9th-10th Grade
Advanced Language & Composition

This hands on small group class focuses on understanding and communicating the English language through writing.

We begin by learning the history, structure and artistry of language communication then move on to study the main genres of writing while focusing on the language arts elements that make each unique and beautiful. 

Students will learn effective literary and language devices and will compose original works, imitating the models studied while strengthening their language usage and writing skills.

The art of variation, editing and paraphrasing are areas of focus to help the students develop and refine their unique writing voice.



 

Weekly Live Class Meets via Zoom:
Monday 2:00-3:15 ET or
Wednesday 12:45-2:00 ET

 

History of Language: from orality to literacy
Structure of Written Language: from the work to the word
Artistry of Written Language: voice, language usage & editing
Tradition of Oral Language: folklore types & purpose 
Genre of Poetic Language: poetry's craft & artistry
Language & Literary Devices: types, effectiveness & usage
Narrative Language: types, purpose & effectiveness
Persuasive Language: types, purpose & effectiveness

*In addition to short, in-class writing assignments, students will study and model a variety of written works, such as: poems, tall tales, fables, ballads, historical narratives, biographies, memoirs, editorials and personal commentaries.

*Students are taught to self-edit their work, perfecting three writing assignments each semester. Ms. Shiela will give editorial suggestions for the student to consider incorporating into their final draft.

Monthly Course Topics

Monthly Course Topics

11th-12th Grade
Advanced Style & Composition

Not only comprehending a text's meaning but understanding its unique chosen language and usage is critical to deeply grasping a work of writing.

This small group class focuses on understanding the structure and artistry of some of the best crafted works of writing.

We'll study a variety of carefully curated passages to discover the authors' seed idea and argument and how the specific structure, literary devices and language arts elements chosen make the work stylistic and effective.

Students will deepen their reading skills as they analyze and mark each passage using a whole language, immersion approach. They'll refine their writing as they apply what they've learned to imitate the models they've studied.

Editing and writing variations will be a focus to help students refine and master word artistry and language communication skills.

Weekly Live Class Meets via Zoom:
Tuesday or Thursday 2:00-3:15 ET

Monthly Course Topics

Structure of Language:  genres &  types of works
Artistry of Language: literary & language devices
Art of Argument: seed ideas, reasoning & text structures
Elements of Argument:  appeals & types of supporting content
Art of Style:  voice, tone, mood
Elements of Style: word choice, punctuation, grammatical constructs
Art of Oratory: speeches & presentations
Elements of Oratory: appeals, voice, gesture

*In addition to short, in-class writing assignments, students will study and model a variety of  fiction and nonfiction written and visual works from different time periods. Works include: poems, essays, speeches, diaries, plays, letters, articles, editorials, and images and artwork.

Students will keep a commonplace book to collect interesting quotes, excerpts and sayings gleaned from their reading to be used in their writing and speaking.

*Students will learn to self-edit their work, perfecting three writing assignments each semester. Ms. Shiela will give editorial suggestions for the student to consider incorporating into their final draft.

Testimonials

My daughter has grown as a person, as a writer, and as a communicator under Shiela's instruction. Shiela cares about her students and it shows in every interaction she has with them. Her excellent raptor and incredible writing curriculum have made this a class unlike any other. Shiela has unlocked the brilliance in my child and given her the tools to share what she thinks in the most beautiful ways. My daughter is so much more confident and able to articulate her thoughts and opinions well. She enjoys writing for the first time because she understands how to express herself artistically and understands the rules of grammar.  My daughter's writing is shared, appreciated, self-edited, peer-edited and edited by Shiela until each piece of writing is perfect. Students are taught to appreciate the editing process instead of dread it, which is a missing component in other writing classes. My daughter spoke to a group of 200 people recently and her poise, articulation, and confidence all spoke to an amazing year with Shiela. My daughter is not the same person she was when she started this class! It's been an incredible year of growth!

Holly | homeschool mom

Ms. Shiela’s class was a lot of fun. Learning about the art of writing was interesting—as well as helpful—and I learned a ton! We learned how writing is a blank piece of paper that can eventually portray ideas, share feelings, tell stories, and thoroughly educate. We learned about the murmuring of the beez (onomatopoeia), the bro in the flow (formulaic language and poetry), the way we can create a place, create a character, and create a world (anaphora), how words are as valuable as gold (simile), and how to make the reader feel, smell, hear, see, and taste (imagery). Thank you Ms. Shiela for an amazing learning experience.

Skyler | 10th grade homeschool student 

I have taken Ms. Shiela's class for one year and I can honestly say that it has been life changing. Her approach to teaching has brought so much confidence to my speaking and writing skills. Ms. Shiela spends time helping me learn as much as I can and become the best writer I can be. She gives feedback in a positive way, inspiring me to do my best. I will be forever grateful for all I have learned and all I still have the opportunity to learn through her classes.

Whitney | 11th grade homeschool student 

Class Details