**No classes are currently scheduled while I take some time off. However, feel free to contact me if you are interested in hosting a writing workshop or attending a class.**
For students ages 8-16, I offer a variety of writing classes on Outschool.com. Visit my Outschool profile for a complete listing, including creative writing, writing groups, grammar, and composition. Feel free to request additional dates and times for classes that interest you.
If you are interested in my in-person classes at C-Prep, I’ll include the descriptions below. I may tweak them some as I finalize plans. I also hope to offer online versions of these classes. If you are interested in an online version, please contact me to let me know what days and times would be good. Ages and grades listed are guidelines rather than rules.
English A: Foundations of English in Narrative Writing
Time Thursdays 10:00-11:25am
Ages 11-13
Grades 6th-8th
Students will learn the elements of story and how to use them to write their own narratives as well as in analyzing literature. They will begin to process literature readings through reading journals and class discussions. They will also learn how to workshop their writing with fellow students. Narrative topics covered, as time allows, will include Narrative Structure, Characters, Setting, Plot, Conflict, Beginnings, Middles, Endings, Point of View, Voice, Description, Dialogue, and Revision.
Students will gain a solid foundation in sentence and paragraph structure. Students will either learn or solidify knowledge of such grammar topics as Subjects, Verbs, Complements and Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives, Adverbs.
Major projects: Short Story Collection
Literature
- Short stories
- Sophie Murphy Does Not Exist by T. Blanchard ISBN: 9781953743022 or Bookshop
- The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen by Lloyd Alexander ISBN: 9780142402252
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien ISBN: 9780618260300 or Bookshop
- (there are many versions of The Hobbit—I just linked to an inexpensive one)
English B: Foundations of English in the Writing Process
Time Thursdays 8:30-9:55am
Ages 12-14
Grades 7th-9th
Students will learn about the writing process and composition. They will also be introduced to the writing situation (audience, purpose, etc.) They will practice putting their thoughts into organized writing to share with others (the class, family, friends, etc.) and will learn how to give and receive peer critique on their writing. Different types of compositions, such as compare-contrast and persuasive papers, will be covered.
Students will continue to engage with literature using reading journals and discussion. Some close reading techniques will be introduced. Review of grammar will continue with emphasis on Prepositional Phrases, Clauses, and complexities of parts of speech. Aspects of style will be introduced to ensure a solid footing for high school English courses.
Major Projects: Comparison-Contrast Paper and Persuasive Project.
Literature
- Short stories
- Raccoon Summer by Betty Vanderwielen (least expensive at the publisher’s) ISBN: 9781953743121
- Dragon’s Gate by Laurence Yep ISBN: 9780064404891 or Bookshop
- The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff ISBN: 9780312644291 or Bookshop
English C: Western Literature and Composition
Time Thursdays 1:30-2:55pm
Ages 14-16
Grades 9th-10th
Students will read, review, and discuss classic literature from Western Civilization. English C will put more emphasis on literature while still retaining a composition component. We’ll have some lessons in grammar and style, but most items will be addressed as they comes up in student writing. Composition topics will include such research topics as paraphrasing and citing sources and conducting research. Literature topics will include character, theme, plot, irony, etc.
Note for English C: Students will need access to the Internet and the free site Edmodo as some work will be turned in electronically on Tuesdays and online discussions will be part of class.
Literature
- Literature selection is still in progress but may include Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, and poetry.
The teacher really engages the kids throughout the classes. She uses examples they can relate to and breaks down seemingly complicated lesson points in ways that the kids can understand. I really feel like this course has a lot of substance to it. My 8 year old has been writing his story non-stop since the first class finished, even choosing to do so over computer games and movies… pretty miraculous in itself!
Toban T. for Telling a Story Club
A. W. Downer 