English Language Arts

Summary:

This class is designed to equip middle school students with the fundamentals for reading and writing—and to teach how to use each to improve the other. Students will gain a comfortable familiarity with everything from persuasive essays to creative fiction.

This class will cover everything from formal grammar to delivering poetry. The ultimate goal is to learn the value of words in a variety of contexts. We will do this by evaluating other’s literature, creating our own, sharing pieces in theatrical fashion, editing, exploring multiple styles, and more.

Objectives:

• Craft creative fiction and non-fiction.

• Discover both the freedom and structure of poetry.

• Understand grammar rules and why they’re useful.

• Critique other writing to see what makes quality literature.

• Learn persuasive strategies that enhance papers.

• Discuss literature to develop critical thinking.

Materials:

• Plenty of lined paper

• Pens and/or pencils

Reading List:

• Students are invited to bring any four books they choose. Students will confirm their selections with the teacher, but, with rare exceptions, almost anything goes. If students are unsure about their selections or want some recommendations, click here.

Schedule

The class is 36 weeks long, running from the weeks of September 11 to May 12.

Sessions will occur on Wednesdays, 12:30–2.

The class is designed for a minimum of 8 students.

Cost

The full year costs $900 per student, which amounts to $25 per class.

Since the first half of the year will focus on more formal writing and the second half on more creative writing, students can choose to attend only one semester. Accordingly, the price would be halved.