These small group writing seminars use literature to teach students how to read critically, improve their vocabulary and write academic essays. Exciting short stories will be used to stimulate ideas for writing. Grammar, spelling and usage will be addressed in the context of the student's writing. Students will be grouped according to their grade level and ability. All classes are taught by experienced, credentialed English teachers who will impart the love of literature and writing to their students.

 

Elementary students will learn how to write a thesis statement and be introduced to the organizational structure of a four to five paragraph essay. Descriptive and creative writing will also be included. Grade 6 students can work with either the elementary or middle school workshops, depending on their ability level.

 

Middle and high school students will learn advanced literary analysis and will focus on improving the sophistication of their writing by learing new sentence structures and vocabulary. They will also learn how to support their thesis with concrete and convincing evidence. MLA format, especially the proper documentation of sources, will also be covered. High school students will practice with writing prompts from the SAT and ACT.