Building foundational writing and critical thinking skills, with a load of fun!
What is Write Ahead?
Write Ahead is an after-school and summer writing program offering the following live, online (synchronous) classes:
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analytic (expository or persuasive and argument essay) writing classes for grades 4-12
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college application essay classes
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ISEE/SSAT test preparation classes
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AP US History and AP English complex argument classes (AP test preparation classes)
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verbal storytelling classes
Write Ahead builds foundational skills to master writing and critical thinking using a structured, evidence-based, and proven teaching pedagogy developed by Columbia Teachers College. We focus on preparing students for the writing challenges of high school and beyond. Write Ahead is based in Wellesley, MA.
Write Ahead is Fun!
Write Ahead engages students through the use of highly interactive lessons and provocative topics that encourage critical thinking and debate. Topics could include:
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Was the Boston Tea Party an act of vandalism or protest?
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How does Malala motivate and inspire?
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Are Geico commercials clever or obtuse?
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How does Peter Pan's personality impact events in the story?
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Was Katelyn Ohashi's gymnastic performance at the 2019 Collegiate Challenge a sports highlight of the year?
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Was Oh Chong-song's decision to defect from North Korea worth the risk?
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What does Monsters on Maple Street (Twilight Zone) reveal about the human condition?
Systematic Approach
Athletes and musicians master techniques and skills through coaching, drills, and practice. Writers require training too and learn best with a similarly structured and focused approach. Write Ahead:
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Develops the foundations of cohesive writing skills (such as the writing process, a thesis with depth, or argument organization)
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Guides and inspires students with exemplar texts developed by peers their age
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Models the full, messy writing process to make the thinking that goes into writing observable
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Provides frameworks (tools and explicit set of steps to follow when writing)
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Promotes mastery through fun, repeated practice drills
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Offers feedback from an encouraging and supportive coach
Explicit Writing Instruction Aligned with How Children Naturally Learn
Why Write Ahead?
Clear writing is becoming a “lost art” for many progressing into high school and adulthood due to competing priorities in public schools and our social media society. Social media doesn’t support the use of full sentences, even less so persuasive or expository writing. Writing is a core skill needed at all stages in life, not only to succeed in secondary school and university, but throughout one’s career no matter the field.
Throughout school, those with excellent writing skills will stand out in English and history classes, excel in SAT writing exams and on college applications. They become effective debaters to propel them into leadership roles early on. Beyond high school, writing becomes critical in college and at the workplace to become an effective communicator and leader. Students deserve to learn the skills to drive success.
At Write Ahead, students will learn expository and persuasive writing skills with engaging content and personalized feedback.
Teaching Students to Write with Organization, Clarity, and Purpose
Why Write Ahead?
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Proven Curriculum: Our lesson plans are based on a pedagogy that has been rigorously tested with tens of thousands of students.
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Structured Approach: Our clear and structured methodology ensures that every student can easily follow and understand the material.
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Experienced Instructors: Learn from seasoned teachers who can connect with students and lift writing quality.
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Critical Writing Skills: We teach students to define their main argument and develop a compelling case to support it, fostering strong analytic writing abilities.
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Real-World Strategies: Master practical writing strategies essential for literary and historical analysis to drive academic success in English and history classes.
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Grammar Proficiency: Gain a solid understanding of the grammar that is vital for clear writing and high scores on standardized tests.
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Supportive Environment: Enjoy learning in a low-stress, encouraging atmosphere with plenty of individual attention.
Clear writing is becoming a “lost art” for many progressing into high school and adulthood due to competing priorities in public schools and our social media society. Social media doesn’t support the use of full sentences, even less so persuasive or expository writing. Writing is a core skill needed at all stages in life, not only to succeed in secondary school and university but throughout one’s career, no matter the field.
Throughout school, those with excellent writing skills will stand out in English and history classes, excel on standardized exams, and differentiate themselves on college applications. They become effective debaters to advance to leadership roles early on. Beyond high school, writing is critical in college and at the workplace to become an effective communicator and leader. Students deserve to learn the skills to drive success.
At Write Ahead, students will learn expository, analytic, and persuasive writing skills leveraging a proven teaching methodology, engaging content and personalized feedback.
Teaching Students to Write with Organization, Clarity, and Purpose
