STYLES OF WRITING
There are many different types of writing required in school. This can be confusing to students as each has a completely different template. I work with students on all testable areas of writing.
I approach each writing style to align with Common Core Standards at each grade level. They write across the curriculum to include: literature, science, technology, current events, and history.
In order to become a good writer, a student must work on all the elements of writing. My writing lessons are very comprehensive and include the following:
Grammar – In order to write well one must use the appropriate grammar and sentence structure. The student will be taught the grammar rules appropriate for each grade level. This is also highly tested on all the standardized tests throughout high school.
Vocabulary – To enhance writing, a student must elevate his or her vocabulary. Building vocabulary is essential to good writing.
Punctuation – Many students learn, but forget to apply the various punctuation rules. I will reteach them all the rules which they will apply to their writing.
BRAIN STORMING/PLANNING
There are no short cuts to writing well. I caution students never to jump in. They first must brain storm their ideas and then plan their writing. Each writing style require a different approach. Practicing this technique will ensure that their essays will be well executed. This process will serve them well on classroom assignments and timed tests.
I like to compare “planning to write” with “planning a road trip”. With a map, you will not get lost, frustrated and ultimately not waste time. In fact, the most experienced writers always plan their writing as well.
EDITING
No one can underestimate the power of editing. Every essay I assign is edited and reviewed by me with my students. This process is essential to good writing. If the students are not aware of the necessary changes required to improve their grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, word choice then they are not learning how to write.
Sadly, too often I hear from students who have attended hours at writing camps, after school programs, or even in large English classes and tell me their work is not getting edited!! There is no use writing unless the work is edited. Good writing is a skill which needs practice.
“Thank you for teaching Raymond. He has made a lot of progress and enjoyed your classes. We truly appreciate your professional work. He looks forward to beginning private school in the fall.”
-Jenny and Andy