Elementary Writing, Ages 9-11 (grades 3-5)

    Creative and essay writing in an informal atmosphere. We will explore words, phrases, sentences, organization, essay, persuasion, characterization, story, description, and poetry.  Each meeting will include a short lecture and an activity to inspire expression. There is writing homework every week which can range from the minimum to the moon, depending on the student. Some writing experience required. Reluctant writers are welcome.

 

Middle School English, fall semester (grades 6-8)

    Poetry Madness, wordplay, short stories, classic essays, and a Shakespearean play are a few of the readings we will explore.  Students will learn how to analyze literature, how to write creatively, and how to write a 5 paragraph essay. Writing skills include richer word choices, better sentences, organizational tools, idea brainstorming, description, poetry, and essay writing.  

 

Middle School English, spring semester (grades 6-8)

    Poetry Madness, spoken word poetry and story, classic and contemporary literature are a few of the things we will explore.  Students will learn how to analyze literature, how to write creatively, and how to write essays.  

 

Middle School English (Greek myths), fall semester (grades 6-8)

    Poetry Madness, journalism, character personas and interviews, Greek and Roman myths, and a Shakespearean play, Shakespearean speeches and sonnets are covered.  Students will learn how to analyze literature, how to write creatively, and how to write essays.  

 

High School World Literature, 2 semesters (grades 9-12)

    We will study some of the world's great literature from all regions of the world, ancient to modern times. Ancient Greece/Rome, Egypt/Africa, and Persia/Middle East are covered during the fall semester. (East Asia, Europe, and Latin America are covered in the spring semester.) We will read classic tales, myths, poems, plays, speeches, essays, modern short stories, and classic novels. Through discussion, students will learn literary analysis.  Students will also master the 5 paragraph essay, going through the entire writing process.  Essays throughout the year will include all 4 types: argumentative, expository, personal narrative, and descriptive.  Each class  consists of a short lecture, discussion of the readings, and a writing activity such as organization, brainstorming techniques, language skills, and creative writing.

 

High School American Literature, 2 semesters (grades 9-12)

    From the native American cultures to our founding fathers, on to Thoreau and gothic Poe, Melville and Hawthorne, and finally to slave narratives, and Mark Twain’s South, we will discover our country’s literary beginnings.  Spring semester will cover American literature starting with the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age, through to the world wars, to the Civil Rights movement and along to present day America. Through discussion, students will learn literary analysis.  Students will also master the 5 paragraph essay, exploring the entire writing process.  Writings will include all 4 types: argumentative, expository, personal narrative, and descriptive.  Creative writing assignments are included.  Each class consists of a short lecture, discussion of the readings, and an activity such as writing techniques, character interviews, and word games.  

 

High School British Literature, 2 semesters  (grades 9-12)

    Fall semester travels from the oldest English writing, Beowulf, to the Canterbury Tales, to the bard of all bards, Shakespeare, and the eloquent bardess, Mary Shelley, and her Frankenstein, to Mr. Dickens. During the second semester we will cover British literature starting with Jane Austen and/or Charles Dickens, to the late Victorian Era with Wilde and Shaw, to the Modern movement of the 20th Century, and along to present day Britain. During the year we will read classic tales, poems, short stories, plays, speeches, essays, and novels, learning literary analysis.  Students will also master the 5 paragraph persuasive essay, traversing the entire writing process.  Essays and writings will include all 4 types: argumentative, expository, story narrative, and descriptive.  Each class consists of a short lecture, discussion of the readings, and an activity such as rhetoric, a creative writing exchange, and figurative language exercises.