The RWC program includes writing exercises, grammar lessons, and poetry memorization.
Writing Exercises
Writing lessons draw on the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Structure and Style methodology. “Structure” focuses on the arrangement of ideas to create logical, cohesive stories and essays, while “Style” teaches a myriad of techniques to elevate language and engage readers.
Structure
There are nine units in the IEW program. Each unit represents a structural model, or type of writing assignment. These units cover both fiction and non-fiction writing, with assignments ranging in length from 1-7 paragraphs.
Style
Students are taught specific stylistic techniques that they can employ in their own writing. Once they are introduced to a technique, they practice it consistently in every assignment that they write. The goal is to achieve mastery.
Results
- Understand the framework of different writing assignments (i.e., what structurally makes a story different from a literary analysis)
- Know how to outline different types of assignments (stories, letters, event descriptions, formal essays, critiques)
- Grasp the purpose of a paragraph and learn how to organize ideas
- Master techniques to make writing descriptive
- Learn how to grab and maintain your audience’s attention
Grammar Lessons
Grammar is the system of language, the study of how sentences are constructed, and ultimately, the science which studies a thought process. Our student learn grammar using materials from the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Fix It! Grammar series.
Why learn grammar?
- Understanding grammar affords students precision of thought, a lifelong gift
- Students who know grammar terms are better able discuss their writing with their instructor
Poetry Memorization
Students memorize child-friendly poetry each week.
Benefits
- Build vocabulary database through memorization
- Impart grammar knowledge by memorizing complex sentence patterns
- Bolster essential reading comprehension skills through deciphering complex thoughts
- Develop foundational public speaking skills by reciting to peers
- Build academic confidence by discovering what consistent effort can yield.
Parent Communication
Parents are our greatest ally in ensuring the success of the RWC program.
Parents can expect:
- Monthly reports of material covered
- Parent-teacher conferences each semester
- Access to their child’s instructor in between classes
In 2013, Ms. Lauren Bridgeford graduated with a BA in Languages, Literature, and Criticism from Hunter College. She has also obtained her DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification from Cambridge University. Currently, Ms. Bridgeford is a Registered Instructor accredited by the Institute for Excellence in Writing, and she is pursuing her master’s degree in Secondary Education.
Deanna Heikkinen has been privately teaching writing as well as history, literature, and art history to students grades 2-12 for over six years. Prior to that, she was a tenured professor of humanities at Los Angeles Valley College with a focus on teaching the Great Books of Western Civilization. Additionally, she taught world history, western civilization, Native American history, and anthropology at the college level. Whether teaching elementary, middle, or high schoolers for Rose Writing Center, Deanna's diverse background allows her to serve as our test prep, academic support, and custom lesson specialist.
