Often, the task of writing anything starts with the question, “What is the purpose of this writing assignment?” Many think of creative writing or story-telling. Some think of poetry or journaling. Still others think of research papers and long essays. However, in most instances, students must learn how to address writing prompts, identifying whether the prompt asks a question of the student or tells the student to write about a specific topic.
Writing Foundations
Our Writing Foundations classes help students learn to respond to writing prompts in all situations. The size of the compositions grows with each level, but all levels address these needs:
Gather the ideas related to the prompt
Decide which ideas to use in their writing, or composition
Organize the ideas for flow
Put the ideas into complete sentences
Edit or correct the sentences for strength, correct grammar usage, and quality
Produce a final composition that the student knows is strong because all the steps are well addressed
Check out the various levels for students to learn our writing process!
Elementary Writing Foundations (typically 4th-6th grade) trains students to consider the prompt, decide their ideas or perspective, and then write a paragraph of either 8 or 11 sentences about that given prompt, or topic.
Tuesday 11:30-12:30 PST/ 1:30-2:30 CST/2:30-3:30 EST
Thursday 11:30-12:30 PST/ 1:30-2:30 CST/2:30-3:30 EST
Intermediate Writing Foundations (typically 7th-8th grade) trains students to consider the prompt, decide their ideas or perspective, and then write more than one paragraph about that given prompt, or topic; they will also learn about thesis statements, transition sentences, and an overall conclusion.
Thursday 11-12 PST/1-2 CST/2-3 EST
Advanced Writing Foundations (typically 9th-12th grade) trains students to consider the prompt, decide their ideas or perspective, and then write a five-paragraph compositions about that given prompt, or topic, and teaches students to identify the type of essay required, such as expository, personal reflection, persuasive, argumentative, or research reporting, all while following MLA formatting rules. This class allows the advanced writer to grow in their ability to dig deeper for content about more challenging prompts.
Thursday 9:00-10:30 PST/12:00-1:30 EST
If your children have already taken a Writing Foundations class, we invite them to join one of our Reading & Writing classes to learn how to study literature deeply and write about it as they practice the writing methods they learned in their WF class.
Reading & Writing
If your student has already taken a Writing Foundations class with us, help them continue practicing the writing skills in a Reading & Writing class for the grade level! They will also learn the valuable skills to deeply study literature instead of simply reading to find out what happens in the story.
1/2 Grades - Wed. 11:30-1:30 PST/1:30-3:30 CST/2:30-4:30 EST
My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
3/4 Grades - Tues. 9-11 PST/11-1 CST/12-2 EST
The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
5/6 Grades - Wed. 9-11 PST/11-1 CST/12-2 EST
Twenty- One Balloons by William Pene du Bois
7/8 Grades - Wed. 9-11 PST/ 11-1 CST/ 12-2 EST
Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
High School Grades- Tues. 9-11 PST/11-1 CST/12-2 EST
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne