Introduction to Writing
This Introduction to Writing class for advanced 6thgraders to 9th graders uses the WriteShop© I curriculum. This incremental, non-threatening approach to writing enables students to successfully enhance their writing skills by learning to write and edit compositions from various genres through engaging assignments. We will focus on mastering the fundamental building blocks of writing using hands on techniques, games, and a variety of activities. Students learn to write concise and explicit descriptive, informative, and narrative essays as well as expository reports. Each lesson includes a Skill Builder activity for students to practice new grammatical and stylistics skills that are incorporated in each lesson. A self-editing and proofreading checklist is included with each lesson to help students focus on lesson requirements, skills learned, content, composition, and mechanics. We will generally spend 2 weeks on each lesson except for our two (2) major projects; a 5 to 6 - week Journalism unit and a 6 - week MLA research paper unit on an animal of the student’s choice (although no two students can choose the same animal). Both projects include presentations. All assignments are evaluated and graded.
Class Topics:
- Descriptive Compositions
- Concrete Language
- Using Active Voice
- Sensory Details
- Sentence Varieties
- MLA Research Report
- Biographical Sketch
- “How To” Essay and Project Booklet
- Journalism Project - Writing a Historical Newspaper
- Narrative Compositions
- Point of View Compositions
- Applied Grammar
Prerequisites: Basic understanding of grammar and sentence structure.
Required Texts:
- WriteShop I
- Synonym Finder (J.I. Rodale) or Collegiate
- Dictionary/ Thesaurus
- Various Handouts (provided by teacher)
Tuition: $630.00 per year for first child, $580.00 if paid in full on or before the day of class orientation or monthly payments of $66.25. Sibling Discount Available.
Locations:
Tuesday Live - Online 11:20 am – 12:20 pm
Wednesday Indian Trail Town Hall 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Testimonies
Student Testimony:
I recently joined Mrs. Gartrell’s Introduction to Writing class as a first-time student along with two of my friends. I have always loved writing and since I am interested in college and law school, and I felt I needed something to both improve and challenge my writing skills.
I am happy to say that being a student in Introduction to Writing has fulfilled those expectations and so much more. I went from not knowing how to properly plan an essay to formatting a 12-page newspaper assignment and presenting it in front of my class. Learning under Mrs. Gartrell this year has truly been a gift of an experience to me. I have seen significant improvement in my grammar and vocabulary as well as my way of writing. I have learned how to strengthen my writing and also how to correctly edit and revise.
Being in Mrs. Gartrell’s class I have also learned how to navigate Zoom call etiquette as well as gaining comprehension on how to appropriately e-mail in assignments and meet deadlines. Mrs. Gartrell is also extremely understanding, treating all her students with both kindness and respect. She keeps us to her standards, but offers correction instead of criticism.
I sincerely recommend Mrs. Gartrell without reservation. She has not only taught me proper writing well, but she has instilled in me a love for learning and a belief in my potential. I can’t imagine a better writing teacher, and I have no doubt that she will continue to inspire and positively influence others as she has done me. Her expertise, passion for teaching, and dedication to students are truly unmatched. Christina, age 12
Parent Testimonies: “Introduction to Writing has been a great experience. My daughter is building foundational skills necessary for the writing process. Mrs. Gartrell is kind and patient with comprehensive feedback”. J. Love
“Mrs. Gartrell is a rich blessing with teaching our daughter how to write! Our daughter has loved learning from Mrs. Gartrell! This was our first year with her and where we had start up troubles on our end with our computer, Mrs. Gartrell was so patient, understanding, and forgiving! Mrs. Gartrell goes above and beyond just teaching our children, she cares about them and does all she can to help them succeed! We are excited to have her teaching our daughter and look forward to future classes with her! (1st year – Introduction to Writing) B. McCoskey