Personal Narratives - Part 1

For those of you who missed weeks 1 or 2 of the beginning writers class on personal narratives, here is a video that covers all the material that was presented in those two classes. At one point, I suggest looking at a sample personal narrative on my blog. You can access that blog by clicking here:  http://www.sippycupsandsteak.blogspot.com/2010/11/daddy-shirts.html 

Parents will need to assist their kids as they work through some of these lessons. I apologize that the video is in mirror image. We had a last minute camera problem and I didn't realize that it was backwards until I was done. 

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

Fall 2012

Four classes will be offered over the course of the Fall term for beginner and intermediate writers.

Beginner Workshops Hour-long workshops  for beginning writers	Session #1 - FULL Personal Narratives (9 Weeks)  Meeting Dates:  Wednesdays: Sept 12-Nov 7 Meeting Times: 4:00 - 5:00  Cost: $55	Session #2 - Descriptive Paragraphs (4 Weeks)  Meeting Dates:  Wednesdays: Nov 28- Dec 9 Meeting Times: 4:00 - 5:00  Cost: $25
Intermediate Workshops Hour-long workshops  for writers looking to fine-tune their skills	Session #1 -  Fictional Narratives (9 Weeks) Meeting Dates:  Mondays: Sept 10 - Nov 5 Meeting Times: 4:00 - 5:00  Cost: $55	Session #2 -  Speech Writing (4 Weeks) Meeting Dates:  Mondays: Nov 26- Dec 17 Meeting Times: 4:00 - 5:00 Cost: $25

Workshop Descriptions

Personal Narratives (Beginner Workshop, Session #1) 

Students in this class will learn the basics of constructing a multiple paragraph narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and ending. Instruction will focus on using the writing process to edit and revise work in order to make it clearer and more accurate. 

Descriptive Paragraphs (Beginner Workshop, Session #2) 

This class will focus on teaching students how to include descriptive details into a single paragraph. Students will learn to paint a picture with words rather that allows the reader to vividly imagine a specific scene. 

Fictional Narratives (Intermediate Workshop , Session #1) 

Students in this class will learn how to develop a plot, setting, and characters by imaginatively creating fictional stories. Critical thinking skills will be fine-tuned as the students analyze the validity of plot points and the believability of thier characters. A heavy emphasis will be placed on evaluation and revision of work through the use of both peer and teacher editing. 

Speech Writing, (Intermediate Workshop, Session #2) 

This class will begin with students analyzing several famous speeches. They will then take what they have learned and identify specific talking points for their own speeches and provide supporting details for each point. During the last class meeting, they will have an opportunity to present their speeches to the class and parents. (This class may involve some homework outside of class.) 

Workshop Location:  Classes will meet in San Jacinto at the home of the instructor

Registration:  To register, please call Aaron Holbrook at 951-294-0220 or e-mail aaron643@roadrunner.com.

Summer 2012

Beginner Workshops Hour-long workshops  for beginning writers	Session #1 -  Sentence Structure Meeting Dates: June 11-14 Meeting Times: 1:00 - 2:00  Cost: $20	Session #2 - Paragraph Structure Meeting Dates: June 18-21 Meeting Times: 1:00 - 2:00  Cost: $20
Intermediate Workshops Two-hour workshops  for writers looking to fine-tune their skills	Session #1 -  Creative Writing Meeting Dates: June 11-14 Meeting Times: 10:00 - noon Cost: $40	Session #2 -  Response to Literature Meeting Dates: June 18-21 Meeting Times: 10:00 - noon Cost: $40

Workshop Descriptions

Sentence Structure

Young writers often need guidance when it comes to writing complete sentences that are full of meaning. In this workshop, students will learn how to write meaningful sentences that are packed full of details, descriptions, and action. 

Paragraph Structure

Once the basic sentence is mastered, students are ready to move on to writing a full paragraph. This workshop will provide instruction on how to write a topic sentence, supporting details, and a conclusion.

Creative Writing

Creativity is an essential part every writing genre. In this class, students will learn how to tell a story that captivates the audience by providing vivid details of the setting and graphic depictions of the action. 

Response to Literature

This genre forces the writer to use critical thinking skills while analyzing literature and applying writing strategies in an effort to relate the text to real life situations. 

Workshop Location:  Classes will meet in San Jacinto at the home of the instructor

Registration:  To register, please call Aaron Holbrook at 951-294-0220 or e-mail aaron643@roadrunner.com.

Persuasive Writing Class Coming in May!

In this class, students will learn how to write persuasive essays that follow a logical thought process while also acknowledging the concerns  of the intended audience. 

Meeting 

Dates:  May 10, 17, 24, 31, and June 7

Grades: 4-8 (approximately) 

Cost:     $30

Location:  Classes will meet in San Jacinto at the home of  the instructor

Registration: To register, please call Aaron Holbrook at  951-294-0220 or e-mail aaron643@roadrunner.com

Class Information: February-May

Welcome to The Writer's Boot Camp! After a very positive response from last summer's classes, a new round of writing instruction has been put together to meet the needs of a variety of students. The first two sessions will be targeting kids in fourth through eighth grades.

All classes will meet at my house in San Jacinto on Thursday afternoons from 4:00 - 5:00. The cost for each eight-week session is $50 per student.

Session 1: Feb - March (Grades 4-8)

Research Report: Students in this session will study the United States Constitution and write a report that demonstrates a clear understanding of its purpose in history and its applications to life today.

Session 2: April - May (Grades 4-8)

Persuasive Writing: Students will learn to write a persuasive essay that addresses a clearly defined position and supports it with well articulated evidence.

To register for one or both of these sessions, e-mail me at aaron643@roadrunner.com and I will send you a registration form. Purchase orders are accepted from some charter schools, so be sure to let me know which school you are with and so I can tell you if your school qualifies.

Private tutoring can also be arranged for specific ages, genres, or writing needs. Let me know in the comments or by sending me an e-mail if you have specific areas of concern for your child. (aaron643@roadrunner.com)