WRITING AND LITERATURE CLASSES

Literature and Writing- 2nd and 3rd Grade (1st Grade by approval
only)
Approximate Time Required Outside Class Each Week- 30 Minutes Daily
Class Description:
Class time will be spent guiding your children through a variety of literature in
order to maximize their reading experiences. Students will become familiar with
basic literary elements and will be challenged to analyze characters and connect
reading to their everyday lives. Students will also participate in a variety of
writing activities. They will be challenged to grow their sentence construction by
adding colorful adjectives, adverbs, and prepositional phrases. Students will also
be guided through the writing process, learning to brainstorm, organize their
ideas using word webs and outlines, and learning to communicate their ideas
freely in paragraph form. When writing is a key part of learning for your child,
they develop an understanding that reading, writing and speaking are connected
parts of language. Homework each week will consist of assigned reading,
vocabulary and comprehension questions.
Supplies Needed:
1 inch 3 ring binder
5 Dividers
Approximately 4 Novels (List of novels will be finalized by the end of June)
Pencils, Crayons
Tuition:
Tuition is $400 for the year, split into 10 payments of $40 (due July 1, 2023-
April 1, 2024) and a one-time supply/copy fee of $50 is due along with July
payment.
Payment Options:
Write 10 posted dated checks to be cashed at the first of each month (July 1,
2023-April 1, 2024) The July check should be $90 to include the yearly supply fee.
All other checks should be $40. No refunds given for canceling after July 1.
Pay by Semester: July- $250 December $200
Checks can be mailed to: Zelle Online Option:
Lori Kelley Lori Kelley – 281-813-4763
216 Skipper Jack
Montgomery, TX 77316
* A fee of $10 will be added to all payments received after the 10th of each
month.
* Book Examples: I always begin with an easier read- EX: Owl at Home (Arnold
Lobel) and end with a more challenging book- EX: Chocolate Fever (Robert
Kimmel Smith

Literature and Writing- Grades 4th, 5th and 6th
Approximate Time Required Outside Class Each Week: 30-45 Minutes Daily
Class Description:
Class time will be spent guiding your children through a variety of literature in
order to maximize your students’ reading experiences. This will be done by
providing activities that foster comprehension, higher level vocabulary and an
understanding of various literary elements. Students will develop and enhance
writing and speech communication skills through a variety of reader’s response
questions and essays that they will complete and share in class. They will be
guided through the basic steps for writing a successful paragraph. Once they gain
a basic understanding for paragraph writing, we will move on to three paragraph
essays. Students will also participate in a fifteen minute grammar lesson each
week using the Easy Grammar curriculum.
Homework will include assigned reading, vocabulary and comprehension
questions each week. There may be times when students are asked to put the
finishing touches on a writing assignment at home. For example, they might be
asked to edit, revise and type an in-class writing assignment.
Supplies Needed:
1 1/2 inch 3 ring binder
5 Dividers
Notebook Paper
Books:
Because of Winn Dixie By: Kate Dicamillo
Little House on the Prairie By: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Sign of the Beaver By: Elizabeth George Speare
Tuition:
Tuition is $450 for the year, split into 10 payments of $45 (due July 1, 2023-
April 1, 2024). The July payment should include the $50 supply fee.
There is a $50 supply/copy fee for this class because I print all grammar
assignments, study guides and other materials. If paying by semester, the July 1,
2023 payment would be $275 and December 1, 2023 payment would be $225.
Class registration forms and tuition payments can be mailed to:
Lori Kelley
216 Skipper Jack Drive
Montgomery, TX 77316
Payments can also be made online through Zelle: Lori Kelley 281-813-4763
* A late fee of $10 will be added for fees received after the 10th of each month.
* If you have questions or concerns, you can reach Mrs. Kelley at
thekelleys4@hotmail.com or by texting her at 281-813-4763.

Creating Sentences- Grades 6th, 7th and 8th
Approximate Time Required Outside Class Each Week: 30-45 Minutes Daily
Class Description:
The Creating Sentences writing class is a sentence composition class designed for students
who need extra help with sentence writing skills. Students will learn basic sentence composition
and grammar skills using a variety of enjoyable topics and activities. We will cover common
writing errors and equip your child for formal paragraph writing. Below is a list of topics we will
touch on:
* Common writing errors: homonym confusion, proper and common noun confusion,
apostrophes in possessives and contractions, run-on sentences and incomplete sentences
* construction of basic sentences and developing them into more interesting informative
sentences
* improving sentence structure using basic grammar and figures of speech
* verbs, adjectives, adverbs, compound sentences, prepositional phrases, alliteration, who/
which clauses, because clauses and paragraph writing
* creative poetry writing to reinforce writing skills
* games to reinforce writing skills
Curriculum:
Available online from The Write Foundation. Go to https://thewritefoundation.org and purchase
the Creating Sentences Student Worksheets (Cost $20)
Supplies Needed:
The student will need one 2” 3 ring binder, 7 binder dividers with tabs, wide ruled loose-leaf
notebook paper, pencils and pens, 5+ highlighters (pink, blue, yellow, orange, green, and
purple), a thesaurus, and a dictionary.
While this is not a literature course, a reading list will be provided either to be read
independently or as a family at home. Reading books will count as an assignment grade.
Tuition:
Tuition is $500 for the year, split into 10 payments of $50 (due July 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024) and
a one-time $35 supply/copy fee is due along with the July payment.
Payment Options:
Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed at the first of the month (July 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024)
The July check should be $85 to include the yearly supply fee.
Pay by semester (1st semester dated July 1, 2023, and 2nd semester dated December 1,
2024). No refunds will be given for canceling after July 1st. July check would be $280 and
December check would be $250
– Checks can be mailed to: Zelle Online Option:
Lori Kelley Lori Kelley – 281-813-4763
216 Skipper Jack Dr
Montgomery, TX 77316
*A late fee of $10.00 per class will be added for fees received after the 10th of each month.*
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach Mrs. Kelley at thekelleys4@hotmail.com
or by texting 281-813-4763

This class will focus on developing a passion and deep understanding, of timeless books, by studying different types of literature from a Christian perspective.  We will use study guides to help break down and analyze literature from a Biblical point of view.  Students will learn to identify many literary techniques, such as: setting, description, foreshadowing, symbolism, characterization, point of view, flashbacks, mood, plot, themes, conflict, protagonist,  antagonist, simile, metaphor, figurative language and resolution.  Students will study vocabulary in context, throughout their novel studies, utilizing a number of different activities that encourage retention and understanding.  Our goal for each novel study will be to strengthen their reading comprehension and encourage critical analysis of the literature.  Students will also further develop their writing and analysis skills through reader’s response questions and essays.  

 Homework will include:

             *assigned reading from selected novel

             *vocabulary that coincides with our novel

             *comprehension questions

             *literary analysis in a reader’s response format

Expected time outside of class will vary depending on students reading and writing speed, but average time spent will be about 3-4 hours a week. 

 Supplies Needed:

             *3 ring binder

             * set of 5 dividers

             *notebook paper

             *highlighter

             *colored pen (any colors, other than black or blue are okay)

             *4 assigned novels

             *study guide to be printed at home

There will be a one time supply fee of $20 to help cover copies and materials used in class.

Tuition is $500 for the year.  This can be split into 10 post dated payments of $50 each

(due July 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024).  The July payment should include the $20 supply fee.  If you would like to pay by semester, the July 1, 2023 payment would be $270 and the December 1, 2023 payment would be $250.

Class Registration forms and tuition payments can be mailed to:

             Shelly Smyth

            8820 Catamaran Way

             Montgomery, TX 77316

 

Possible book choices for the year: ( Selections will be finalized by June 1)

             *Bridge to Terabithia

             *A Wrinkle in Time

             *Tuck Everlasting

             *The Giver

             *The Hiding Place

             *The Cay

             *The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Sentence to Paragraph – Grades 7th-8th – Heidi Webb

 

Must have successfully passed the Creating Sentences Writing Class or taken the online assessment/placement test to register for this class.  Please email billiejocr@yahoo.com for the assessment.

Please do not help students with the assessment.

Expect to spend 3-4 hours a week on homework. Students must be able to follow all directions and complete an organization, outline, and paragraph each week using a checklist and no list.

Class Description:
The Sentence to Paragraph Writing class is designed for students who can write basic sentences and follow directions. This is a checklist-based class. The student learns how to incorporate grammar into writing more descriptive sentences, while also becoming skilled at the organizational process. Creative writing is taught by the inclusion of figures of speech and grammar. There is also creative poetry incorporated into each lesson. It is recommended that all homework be typed. While this is not a literature course, a reading list will be provided either to be read independently or as a family at home. Reading books will count as an assignment grade worth 48 points for each semester. There will be no tests given in this class.

Curriculum:
Available online from The Write Foundation. Go to https://thewritefoundation.org/sentence-to-paragraph-level-1/ to purchase the student worksheets. Worksheets cost $20 + tax & shipping.

Second Option: Curriculum Package with student worksheets and teacher books and worksheets. The cost is $75 + tax. Go to https://thewritefoundation.org/order-curriculum-packages/

Be sure to Click on Level 1 – Sentence to Paragraph when ordering.

Supplies Needed:
The student will need one 2” or 3″ 3 ring binder, 7 binder dividers with tabs, college-ruled loose-leaf notebook paper, pencils and pens, 5+ highlighters (pink, blue, yellow, orange, green, and purple), a small thesaurus, and a small dictionary.

Class time:
1 hour and 15 minutes per week. The expected time outside of class each week needed for preparation and homework is about 3 hours.

Tuition:
Tuition is $500 for the year, split into 10 payments of $50 (due July 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024) and a one-time $35 supply/copy fee due along with the July payment. So, an $85 first-time payment just for July. The July payment holds your child’s spot in my class and will also cover the first week of May 2024. To register, please fill out The Training Center registration form and mail it along with your first tuition payment + supply fee.

Payment Options:
Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed on the first of the month (July 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024)
Set up bank draft to arrive at the 1st of the month
Electronic Payment through Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App
Pay for an entire year by semester (1st semester dated July 1, 2023, and 2nd semester dated December 1, 2023). No refunds will be given for canceling the class after July 1st.

– Checks can be mailed to my home address

– Payments are due by the 10th of the month

– If you need me to hold on to a check and wait to deposit it on a certain day, I can certainly do that. Please just let me know, and you will not be charged the late fee.

*A late fee of $10.00 per class will be added for class payments received after the 10th of each month.*

Contact Information:
Heidi Webb
Cell: 936-446-6627
Email: heimwebb@gmail.com
Mailing Address: 9613 Crystal Springs Drive, Conroe, TX 77303

 

Expect to spend 3-4 hours a week on homework. Students must be able to follow all directions and complete an organization, outline, and paragraph each week using a checklist and no list.

Introduction to Literature -8th-11th grade

 

Expected time outside class each week needed for preparation and homework – _varies depending on reading speed, expect 4-5_ hours

This class will introduce students to the classics.  Literary elements will be explored at home with novels and in class with short stories and poetry.   We will learn to express thoughts about passages and ideas of the elements of literature by writing one, three, and five-paragraph papers throughout the year.

Supplies:

3 Ring Binder, notebook paper, pens, pencils, red pen, highlighters (a couple of colors)

Study guides will then be printed out at home, as needed.

All books are easy to find or borrow. The editions are suggested because they go with the study guides, if you use a different edition, students may have trouble knowing where to end reading each day.

There will be a one-time per year supply fee of $20.00

Required Booklist TBA by July 1.

Possible books include: White Fang, The Importance of Being Earnest, Julius Caesar, Robinson Crusoe, Great Expectations.

To register, please fill out the Training Center Class Registration form and mail it along with your $50.00 and $20.00 printing fee ($70.00) payment dated July 1.  One year is $500.00 There are a total of 9 additional tuition payments of $50.00 (due on the 1st of Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., March, April).  A late fee of $10.00 per class will be added for fees received after the 10th of each month.

Contact info: Billie jo Craig 936-203-2866, Address: 3214 Felton Springs Dr., Spring, TX 77386. billiejocr@yahoo.com

Payment options:

• Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed at the first of the month (July-April)
•  Set up bank draft to arrive at the 1st of the month
• Pay by semester (1^stsemester dated July 1, and 2^nd semester dated Dec 1).

 No refunds given after July 1.

Must have successfully completed Basic Paragraph class or take an assessment. Email Billiejocr@yahoo.com for the assessment.

Expected time outside class each week needed for preparation and homework – varies depending on reading speed, expect 4-5_ hours. Students must be able to follow all directions and complete brainstorms/organizations, outlines, rough drafts, and final papers.

Highly recommended 10th-12th grade as it prepares for college essays.

This writing class uses The Write Foundation–Essay Writing curriculum by Becky Celsor. Essay Writing is a fundamental approach covering 5-paragraph essays and creative poetry with advanced figures of speech. The class will review and strengthen organizational skills, such as note-taking, brainstorming, outlines, rough drafts, editing, and logical reasoning. The student will examine, develop and reinforce their skills in writing 5-paragraph essays, longer essays, and one basic research paper. The last six weeks are spent mastering timed essays to prepare them for college tests and entrance exams.

A reading program is added and includes the following books:  Call of the Wild, Hamlet, Black Arrow and The Scarlett Pimpernel.

Supplies: The student will need to purchase the Essay Writing Student Worksheet set from Order Worksheets Only – The Write Foundation  (Essay Writing Worksheets)(I do a bulk order in July for a discount price).

3-ring binder (2 – 3 inch)

6 hi-liters (orange, pink, blue, yellow, green, purple, any other color)

and notebook divider tabs.

Printing Fee of $15.00

To register, please fill out the Training Center Class Registration form and mail it along with your $65.00 payment dated July 1 (first tuition payment + printing fee). One-year tuition is $500. There are a total of 9 more tuition payments of $50.00 (due on the 1st Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., March, April). A late fee of $10.00 per class will be added for fees received after the 10th of each month.

Contact info: Billie jo Craig 936-203-2866, Address: 3214 Felton Springs Dr., Spring, Tx 77386. billiejocr@yahoo.com

Payment options: 1) Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed at the first of the month (July-April); 2) Set up bank draft to arrive at the 1st of the month; 3) Pay for the entire year by semester (1st semester dated July 1, and 2nd semester dated Dec 1). No refunds for canceling after July 1.

American Literature – 9^th-12^th – Billie jo Craig

Expected time outside class each week needed for preparation and homework – _varies depending on reading speed, expect 4-5_ hours

We will read works in their entirety from various time periods of American History, and learn to write about the works. Study guides with questions that go with the book are assigned four days each week. Class time will be spent reading and evaluating various genres of literature. We will learn to express thoughts about passages and ideas of the time period by writing one, three, and five-paragraph papers throughout the year.

Supplies:

3 Ring Binder, notebook paper, pens, pencils, red pen, highlighters (a couple of colors)

Study guides will be printed out at home, as needed.

All books are easy to find or borrow. The editions are suggested because they go with the study guides, if you use a different edition, students may have trouble knowing where to end reading each day.

One-time per year printing fee of $20.00

The booklist will be announced by July 1.

Some Possible Books:

The Scarlet Letter

The Gold Bug and Other Tales

The Raven and Other Favorite Poems

The Red Badge of Courage

Up From Slavery

The Great Gatsy

Death of a Saleman

The Mouse that Roared

 

To register: please fill out the Training Center Class Registration form and mail it along with your $70.00 payment dated July 1 (first tuition payment and printing fee). There are a total of 9 more tuition payments of $50.00 (due on the 1st Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., March, April). A late fee of $10.00 per class will be added for fees received after the 10th of each month.

Contact info: Billie jo Craig 936-203-2866, Address: 3214 Felton Springs Dr., Spring, TX 77386. billiejocr@yahoo.com

Payment options:

1) Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed at the first of the month (July -April)

2) Set up a bank draft to arrive at the 1st of the month

3) Pay by semester (1^st semester dated July 1, and 2^nd semester dated Dec 1).

 

No refunds given after July 1.

 

Cinema Studies for Literature Learning is designed to help your student earn a solid high school credit in English/Language Arts.

This curriculum is geared to the visual learner, to those who are reluctant readers or for whom reading is very time-consuming, and to those who love movies! Good movies tell good stories, and good storytelling requires the use of traditionally respected literary devices and techniques. With a little help from a study guide, many movies introduce the viewer to excellent literature that is being presented in a visual medium.

• Each study guide asks students to read the introductory material, watch the movie once (answering questions or making notes along the way, occasionally pausing the video), and then think a bit about the ideas and the literary devices they observed. Students will discuss their answers during class to enhance the learning process.
• Watch the movie a second time after the questions and ideas have had some time to take root, then write in response to the assignment. Writing assignments assume a certain degree of basic understanding on the part of the student regarding paragraph structure and essay format.

There will be a list of books and movies that students will have to pick once a semester and read and watch the movie. They will be required to write a 5-Pargraph essay on the differences between the two. Students will need to find the book and movie on their own.

Possible Movies:

Rudy

High Noon

Places in the Heart

The Three Musketeers

Casablanca

What’s Up Doc?

A Christmas Carol

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

The Wizard of Oz

12 Angry Men

Field of Dreams

Moby Dick

The Truman Show

The Miracle Worker

Arsenic and Old Lace

 

Supplies and Fees: 3 Ring Binder, notebook paper, pens, pencils, red pen, highlighters (a couple of colors) Study guides will then be printed out at home, as needed.

To register, please fill out the Training Center Class Registration form and mail it along with your $50.00 payment dated July 1.  One year is $500.00 There are a total of 9 additional tuition payments of $50.00 (due on the 1st of Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., March, April).  There will be a $10 late fee after the 10th of each month.

Contact info: Billie jo Craig 936-203-2866, Address: 3214 Felton Springs Dr., Spring, TX 77386. billiejocr@yahoo.com

 

Payment options:

1) Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed at the first of the month (July-April)

 2) Set up bank draft to arrive at the 1st of the month

 3) Pay by semester (1^st semester dated July 1, and 2^nd semester dated Dec 1). 

No refunds given after July 1.