Overview
The Literate Writer, will take advantage of small class sizes to hone each student’s writing ability. Classic and contemporary works of literature influence and enforce strong and skillful writing. Literature selections are central to class discussions and serve as a model for valuable writing components including grammar, vocabulary, style, and form.
Authors' uses of genre (essay, short story, fiction, memoir, graphic novel, and poetry), plot, character development, theme, and style/voice provide a source of both inspiration and instruction in the students’ writing.
Both expository and creative writing are practiced, stressing clarity and organization. In exposition, the focus is on using text to support main ideas and clarify opinions; in creative writing, the emphasis is on sensory imagery and emotions, and developing characters and logical plots.
Writing Assignments:
- Expository Paragraphs & Essays
- Poetry
- Fiction
- Journaling
- Memoir
We focus on technical skill in writing throughout the curriculum, assessing students' skills and designing lessons focused on those needs. In our exploration and study of the structure of language, supplementary texts will be used to explore grammar and vocabulary from classical roots to contemporary usages. Spelling, sentence structure, usage, punctuation, capitalization, and other grammatical skills are emphasized in all student work.
The appreciation and creation of effective and compelling writing is the guiding force behind The Literate Writer. Students look forward to open and enlivened discussions of works from Shakespeare to contemporary graphic novels.
Assessment
Students’ evaluations are based on the following:
- Preparedness
- Participation
- Classwork & Homework
- Essays, Papers, & Creative Pieces
- Projects
- Quizzes, Tests & Exams
- Attitude, Effort & Behavior
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