Write Ahead class format:

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• 60 minute class 1 day/week (slightly shorter for 3rd and 4th grades)

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• Each class will include:

  • A short, opening writing exercise of the day reviewing and practicing a literary device such as alliteration, simile, diction or anadopolis, or a grammar exercise such as identifying dangling modifers or parallel consturction

  • Puns of the day - a fun way to think about the different meanings and uses of words

  • Writing strategy lessons, such as:

    • how to develop an insightful thesis statement that will support an essay with meaning and depth

    • strategies to interrogate and strengthen an argument

    • transitions that clarify and build relationships

    • craft analysis to build the reader's understanding

    • integration of quotes

    • powering-up vocabulary

  • Writing - practice applying the strategies and techniques taught​

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• The writing strategy lessons will be taught using topics/content that aim to engage the age group, support critical thinking, and/or relate to topics that students are likely to cover in school.  Examples of topics could include:

  • Compare Henry Ford's and Elon Musk's impact on the automotive industry​

  • Contrast Boston Tea Party, as a protest, to March for our Lives

  • Literary Analysis of a Twilight Zone Episode paired with a Psychology Today article about the influence of Groupthink

  • How Native American intelligence is portrayed in various sources

  • Character growth in To Kill a Mockingbird

  • What was the impact of the Bubonic Plague on England's social and economic structure

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• Practice: classes continually progress through the writing cycle whereby a cycle can last from 3-7 classes​

  • Each cycle results in a full essay (paragraph for younger grades)

  • Students receive feedback after each step of the writing process (annotating text, developing a thesis statement (topic sentence for younger grades), developing an outline, writing, editing) and are guided to implement the writing strategies taught 

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• A class can include:

• • Watch a short video related to the day’s topic, viewed twice taking notes on 2nd watch

  • Writing strategy lesson: review framework or guidelines for the days topics, complete a short exercise practicing applying the lesson

  • Guided close read of an exemplar text, discussing how it demonstrates use of the writing strategy

  • Model the full, messy writing process in front of students, to make the thinking that goes into writing observable

  • Group or individual practice exercise writing an outline or paragraph related to the day’s topic

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• Homework and school assignment support

  • Instructor available outside of class to provide feedback and suggestions on all writing assignments for school. Ideally students will share their outlines for school assignments before writing, and their draft after writing. All assignments shared will receive written feedback within 24 hours. 

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• Maximum of 6 students/instructor​

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