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White:
This is an entry level writing, composition class for advanced Kindergartener & struggling 1st grader who still need guidance in refining their motor skill for better penmanship & better understanding on the choice of words in writing. Students will get familiar with the fundamentals on constructing simple sentences and short paragraph using sensory words with introduction to various discipline in part of speech.
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Red:
Students in our red group will build a strong foundation in grammar, punctuation, and become introduced to the conventions of paragraph writing. They will become familiar with the terms of structured paragraphs, such as: topic sentences, main ideas, content, and concluding sentences.
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Orange:
Entering with some exposure to grammar, punctuation, and paragraph organization, students will learn how to elaborate for richer content, while maintaining a clear structure that stays on topic. Students will walk away with literary tools to better engage their reader and improve clarity in their writing.
Yellow:
Entering with a firm grasp of grammar, punctuation, and paragraph structure, this class is geared toward expanding descriptive content. Students will learn how to identify fragments and run-ons as we take risks in our writing, taking the next step toward becoming self-reliant proofreaders.
Green:
Entering students understand paragraph structure and can write more than one focused paragraph on a topic. With the space and mentorship to hone in on creative writing, we will explore multiple mediums, such as: short story writing, letter writing, persuasive writing and speaking. Our activities are dynamic and challenging, including but not limited to: improvisational and time-pressured writing exercises, storytelling, public & persuasive speaking, debate, and even script writing.
Purple:
In this level, students will achieve greater clarity in their writing by becoming more organized writers, more effective researchers, and enforcing a strong economy of words. Students will measurably improve their ability to craft clear, concise, attractive sentences in order to create better argument in defense of each thesis they devise. If our persuasive writing unit goes well, we will transition into using our essays to craft opening and closing statements and have short debates based on our research.
Blue:
Entering students can effectively discuss complex ideas; however, they struggle with organizing their thoughts and arguments into properly constructed essays. This level’s activities are designed to improve students' abilities to devise and defend a strong thesis statement using outlining, composing, and proofreading. We will write short persuasive essays as fodder for in-class debates pertaining to real world issues, and as well as creative challenges.
Black:
Students entering this class must be able to efficiently (and consistently) produce well-written compositions, and show careful attention to detail when outlining and proofreading. We will be doing advanced library and internet research--as well as learn to properly cite said research--to support our contentions when defending a thesis. Additionally, we will be improving our persuasive skills (using both researched facts and clarity in our written communication) to debate important real-world issues. The culmination of this class will be a formal debate in front of the students' parents in which students can showcase their improved research, persuasion, and public speaking skills.
