Looking Ahead

Preparing For Class: What Steps Can I Take?

If you have a child signed up for either a Writing Foundations Class, or for a Reading & Writing Class, there are several steps to be ready on the first day of class.

  1. If you haven’t already done so - REGISTER your student for class

  2. Double check the times and days on your order, as the start time for the earliest classes is now 9:00 am pacific/12:00 pm eastern

  3. If your student is enrolled in a Reading & Writing class, order the novel that the class will be studying

  4. Mark your student’s teacher’s email address as a contact to ensure emails don’t go to spam.

  5. Search for your class email (which should arrive within the week of Aug 12-16th at the earliest - this will advise the official day and time of the class as well)

  6. Verify that you have access to the TWJ (Elementary or Intermediate) Writing Foundations Handbooks

  7. Share your student’s Gmail address with their instructor via email

  8. Make sure your student joins the Google Classroom through the emailed invitation

  9. Update Zoom on your student’s device

  10. Verify that computer camera and microphone are working

  11. Get ready for classes, but do not read any part of your books yet!

  12. Gather supplies (novel, writing utensils, lined paper for note-taking, earbuds, etc.)

  13. IMPORTANT: Plan to attend one of the following Orientation webinars (30 min.) for ALL families (even returning). Click on one of the links to register for the webinar. The purpose of this orientation is to make sure we are working together to bring quality education to your children. What is your role as parent, and what is our role as instructors? When you attend, you are able to ask clarifying questions and get your answers right away. Simply put: this is the best way to ensure your children are getting the best support.

As always, please reach out to The Write Journey teachers or office with any questions, and we look forward to classes beginning the week of August 27th-29th!

Summer Practice to Keep Skills Fresh!

I had a middle school student mention that he always feels as if he forgets everything over the summer, so the first week back in class seems as if he has to start all over again. I was not surprised to hear that–I experienced the same sensations over the years. I was surprised that the entire class agreed, and then asked for writing prompts so they could practice their writing skills over the summer. Imagine that! Students that LOVE keeping their writing skills fresh, with a hope to maintain the skills even after the summer break! My teacher’s heart just melted on the spot.

It reminds me that we do have some choices with the way we spend our time over the summer months. I HIGHLY encourage down-time for students and families. Summer allows the long anticipated break from the constant barrage of deadlines and demands. However, I hope we also anticipate the benefits in practicing the skills we need to keep fresh in order to prevent the dreaded “starting over” feelings that come from the rustiness of unuse. Continuing the skills of reading and asking solid questions can easily be accomplished, even with simpler stories or articles. Grammar skills can be maintained through fun games, like Mad Libs (remember those?) or Editor-in-Chief. Writing can remain in the mix through journaling, story writing, or silly prompts that keep the tone light and easy.

By and large, the decision to exert a bit of effort throughout the summer can prevent the dread and doom in early fall.

Summer Classes

We have summer classes during the last 3 weeks of July, just in time to ease back into the school year. Check out our class schedule for options in Elementary Writing Foundations, Creative Writing Camps, or Fun with Grammar camps. These classes are affordable and fun!

Looking for individual help with writing? Summer tutoring is a great option!

Summer tutoring is available for all ages. Whether one-on-one tutoring best fits your needs, or small group tutoring better suits your team, we can make arrangements to meet with your students.

Sometimes Partnership Means Sharing a “To-Do” List

In order for your students to be ready for their class, you’ll want to check off each item on the following lists.

To-Do List for Parents:

  • In case you have not officially registered your child, register here.

  • Purchase a downloadable TWJ Writing Foundations Handbook from our website. (You may have already done this when you registered.)

  • Purchase student novels. (This only applies to Reading & Writing courses, not Writing Foundations. When purchasing novels, it’s important that you use the ISBN number provided on the website. All students must use the same book for their course work.)

  • Make sure your student has a gmail email account.

  • Accept invitation to google classroom. (Your child’s instructor will send this out two weeks before classes start.)

  • IMPORTANT: Register to attend an online Parent Orientation.

    Dates: (Please attend one or the other.)

    ■ Friday, August 25 at 7:30 (PST)/ 10:30 (EST)

    ■ Monday, August 28 at 2:00 (PST)/ 5:00 (EST)

  • Review your student’s “To Do” list with them. (See below.)

To-Do List for Students:

Starting any new class can be stressful, but knowing what’s expected helps students to be prepared and confident. What do students need to remember to be successful in our online classes?

1. Arrive to class 5 minutes early each week.

2. Use earbuds/headphones.

3. Have writing utensils and paper ready to use.

4. Always ask questions to make sure you understand what’s being asked of you.

5. Make every effort to join in the group discussion.

6. Complete ALL homework. (Younger students require more parental oversight.)

7. Be able to access previous week’s homework during class.

8. Last, but not least, have a positive attitude.

Thank you for partnering with us to begin this semester with great success for all!

See you at orientation!

Planning for the Next Year and Beyond

Are you looking for ways to simplify your language arts this next year?

At The Write Journey, we love to keep it simple. We have a tried-and-true method to cover most, if not all, of the English standards at each grade level, including reading, writing, grammar and spelling. The best part: our teachers do not need new curriculum every year! We practice the same writing methods at every grade level, even though the length of the composition grows with the age and abilities of the student. We study classic novels and award-winning stories, perfect for developing the skills of “studying” literature. And last but not least, we deeply discuss the stories in our class discussions. With strong critical thinking questions and the sharing of ideas to explore the content, students learn a comprehensive approach to the various aspects of English.

The best part - we teach parents to teach the way we teach in our Adult Training Program. This summer, we will have a Writing Handbook Intensive course, and in the fall, our Writing Foundations and Literature course will not only teach the writing methods we use, but also how to couple the writing skills with excellent literature study. This course offers something that a book or video series cannot provide - relationship. Spend time with our founder, Kris Cordell, in a live, online class where you may ask questions, try the methods with your children, and bring your successes and challenges back to the table. We, as homeschool parents, need community, and we invite you to be a part of ours. If you’d like to learn more, check out our Adult Training Program. Of course, if the class is not an option for you, we do have our guides available. There is a ton of great information to help you in your journey raising this generation of students!

Upcoming ATP Class Schedule:

Summer - July 12, 19, 26

Fall - 12 weeks; Wednesdays, Aug 30 - Nov 15

Class Registration Now Open!

Our 2023-2024 class schedule is now open for registration! Check out our fun summer courses to keep writing skills fresh over the summer break, or to get a jump start on the next school year. See our classes at a glance below. Click here to view our full class schedule.

Summer Classes

Creative Writing (grades 3-7)

Creative Writing (grades 8-12)

Elementary Writing Foundations (covers the prerequisite for the 5/6th grade Reading & Writing classes)

Intermediate Writing Foundations (covers the prerequisite for the 7/8th grade Reading & Writing classes)

ATP Writing Handbook Intensive Course

12-Week Classes

Writing Only

Elementary Writing Foundations (grades 4-6)

Intermediate Writing Foundations (grades 7-8)

Formal Academic Essay Writing (high school) (Tuesday or Wednesday)

Reading & Writing Classes

1/2 Grade Reading & Writing

3/4 Grade Reading & Writing

5/6 Grade Reading & Writing (Wednesday or Thursday)

7/8 Grade Reading & Writing (Tuesday or Wednesday)

High School Grade Reading & Essay Writing (Tuesday or Wednesday)

College Prep Reading & Essay Writing

Adult Training Program (ATP)

ATP Blending Literature with Writing