The after-school destination to build foundational writing skills and critical thinking, with a load of fun!
What is Write Ahead?
Write Ahead is an after-school writing program in Wellesley and Lexington, Massachusetts. We build foundational skills to master writing and critical thinking using a structured, evidence-based, and proven teaching methodology, to better prepare students for the writing challenges of high school and beyond.
Write Ahead is Fun!
A universal truth: if an after-school class is boring, kids will wiggle out of it. Write Ahead engages students using provocative topics that encourage critical thinking, and interactive lessons. 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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Is Katelyn Ohashi's gymnastic performance at the 2019 Collegiate Challenge going to be a sports highlight for 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?
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Does Jason Gay's WSJ article convince you of the futility of owning a Rolls Royce SUV?
Systematic Approach
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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, organization, effective evidence selection)
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Guides and inspires students with exemplar texts by peers as well as professionals
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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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Develops 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.
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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.
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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
