In this year-long, multi-session course, students will learn essential skills for middle school writers, including vocabulary study, which will focus on word roots. Regardless of students' different writing levels, there is always room for them to grow as writers. We start with some basic grammar, move on to crafting beautiful sentences, well-organized paragraphs, and eventually explore different genres of essay writing. Time will be given to the exploration of creative writing as well. Along the way, we will take a close look at plenty of mentor texts, in order to learn by example. Most importantly, we will create a safe environment where we can practice writing together in class before students attempt their own first drafts at home. We also learn how to provide helpful feedback on our classmates’ writing and how to ultimately produce a piece of writing that has been revised, edited, and proofread. Culminating with a shareable end-of-year newsletter or website, this class provides a forum for students to showcase their best work .
Class size IS limited, so please fill out this contact form if you want to be added to the interest list for the 2024-25 year. Enrollment is restricted to 12 students which helps foster an environment of trust and connection that many young writers need. Smaller classes allow for individualized attention, personalized feedback, and quality experiences.
Registration begins on 8/19/24. Use class code 9063.4241 through the Conejo Parks and Rec website. Classes begin that same week, and due to insurance restrictions, students may not join us on the first day of class unless they are fully registered, so I highly recommend you register as soon as possible. For those paying with charter school funds, please request your certificates now. All info needed for your request is listed below. If your PO is delayed, you may need to consider paying out of pocket, but in my personal experience, the CRPD has been really good about reimbursing you when your PO does arrive.
First Fall Class section number: 9063.4241
Fridays: 12noon - 1:30pm $175
Dates: 8/23 - 10/4 7 weeks
Location:
Alex Fiore Thousand Oaks Teen Center
1375 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
*Classes will start 8/23/24 and end on 5/30/25. Future class sections will be shared with students who register for the first session. Please click on the contact link for more registration information.
**Registration for the first session with Conejo Recreation & Park District (CRPD) is not enough to guarantee your student’s spot in this class, as priority will be given to the first dozen pre-registered students. A $100 fully refundable deposit is required for pre-registration. This goodwill deposit shows your intention to commit for the year (assuming the class is a good fit) and is fully refundable at the end of the first 7-week session. Writing lessons build upon each other, therefore, it is highly recommended that students commit to the full year of classes. The goal here is to build a safe classroom environment where young writers can share and learn from each other’s writing, and building this kind of trust takes time. Despite best-laid plans, life happens, and sometimes a space may open up mid-session, so please do not hesitate to inquire about the waiting list. Adults are encouraged to reach out with any other concerns or questions they may have, and I will do my best to address them.