• About the Class

Textbook List

Teacher

Leah

#Literature and Writing

Description

My name is Leah Yananton and I am a storyteller and writer-director based in Hollywood, CA. I have been working with children all my life, and teaching and tutoring since 1999 where I began teaching summer school at Atlantis Preparatory School in Manasquan, NJ and served as the director of Curriculum Development for summer elementary school classes. I also tutored high school students in Harlem, NYC when I was an undergrad at Columbia University. My teaching philosophy is grounded in creative education, working with children to lead them to learn how to harness their innate talents, while also educating based on laws of nature and their lived experiences as a young person in the world. I love teaching with SOAR KIDZ because not only are the students top-notch, but the learning environment and curriculum is also top-notch, inspiring the students to achieve advanced levels and success in their studies, bringing the students to grow their intellects as critical thinkers, astute readers, eloquent debaters, and creative dreamers. I highly recommend the book “Mutant Message Down Under” by Marlo Morgan.

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.