• About the Class

Textbook List

Teacher

Dorothy

#Philosophy #Certifiedteacher #TESOL #Writingspecialist

Description

Hello, everyone! I’m Teacher Dorothy, and I’m thrilled to meet you all! At SOAR KIDZ, I specialize in teaching middle school academic writing classes, helping students sharpen their writing skills and develop their critical thinking through engaging and interactive lessons. I’ve been with SOAR KIDZ for over a year, and every class has been a rewarding experience. Before joining SOAR KIDZ, I spent over 10 incredible years teaching literacy classes in public libraries in Edmonton, Canada. These experiences have fueled my passion for teaching and connecting with learners of all ages. When I’m not guiding students through the art of writing, you’ll likely find me skiing in the mountains, teaching ESL to adults, or tutoring students in other subjects. My teaching style focuses on creativity, clarity, and connection. I strive to help students think deeply, express their ideas effectively, and gain confidence in their abilities. I love creating an environment where students feel encouraged to share their unique perspectives and discover their writing potential. One of my favorite things about SOAR KIDZ is how our classes inspire students to go beyond the basics. The well-crafted discussion and writing prompts help students think critically, explore complex topics, and express themselves with creativity and insight. If you’re looking for a story to inspire your imagination, I highly recommend The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo—a beautiful tale of courage, love, and hope. I can’t wait to meet you all and dive into the exciting world of writing and discovery together!

Our A+ Writing Classes are designed to equip students from 3rd to 8th grade with essential writing skills that align with Common Core standards. Whether your child is just beginning to write or looking to enhance their skills, our structured approach ensures that every student can excel in writing, achieve higher test scores, and gain confidence in their abilities.

Course Structure

Our classes are divided into key sections that focus on different writing styles and techniques:

1. Lecture + Vocabulary

   • Objective: Focus on result-oriented approaches, emphasizing form and rules.
   • Feature: Even students lacking basic skills and motivation can produce at least B-grade writing.
   • Approach: Through repetition and memorization, students learn structured writing with clear guidelines for each paragraph.

2. Model Answers + Practice

   • Objective: Provide model answers and repetitive practice to reinforce learning.
   • Feature: Helps students understand how specific formats yield desired results, making the learning process systematic and logical.

3. Group Feedback

   • Objective: Utilize collective feedback that applies universally to all students.
   • Feature: Enhances understanding and application of feedback, allowing for continuous improvement.

Course Content

Students will master the three major writing types, essential for developing diverse thinking abilities and expressing ideas effectively:

1. Informative Writing

   • Skills Developed: Clear and concise information delivery, research skills, central idea identification, and logical thinking.
   • Practical Applications: Email, research papers, reports, and other practical writing forms.

2. Opinion Writing

   • Skills Developed: Logical and persuasive expression of personal opinions, critical thinking, and reasoning.
   • Practical Applications: Editorials, argumentative essays, and more.

3. Narrative Writing

   • Skills Developed: Imagination, creativity, emotional expression, and storytelling.
   • Practical Applications: Novels, short stories, and personal narratives.

Why Spectrum?

We use the Spectrum Writing Series because it offers:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: A thorough and structured approach to writing.
• Clear Guidance: Step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
• Variety of Exercises: Engaging activities and exercises that provide ample practice.

Homework and Practice

1. Workbook Exercises: Based on lecture content, students will practice through workbooks.
2. Comparison with Model Answers: Students will compare their work with model answers, focusing on grammar, paragraph structure, spelling, and avoiding repetitive expressions.
3. Continuous Practice: Students will practice until they are proficient in form and rules.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will achieve:

1. Enhanced Sentence Structure: The ability to write clear and logical sentences.
2. Fundamental Writing Skills: Understanding basic writing forms and expressing ideas effectively.
3. Improved Grammar and Vocabulary: Accurate use of grammar and vocabulary, enhancing language skills through various writing activities.