The Essay Writing I course is specifically designed to enhance the writing skills and foster confidence in students in grades 3-5 when it comes to expressing their ideas through written communication. In this course students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of essay writing. They will learn about the structure of an essay, the process of developing a thesis statement, and the art of crafting clear and concise paragraphs using the RACER model. The course will also emphasize the significance of pre-writing techniques, such as brainstorming, outlining, and drafting, to facilitate the writing process. Students will have ample opportunities to practice these skills through a variety of writing assignments, with a focus on three primary types of essays: narrative (personal and story), informative/explanatory, and opinion-based essays. Additionally, students will expand their understanding of grammar, spelling, and punctuation, enhancing the overall quality of their writing. Throughout the course, students will receive personalized feedback from the instructor, enabling them to revise and improve their work effectively. By the end of the course, students will have acquired a strong foundation in essay writing, equipping them with essential skills applicable to future assignments and endeavors. * Classes for the Essay Writing I program meet once per week for a duration of 60 minutes, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the course material. In addition to the in-class instruction, students will be given regular writing assignments to complete at home. These assignments will be submitted to the teacher for thorough review and feedback. This feedback loop enables students to receive personalized guidance and constructive criticism, facilitating continuous improvement of their writing skills throughout the course. By consistently offering opportunities for practice and refinement, the program ensures that students have ample time to master the art of essay writing and cultivate their own distinctive writing style.

Our Essay Writing II course at AlphaMinds Academy is designed for students in grades 4-6 who have completed Essay Writing I or are ready for an advanced level of writing. This course builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the first year and introduces more advanced concepts such as persuasive writing, research, and literary analysis. Students will work on longer, multi-paragraph essays, learning to incorporate evidence and use proper citation. They will master writing techniques to express their thoughts clearly and vividly, experimenting with different essay leads and engaging introductions. The course focuses on three main essay types: narrative, explanatory, and persuasive, as well as creative writing. Moreover, students will learn to evaluate writing and conduct research effectively. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will refine their writing skills and develop the ability to analyze texts critically. They will construct well-supported arguments and convey ideas with clarity and precision. They will experiment with various types of essay leads, such as astonishing facts or dramatic scenes, to engage readers from the start. The course also emphasizes research skills, enabling students to evaluate writing effectively. By the end of the program, students will have a solid foundation in essay writing, preparing them for future writing endeavors and empowering them to excel academically and beyond. * Classes for the Essay Writing II program meet once per week for a duration of 60 minutes, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the course material. In addition to the in-class instruction, students will be given regular writing assignments to complete at home. These assignments will be submitted to the teacher for thorough review and feedback. This feedback loop enables students to receive personalized guidance and constructive criticism, facilitating continuous improvement of their writing skills throughout the course. By consistently offering opportunities for practice and refinement, the program ensures that students have ample time to master the art of essay writing and cultivate their own distinctive writing style.

This course is specifically designed to equip students with the necessary skills to write five-paragraph essays that meet the standards expected in middle school and high school entrance exams like the ISEE and HSPT. Through step-by-step instruction, students will master the art of argumentative, narrative, and informative/explanatory writing. Throughout the course, students will refine their brainstorming techniques, become adept at essay formatting, and develop strong editing skills. They will learn how to breathe life into their writing by incorporating detailed imagery, employing descriptive adjectives, and leveraging other parts of speech effectively. The instructor will provide guidance on using a variety of sentence structures, employing smooth transitions, and employing literary devices such as similes and metaphors to enhance their writing. Each lesson is carefully designed to offer a balance between challenge and attainability, ensuring that every student can progress at an accelerated pace. In this enjoyable, rewarding, and supportive environment, students will build new skills, foster their creativity, and gain confidence in their writing abilities.