would sincerely and enthusiastically recommend Ms. Finnigan to any parent as their child’s teacher."
--Greg Simia
More Parent and Student Reviews
"We covered a lot of content this year as far as poetry, short stories, and writing. The classes were always a great balance of covering the material, having discussions, and doing writing exercises. Mrs. Finnigan gives a lot of encouraging and helpful feedback on writing and assignments and is always fair in her grading."
--Student, Spring 2022, Professional Review
"Engages all students intellectually in the classroom and encourages critical thinking skills. Students are being challenged to think and make connections through both the instructional activities and discussion questions…Treats each student with charity and compassion."
— Parent, Spring 2022 Professional Review
"When Mrs. Finnigan has a specific activity planned class runs very smoothly, and even when things don't go as expected, she can effortlessly tailor the activity to what the class needs."
— Student, Spring 2022 Professional Review
