English Language Arts Writing Academy

Writing + Comprehension

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Curriculum

Analysis of Text

Students learn to critically analyze and reflect on what they read and how it impacts their comprehension. They learn to distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters in popular children’s fiction and nonfiction books. This aids in development of skills in the Reading Standards for Literature that students learn by the end of each grade.

Speaking & Listening Skills

Students continue to build their skills through collaborative conversations on grade level topics and texts with constant help from the teacher. In addition, students work on improving comprehension by paraphrasing portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

Writing Practice

To support their reading, writing, and use of language, students go through formative assessments and rigorous practice sessions to improve their grasp on grammar, with a specific focus on spelling and punctuation. They also strengthen their vocabulary as per the Language Standards. As part of their development of understanding, students in the 4th grade learn to distinguish the literal and non-literal meanings of words and phrases in context, and how to interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors.

Teacher

Ruth D.

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Writing + Comprehension

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Curriculum

Analysis of Text

As students continue to critically analyze and reflect on what they read and how it impacts their comprehension, they learn to compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated. This includes being able to tell the difference between first-person and third-person narrations in popular children’s fiction and nonfiction books. This aids in development of skills in the Reading Standards for Literature that students learn by the end of the fifth grade.

Speaking & Listening Skills

Speaking and listening skills are important for communication. Students continue to build their skills through collaborative conversations on grade level topics and texts with constant help from the teacher. In addition, students work on improving comprehension by determining the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

Writing Practice

To support their reading, writing, and use of language, students strengthen their vocabulary and grammar through scaffolding. Learning to identify and understand word relationships, nuances in word meanings by knowing general academic words (used in all sorts of texts and subject areas) and content-specific words (important to understanding specific topics or field of study). Emphasis is given on understanding figurative language like simile, metaphor, hyperbole etc. As part of their development of understanding, students in this grade distinguish the literal and non-literal meanings of words and phrases in context.

Teacher

Rebekah A.

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Writing + Comprehension

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Curriculum

Analysis of Text

Active engagement with text to analyze, identify, define, explain, integrate, evaluate, compare, contrast, and cite supportive evidence - developing and building upon these skills. Deeper analysis of literature and informational text continues to be the focus of the sixth grade, although reading fluency and accuracy remains a common goal for all students.

Speaking & Listening Skills

Students listen critically to speakers and media presentations, identify and interpret information from a variety of media and formats, deliver presentations, and ask questions to gain additional information. In their oral presentations. They use the structures found in the literature and informational text they read and in their own writing (e.g., a central idea or theme supported by facts, descriptive details, or observations). Students apply the same conventions of standard English when speaking that they use in their writing. Sixth grade focuses on students’ listening and comprehension skills and their formal oral presentation skills. Students identify and analyze logical fallacies in a speaker’s presentation or from a media source. When they present claims for findings, they sequence ideas logically, use appropriate facts and relevant details to support the main idea or theme, and speak clearly.

Writing Practice

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. Practice essay writing, research paper and other forms of academic writing. Refine and revise grammar, spelling and punctuation for impeccable write-up. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

Teacher

Rachael D.

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Writing + Comprehension

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Curriculum

Analysis of Text

Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grade 8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. Active engagement with text to analyze, identify, define, explain, integrate, evaluate, compare, contrast, and cite supportive evidence - developing and building upon these skills. Deeper analysis of literature and informational text continues to be the focus of the eighth grade, although reading fluency and accuracy remains a common goal for all students.

Speaking & Listening Skills

Students listen critically to speakers and media presentations, identify and interpret information from a variety of media and formats, deliver presentations, and ask questions to gain additional information. In their oral presentations. They use the structures found in the literature and informational text they read and in their own writing (e.g., a central idea or theme supported by facts, descriptive details, or observations). Students apply the same conventions of standard English when speaking that they use in their writing.

Writing Practice

Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., stingy, scrimping, economical, unwasteful, thrifty). Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. Writing is drawn heavily from student experience and opinion, which alone will not prepare students for the demands of college, career, and life. We still expect narrative writing, and we also teach a command of sequence and detail that are essential for effective argumentative and informative writing. The standards’ focus on evidence-based writing along with the ability to inform and persuade is a significant part of our writing program and preparation.

Teacher

Rachael D.

Penny B.

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Writing + Comprehension

Elements of Reading

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Curriculum

Program Overview

Elements of Reading from Talentnook is an effective reading program for all students including diverse learners such as Students with Disabilities and English Learners who participate in general education classroom instruction. We begin with very young readers, and our philosophy is that good reading skills lead to good writing skills. Our reading program is based on letter-sound recognition and word attack strategies with phonemic awareness and syllable breakdown.
GOOD READERS → GOOD WRITERS → GOOD STUDENTS → GOOD GRADES

Reading Levels:

Each Reading Level is broken down, not by school grade, but by reading efficiency level determined by proven assessments. The first lessons are “training lessons” which involve Sound Play and Decoding activities, working on phonemic awareness games that focus on syllables, identifying first sounds in words, rhyming, blending, segmenting, and identifying last sounds in words. Each Sound Play lesson aligns with a Decoding Lesson. Decoding lessons are implemented and practiced before the next activity is introduced. In every lesson, reinforcement of sounds and words are practiced with increasing variety and difficulty. Students learn specific prompts and correction procedures for each activity.
(Novice) Level 1 - (Pre-Reader) Level 2- (Reader) Level 3 - (Detective) Level 4 - (Navigator) Level 5

Some concepts we practice in every lesson are:

   • “What Sound?” Lower-case consonants and vowels are printed at the top of the lesson sheet and practiced for recognition and mastery.
   • “What Word?” Common sight words are printed on the lesson sheet below the “What Sound?” activity for context and practice.
   • “Sound Boxes.” Decodable words are printed with each sound of the word in a box that blends the sounds together in a sing-song fashion, and then the student reads the word quickly to hear and speak the word.
   • Reading Sentences. The students READ a sentence made up of decodable and sight words practiced in the lesson.

Teacher

Ruth D.

Rebekah A.

Kristin P.

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Elements of Reading

Sibling Discount-

SAVE 10%

for each additional child

Curriculum

Program Overview

Elements of Reading from Talentnook is an effective reading program for all students including diverse learners such as Students with Disabilities and English Learners who participate in general education classroom instruction. We begin with very young readers, and our philosophy is that good reading skills lead to good writing skills. Our reading program is based on letter-sound recognition and word attack strategies with phonemic awareness and syllable breakdown.
GOOD READERS → GOOD WRITERS → GOOD STUDENTS → GOOD GRADES

Reading Levels:

Each Reading Level is broken down, not by school grade, but by reading efficiency level determined by proven assessments. The first lessons are “training lessons” which involve Sound Play and Decoding activities, working on phonemic awareness games that focus on syllables, identifying first sounds in words, rhyming, blending, segmenting, and identifying last sounds in words. Each Sound Play lesson aligns with a Decoding Lesson. Decoding lessons are implemented and practiced before the next activity is introduced. In every lesson, reinforcement of sounds and words are practiced with increasing variety and difficulty. Students learn specific prompts and correction procedures for each activity.
(Novice) Level 1 - (Pre-Reader) Level 2- (Reader) Level 3 - (Detective) Level 4 - (Navigator) Level 5

Some concepts we practice in every lesson are:

   • “What Sound?” Lower-case consonants and vowels are printed at the top of the lesson sheet and practiced for recognition and mastery.
   • “What Word?” Common sight words are printed on the lesson sheet below the “What Sound?” activity for context and practice.
   • “Sound Boxes.” Decodable words are printed with each sound of the word in a box that blends the sounds together in a sing-song fashion, and then the student reads the word quickly to hear and speak the word.
   • Reading Sentences. The students READ a sentence made up of decodable and sight words practiced in the lesson.

Teacher

Ruth D.

Rebekah A.

Kristin P.

View full Course Calendar >

Elements of Reading

Sibling Discount-

SAVE 10%

for each additional child

Curriculum

Program Overview

Elements of Reading from Talentnook is an effective reading program for all students including diverse learners such as Students with Disabilities and English Learners who participate in general education classroom instruction. We begin with very young readers, and our philosophy is that good reading skills lead to good writing skills. Our reading program is based on letter-sound recognition and word attack strategies with phonemic awareness and syllable breakdown.
GOOD READERS → GOOD WRITERS → GOOD STUDENTS → GOOD GRADES

Reading Levels:

Each Reading Level is broken down, not by school grade, but by reading efficiency level determined by proven assessments. The first lessons are “training lessons” which involve Sound Play and Decoding activities, working on phonemic awareness games that focus on syllables, identifying first sounds in words, rhyming, blending, segmenting, and identifying last sounds in words. Each Sound Play lesson aligns with a Decoding Lesson. Decoding lessons are implemented and practiced before the next activity is introduced. In every lesson, reinforcement of sounds and words are practiced with increasing variety and difficulty. Students learn specific prompts and correction procedures for each activity.
(Novice) Level 1 - (Pre-Reader) Level 2- (Reader) Level 3 - (Detective) Level 4 - (Navigator) Level 5

Some concepts we practice in every lesson are:

   • “What Sound?” Lower-case consonants and vowels are printed at the top of the lesson sheet and practiced for recognition and mastery.
   • “What Word?” Common sight words are printed on the lesson sheet below the “What Sound?” activity for context and practice.
   • “Sound Boxes.” Decodable words are printed with each sound of the word in a box that blends the sounds together in a sing-song fashion, and then the student reads the word quickly to hear and speak the word.
   • Reading Sentences. The students READ a sentence made up of decodable and sight words practiced in the lesson.

Teacher

Ruth D.

Rebekah A.

Kristin P.

View full Course Calendar >

Elements of Reading

Creative Writing

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Curriculum

Inspire your child to write! This course will explore the art of storytelling. Students will read several genres of short stories and develop an appreciation for the mechanics involved in creating a compelling story: plot, dialogue, figurative language, character development, sequence of events, and imagery to name a few.

The course culminates when students draw on all materials that were analyzed in class, and they get their chance to create their very own story. Our goal is to perfect unique writing skills, create imagination through words and reading, and have fun with creativity. Please join us for a very exciting and worthwhile experience.

This course will enable your student to:

    1. Develop creative writing skills
    2. Read, sample, and write in four genres of short stories: Fable, Fairytale, Realistic Fiction, Mystery
    3. Complete their own short story

Best stories can be submitted for evaluation by authors and published in an anthology.

Teacher

Ruth D.

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Creative Writing

Poetry Fun

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4-5

Program Overview:

The best types of poetry for children are fun, humorous, imaginative, creative, and stimulating which increases their literacy and writing skills. These are perfect writing exercises for summer. Children will get a chance to write their own poetry with examples and guidance.

Two, separate 3 week long courses offered.

Classes are held twice each week.

Choose course 1 or 2, or both for best value.

Curriculum

In each of these three (3) week courses, we will cover different forms of poetry exploration, reading and writing by students.

Course 1: Limericks, Haikus, and Acrostic Poetry

Week 1:

What is Limerick?
Dissecting a Limerick with emotions and meanings - reading limericks for fun
Lot’s of student limerick writing

Week 2:

What are Haikus?
Dissecting the structure of Haikus with emotions and meanings - reading haikus for fun
Lot’s of student Haiku writing

Week 3:

What is Acrostic Poetry?
Dissecting the structure of Acrostic Poetry with emotions and meanings - reading Acrostic Poetry for fun
Lot’s of student Acrostic Poetry writing

Course 2: Free Verse Poetry, Narrative Poetry, and Sonnet

Week 1:

What is Free Verse Poetry?
Dissecting free verse poetry with emotions and meanings - reading free verse for fun
Lot’s of student free verse writing

Week 2:

What is Narrative Poetry?
Dissecting Narrative Poetry with figurative language and emotions - reading Narrative Poetry for fun
Lot’s of student Narrative Poetry writing

Week 3:

Sensory Details - What is a Sonnet?
Dissecting a Sonnet with sensory details and emotional language - reading Sonnet for fun
Lot’s of student Sonnet writing

Teacher

Penny B.

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Poetry Fun

SAT Blitz Attack

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8-9
10-11

Program Overview:

The SAT BLITZ ATTACK is a 12 hour test prep program where classes are condensed to strategically scheduled reading and English/language practice tests. These are designed for the weeks leading up to the most popular SAT test dates in the fall. Test corrections, individual attention and individual strategy reinforcement is core of each session as students practice their questions.

Two, separate 3 week long courses offered.

Choose course 1 or 2, or both for best value.

Classes are held four days each week.

Curriculum

In each of these three (3) week courses, SAT tests are administered in class and assigned as homework. Both sessions offer different tests and more strategies as the students prepare and progress in the difficulty level for the upcoming exam.

Week 1: Reading passages

Different test taking strategies in Reading that work for accuracy are given and implemented
Practice test questions are attempted in class and given as homework so each student can pace themselves

Week 2: English language Test Questions

Different test taking strategies in English/Language that work for accuracy are given and implemented
Practice test questions are attempted in class and given as homework so each student can pace themselves.

Week 3: Combined

Reading and English language practice tests
Tests are practiced in class and at home to perfect test taking

Teacher

Penny B.

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SAT Blitz Attack

Hammer the Grammar

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4-5
6-7

Program Overview:

Friendly and fun, condensed grammar class where grammar is actively used in paragraphs, descriptions, and interactive ways to reinforce important language skills. Perfect for elementary students who need the extra reinforcement in grammar mechanics to be middle school ready.

Two, separate 3 week long courses offered.

Classes are held twice each week.

Choose course 1 or 2, or both for best value.

Curriculum

In each of these three (3) week courses, learning important grammar in everyday use as well as for academic use will be emphasized. The basic grammar skills are taught in printed form through paragraphs, sentences, and directions, so the student has a working knowledge of and recognizes grammar for life.

Course 1

Week 1:

Capitalization,
Proper vs. Common nouns and
Concrete vs. Abstract nouns

Week 2: Apostrophes use in words, titles, sentences and paragraphs

Week 3: Comma and semicolon use in sentences, lists, and paragraphs

Course 2

Week 1:

Run on sentences,
Fragment sentences
How to punctuate sentences clearly and avoid grammatical errors

Week 2:

Proper end marks in sentences and how to create and work with paragraphs
Punctuation rules that apply to proper sentence and paragraph formation

Week 3:

Quotation marks, dialogue in sentences and paragraphs
How to construct and use quotation and dialogue correctly in writing

Teacher

Rebekah A.

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Hammer the Grammar

Reading Readiness

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K-1

Program Overview:

For our youngest students, we create fun and interactive opportunities for learning, support literacy and education, and help shape new ideas and perspectives that are central to creative reading and writing approaches.

Your child is invited to participate with the reader, bring a favorite pillow, stuffed animal, or dress in costume to get lost in a book. Each book is a different genre and each discussion is unique.

Two, separate 3 week long courses offered.

Classes are held twice each week.

Choose course 1 or 2, or both for best value. Each program has different books.

Curriculum

Each of these three (3) week courses will have fun, entertainment, reading and comprehension for our youngest students. Get Lost inside a Book understanding author, illustrator, characters, genre, theme, and plot, so the youngest can understand. It's a perfect compliment to any library hour with more advanced reading alouds in entertainment and appreciation of books.

Week 1:

Read aloud books focusing on
- Author
- Illustrator
- Summary of book and attention to characters

Week 2:

Read aloud new books and genres
Understanding characters
Understanding conflicts in a colorful, entertaining, and age appropriate setting

Week 3:

Read aloud new books and genres
Understanding solutions
Discussing summary of the books with a critique of stories

Materials: Students need a

Familiar and comforting objects
Whiteboard
Marker
Eraser

Teacher

Ruth D.

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Reading Readiness

Cursive Writing/Handwriting

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2-3
4-5

Program Overview:

Learning cursive handwriting is important for spelling skills, enabling children to recognize words when they read them later. Typing does not have the same effect on the brain, as it does not require the same fine motor skills and simultaneous activity.

Two, separate 3 week long courses offered.

Classes are held twice each week.

Choose course 1 or 2, or both for best value.

Curriculum

In each of these three (3) week courses, students will learn important upper and lower letters in cursive to get to write sentences. Worksheets and practice is administered in class and for homework practice.

Week 1: Lower Case Letters

Lower case letters are scaffolded and the student responds by writing on their whiteboard. They practice at home on paper.

Week 2: Upper Case Letters

Upper case letters are scaffolded and the student responds by writing on their whiteboard. They practice at home on paper.

Week 3: Sentences

Sentences are attempted to show mastery of practiced letters. Students get to practice at home with assigned worksheets

Materials: Students need a

Whiteboard
Eraser
Marker

Teacher

Ruth D.

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Cursive Writing/Handwriting

Courses