Grammer

It is at the very core of writing skills and ensures clarity in sentence structure. Grammar concepts should be so clear that students do not have to pause and ponder over grammar while jotting down their thoughts; they should be able to apply grammar rules flawlessly. With this goal in mind, students will take grammar notes for all concepts they are introduced to and learn to apply them in sentences every week.

Essay Writing

Students will be introduced to all types of writing: formal, informal, explanatory, persuasive, argumentative, expository, compare and contrast, reflection, and narrative. Each grade level will cover forms of writing that are required by the school curriculum and are tested in standardized testing. The focus is to not be repetitive while expanding and learn how each paragraph has its own purpose and structure. Since this a creative writing class, students will brainstorm the prompt in class and later share their essays to see how the same notes/ideas can come to life with different approaches and explanations, each still being equally effective. Students are encouraged to use the vocabulary they are learning side by side. The writing curriculum also introduces grade level appropriate writing strategies, which the students need to include in their weekly compositions. Quality and quantity is the motto when it comes to developing writing skills.

Vocabulary

As your child grows, his or her vocabulary needs to expand for continued success in Language Arts. Students can not only make their point effectively when they have a comprehensive understanding of vocabulary, they can also enhance their comprehension skills. In order to stress on vocabulary building skills, we conduct mid term and final mastery tests which require students to revisit words learnt in the previous months and, thus, retain them longer.

Weekly Homework

Since we take a three pronged approach to improve writing skills, students have weekly homework in all three areas: grammar, vocabulary, and writing. Practicing new skills ensures students will be able to improve steadily in all three areas and have a strong foundation to build upon.

The 20 grammar questions assigned as weekly homework cover new as well as old grammar concepts to ensure that any doubts or previous gaps are clarified and dealt with.

The vocabulary words for the week range from 12 to 20 depending upon the grade level. Every unit has 4 or 5 worksheets in which these words are applied and the students’ understanding of the words is tested. They will learn to home in on context clues and know the part of speech the word is used as in a sentence. Students also have to memorize the meanings, and at times multiple meanings, of the words and be prepared for a meaning test at the beginning of the next class. Knowing the spelling of the words is required too. Periodically, three-unit review sheets will be assigned, which are designed to make students revisit previous units. Learn, retain, and use is the goal behind the vocabulary curriculum. Additionally, students will periodically be introduced to idioms, proverbs, and adages that they are required to memorize.

Each week, a writing skill is introduced and worksheets are done in class as a group to apply that skill.  Students will then be either shown a sample essay in which the same skill is being observed and/or will be given notes on how to structure the prompt that has been assigned as homework. They will compose a 3-5 paragraph essay, which will be read out in the next class. This way they get to hear their peer’s essays and teacher’s critique for each.