Last summer I read James Clear's Atomic Habits. The book deeply reinforced my enthusiasm for harnessing the power of habits. As a result, at the beginning of last year's classes, I had my students fill out a sheet choosing a specific time to write each school day. I also committed to grading at a specific … Continue reading Writer in Training
Summer IEW Prep Course!
Please note time change: All class sessions will be held at 2 PM. If you have been curious about IEW classes, my new Summer IEW Prep Course would be a great one to start with! I will conduct a course of 6 class sessions beginning June 7. This is a live Zoom online course that focuses … Continue reading Summer IEW Prep Course!
Registration for 2023-2024 Classes Now Open!
Please click on the “Classes” tab for the schedule, pricing, and course descriptions! If you want to register for classes, please click on the Contact tab and send me an email to request registration materials. If you have questions, please email me through the form on the Contact tab and I will be happy to … Continue reading Registration for 2023-2024 Classes Now Open!
Experience a PREP-1 Class!
I just love teaching my PREP-1 class! PREP-1 builds a strong foundation in language through: key word outlining and oral reports poetry memorization and recitation literature through both read-alouds at home and short stories with analysis in each class The video below includes all three of the above components. "Harald and the Giant Knight," by … Continue reading Experience a PREP-1 Class!
I Passed!
Recently, one of my Writing Moms asked me to write a recommendation for her son, who has just completed Level 2, for admission into Honors English at the college preparatory high school he will be attending this coming fall. I was happy to do it. The student has worked hard for the last two years … Continue reading I Passed!
Not a “Wishy-Washy English Teacher”
Quite apart from the fact that improper manuscript form greatly complicates the already onerous task of handling, marking, and sorting several hundred papers, and recording grades for them every semester, there is also the fact that one of the most important things a student should take from his education is a sense that he must … Continue reading Not a “Wishy-Washy English Teacher”
Why Do You Write the Date So Funny?
If you have noticed the dates on my articles, you might wonder why I write them that way. For instance, the date on this post is 15 October 2021, not October 15, 2021 as is usually written in the U.S. Actually, the date format I use is the one required by MLA, the Modern Language … Continue reading Why Do You Write the Date So Funny?
PREP-1 Is Off to a Great Start!
I'm really enjoying the PREP-1 class! The purpose of PREP-1 is to build the foundation of language in preparation for future writing. I am passionate about the value of language, and the most enjoyable way to access high quality language is through great literature and poetry. I think this will prove to be one of … Continue reading PREP-1 Is Off to a Great Start!
Writing Parents’ Information Meetings This Week!
Last night I held my local Writing Parents' Meeting for parents of local registered students! The Online Writing Parents' Meeting is this Thursday evening on Zoom. The meetings always fire up my enthusiasm for the start of classes the following week! Many of my writing families are long-term friends, because I have the pleasure of … Continue reading Writing Parents’ Information Meetings This Week!
The New PREP-1 Handbooks Have Arrived!
I'm so excited to show off my newest handbook: PREP-1! The handbook contains all the instructions, assignment sheets, and source texts for the Key Work Outlining and oral reports that the students will be doing for the year. Additional material in the handbook, which may be used for individual students depending on their progress, includes … Continue reading The New PREP-1 Handbooks Have Arrived!