“Students don’t just see the writing—they understand the thinking.”
— The Baran Method
Essay Writing Course: Grades 6 - 12
It’s the closest thing to having a personal writing teacher.
In each video lesson, Greg walks students step-by-step through the full writing process process—from reading a story, article, or argument, to identifying the main idea and developing a thesis, and then building a clear, organized essay.
Learn the Process, Then Apply It Anywhere
Each lesson models complete essay writing across the three core academic essay types:
Informative/Explanatory
Argument/Persuasive
Literary Analysis
Students learn how to:
organize and develop ideas
build strong paragraphs
use evidence effectively
explain their thinking clearly
structure complete essays
These are not assignment-specific responses. Students learn a writing framework they can apply to virtually any writing assignment, in any subject.
From Guided Instruction to Independent Writers
Students don't just see the finished essay—they see the thinking behind it.
As they internalize the process, they learn how to write independently with clarity, structure, and purpose. They are no longer guessing what to do—they understand how to approach a writing assignment from start to finish.
Recommended Level
Recommended for grades 6–12 and beyond.
Students should be comfortable writing a Baran Method paragraph before beginning the essay course.
Students in grades 2–5 should first focus on becoming confident paragraph writers before advancing to essay writing.
More Than a Collection of Videos
This is more than a collection of videos. Students are taught step-by-step through direct instruction, guided examples, and practice activities designed to help them understand not just what to write, but why.
While many students can work through the course independently, students who are new to The Baran Method may benefit from the guidance of a parent, teacher, or other adult as they learn the process.
Benefits of the course:
Students learn more than how to complete an essay. Through guided, step-by-step instruction, they learn how to think through a writing task, organize ideas, find evidence, and explain their thinking clearly. As their understanding grows, so does their confidence. The goal is not simply to complete the lessons, but to help students apply the same process independently to future readings and writing assignments. Parents and teachers are supported through the accompanying teacher edition.
What’s in the course?
Instruction in the three major academic essay types — Students learn explanatory/informative, argument/persuasive, and literary analysis writing.
Nine in-depth video lessons — Three lessons for each major essay type. Every lesson is over 30 - 45 minutes and includes downloadable PDFs.
Learn the process behind effective writing — Students don't just see finished essays. They see how ideas are organized, developed, and supported so they can write essays independently.
Watch a lesson snippet…
Ready for Essays?
Once students can confidently write paragraphs, they're ready to expand those same skills into essay writing.
Essay Support BUNDLE
Everything needed to teach, practice, and reinforce the essay-writing process.
Course Only
Perfect for students who already have the materials.
The Video Course (Lifetime Access)
The Baran Method Textbook
The Baran Method Workbook — your choice of workbook grade level 6 - 12
The Baran Method Teacher Edition — your choice of grade level 6 - 12
Grammar Made More Gooder! textbook
Already have the materials? Order the course separately.
Students learn how to turn organized thinking into organized writing through a clear, repeatable essay-writing process.