プライベートまたはセミプライベートのライティングレッスン

Does your learner ever say, "I don't know what to write about!" or, "I just don't know how to start"? Has writing caused tears and frustration? I can help. My one-on-one classes can be customized to meet your learner where they are. I support their learning by giving just the right amount of help, which will build confidence while simultaneously improving their skills.   

I will work with the learner on a writing topic each week, assign homework if desired, and give constructive feedback on all work.  Each class session will include a mini-lesson (very short lecture), examples, practice, and feedback. Feedback is designed to be positive and encouraging and to help the learner continue to make progress. This is a great way to either supplement what your child is learning at school or as a homeschool curriculum option.

At their first lesson, the learner will be provided with an interactive google doc. This is  where your learner will submit their writing. Notes, prewriting, and practice exercises will also appear on the google doc, so your learner will always have access to all of their notes and work in one convenient location that you can view at any time.  

My attitude toward teaching writing is that I know writing is hard.  I feel compassion when I hear learners say that they "just don't  know what to write about" or they "just don't know how to start." That feeling you get when you are staring at a blank screen or blank page is one of the most intimidating, miserable feelings in the world.  I want to help your learner get past that. I will therefore offer as much ongoing support as needed. I take the time to get to know your learner and their interests, I provide lots of examples and models, and I will talk them through every step of the process from brainstorming topic ideas to thinking of the first words to start their paragraph or essay to revising and polishing their final draft. I try to be positive and encouraging and to always look for the good.  I find that this approach helps many learners who lack self confidence to build not only the skills they need to level up their writing but also the belief that they can do so.  

Prior to your first lesson enrollment, feel free reach out and let me know your learner's needs and frustrations. This will help me design the very first lesson at their level that will give them a positive experience and help them reach their potential.

In addition to the lessons themselves, I will keep in fairly regular contact with you (their parent or adult) to let you know how the learner is progressing. If you are homeschooling and would like additional support, I can also offer suggestions that you can work on at home with your child between lessons. 

I can also work with siblings in the same class if their skill levels are similar.

Although the lessons are customized, here is an example of what we might cover in the first four weeks:

EXAMPLE LESSON TOPICS
Week 1
I will get to know your learner and assess their current skills. 

Week 2
We will focus on how to choose a writing topic and how to use knowledge of purpose and audience to write better paragraphs or essays. 

Week 3
We will work on prewriting--using graphic organizers or thinking maps--to plan our first writing assignment. We will also talk about thesis statements and topic sentences. 

Week 4
We will talk about supporting evidence, why it is important, where to use it, and what to use as evidence.  


Note: This is not a homework help class. All lessons are designed by me. My forte is in helping your writer level-up their skills at a pace that is comfortable for them without the pressure of due dates or deadlines.  

I can also create private small group classes for your homeschool coop or group. 

Please note that ongoing classes are charged on the Sunday preceding the lesson. If you need to skip a week, kindly let me know before the charge goes through on Sunday. I would be happy to simply not schedule class for that week, and you will not be charged.  For last-minute changes, I am usually able to offer a make-up lesson (pending availability) with at least 24 hours notice.