What's included
Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed30 mins
per sessionTeacher support
Homework
1 hour per week. All homework is optional, but I do give videos and worksheets to develop skills.Assessment
If you need this for homeschooling proof, I'm happy to give this.Class Experience
US Grade 1 - 5
Beginner - Intermediate Level
I help students improve quickly by building them up and talking about their strengths. I keep it fun and uplifting, and I give a lot of extra videos and materials to help them outside of the class, so it's a good value for your money. The benefit of privates is that I can really look at what your child specifically needs to work on. However, if you simply want them to write a novel, my group novel-writing classes are very popular and fun, and they're a lot cheaper. I give them feedback during the sessions. If they have a novel they want to revise, we go over it in the session itself. I give them extra videos to improve in any areas where they need more work. In our sessions, we can work on: Basic writing skills: grammar and vocabulary. Narrative nonfiction: adding details to make your narrative non-fiction story come alive. Fiction writing skills: characterization, plot, setting, world-building, foreshadowing, scene questions, tension, characterization, scene development, character arcs. Literary devices: metaphors, similes, alliteration, personification, imagery. Multi-sensory language: using all of the senses.
Learning Goals
Grammar and Punctuation:
Correct use of commas, periods, question marks, quotation marks, etc
Understanding subject-verb agreement
Proper use of tense
Creative Writing:
Crafting interesting stories
Developing characters, setting, world and plot
Using descriptive language and imagery
Other Details
Learning Needs
One-on-one classes are perfect for kids who struggle in group classes. I help them build up their confidence. This is a short 1:1, so this can be great for younger kids or those with ADHD.
Parental Guidance
There is no upsetting or scary content. I design the 1:1 class to fit each student's needs.
Pre-Requisites
No experience or skills needed!
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts
I love helping my students improve their writing and seeing their confidence grow.
My classes are fun and inclusive. I have over twenty years of experience teaching in a multi-sensory and interactive way: English, literature, fiction, journalism, essay writing, novel-writing, and ESL.
I specialize in teaching writing through storytelling. When you help students use their imagination and you make writing fun, their writing improves in every area, faster than any other method. The core skills are the same, whether you're writing an essay or writing a novel. On top of that, they learn important storytelling skills, which are essential for conversation and sales...useful in any future career. All sales and marketing is just effective storytelling. Set them up for success with my classes.
I'm also a published novelist with two acclaimed young adult novels published by big publishers, Penguin and Disney-Hyperion. You can see more details on my author site: kimpurcell.com.
In terms of education, I have a BA in International Relations and English, a broadcast journalism degree, a Master's in Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults. I also have the CBEST, a required test for teachers in California.
I've taught in Korea, Los Angeles, and New York City. I was the curriculum director of the famous nonprofit, WriteGirl LA, helping to design their multi-sensory way of teaching writing. I now run popular after-school programs for writing in the Los Angeles School District and the Culver City School District. I've worked with all kinds of kids and teens, from reluctant writers to enthusiastic writers, from kids with ADHD to autism spectrum disorder, from fluent English speakers to ESL learners.
Why do I have so many five star reviews? I think it’s because I honestly care about each kid, and have a different approach to teaching writing. I focus on the positive and tell them what's amazing about what they write. They build both their skills and their writing confidence, which is the fastest and most efficient way to improve writing.
When kids feel more confident, they start writing more, which leads to improved skills, and this happens very quickly. Try it out!
Reviews
Live 1-on-1 Lessons
$70
per sessionMeets on demand
30 min
Completed by 9 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-10