This class is a refined skill-based guided writing level 4 class that is taught in a different way: Strength-Focused By Jennifer Rose.
Level 4 focuses on creating coherent, complete writing that is well developed with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
We will be building writing skills and vocabulary systematically for students in grades 4 and 5. Most of the skills are drawn from the higher level of the grade spread, therefore this class is most appropriate for advanced grade-4 students and on-level grade 5 students. Each of our levels has two years worth of skill content. A student can take this level for two years without repeating content! When your student has achieved some facility with a variety of organizational structures, they will move on to Level 5.
Our "skill-based" program helps children focus on specific writing skills in each class, so students gain mastery skill by skill. They become confident, competent writers. Each term we practice many genres of writing. Each genre builds different skills such as building attention to word choice with poetry and attention to descriptive details with science writing.
Meanwhile "guided" writing is highly supported, and enables students to produce complete writing that is well-structured.
For example, in Level 4, instead of asking a child to write an essay introducing themselves, a guided writing assignment could provide the following prompts: 1. What is something you like to do? Explain what you like about it or how you do it. 2. What are some important things to know about you? [Choose at least 3 details, such as name, age, family members, school, favorite things] 3. What experiences in your past have been important to you? 4. Complete the sentence: I am the kind of person who _______. 5. What does it feel like to be you? 6. Now write your paragraphs in good order.
A student who follows these prompts learns to include explanations, make generalizations, and order paragraphs thoughtfully. They learn the strategy of closing with feelings.
We will begin each class by building grammar with the Grammar Workshop from Sadlier throughout the year.
Student Grammar/Workbooks for Strength Writing 4A
Grammar Workshop for Grade 4 (full year curriculum)
Books in PDF will be uploaded to the students' class page before the term starts. You may also buy the textbooks at the group discount price on Sunshine's website via this link:
http://www.sunshineeliteeducation.com/course.php?term=39
Instructor:
Jennifer Rose