ESSAY WRITING
GRADES 3-8
Jersey City - Hoboken - Online
Group Classes & Private Tutoring

About AlphaMinds Essay Writing Program

The Essay Writing Program at AlphaMinds Academy offers students in grades 3-8 a structured and engaging approach to developing their writing skills. Through this program, students learn the fundamentals of essay writing, including organization, brainstorming, thesis development, paragraph structure, and effective use of evidence and examples. The program fosters creativity and critical thinking, encouraging students to express their ideas clearly and coherently. With a focus on building strong writing foundations, this program empowers students to become confident and proficient essay writers at an early age, setting them up for academic success in the future. At AlphaMinds Academy, we provide both in-person and online classes, ensuring a personalized learning experience. Our classes are conducted in small group settings to promote active participation and engagement. Additionally, private tutoring is also available upon request. Feel free to reach out to us at info@alphamindsacademy.com for more information regarding terms and availability.

What Sets AlphaMinds Essay Writing Program Apart?

Comprehensive Writing Curriculum: Our program offers a thoughtfully designed curriculum that covers a wide spectrum of writing techniques, from crafting compelling introductions to structuring coherent arguments and refining persuasive conclusions.
Professional Teachers: All of our Writing classes are led by experienced educators, who specialize in writing instruction.
Interactive and Inspiring Lessons: Students can expect to participate in dynamic discussions, collaborative brainstorming sessions, and engaging writing exercises that spark their creativity and refine their skills.
Individualized Guidance: Recognizing that each student's writing journey is unique, we maintain small class sizes to provide individualized attention. Our instructors work closely with students, offering personalized feedback and tailored guidance that addresses specific strengths and areas for improvement, fostering growth at every level.

AlphaMinds Essay Writing Classes
AFTER SCHOOL (WEEKDAYS) - ONLINE CLASSES

ESSAY WRITING I (Gr. 3-5)

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.

ESSAY WRITING II (Gr. 4-6)

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.

ESSAY WRITING III (Gr. 6-8)

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.

TESTIMONIALS

This program is a God sent. Very warm, very inclusive and very friendly. Makes a difference for every student who sticks with AlphaMinds. Ms. Lauren (Essay Writing teacher) makes the writing fun and easy, and she managed to open up even the most resistant kids (like mine) to joy of writing.

Jack Kopczynski (parent of 4th grader)

AlphaMinds program has helped my child very much. He is much more confident in his writing skills and his math skills have also improved. Thanks to the preparation he received, my child did very well on the ISEE test was admitted to a selective private school in NYC. Thank you, AlphaMinds!

Anush Patel (parent of a 6th grader)

My child has shown great improvement in essay writing after attending the classes at AlphaMinds Academy. His teacher is very knowledgeable and supportive. She always provided valuable feedback that has boosted my child's confidence and writing skills. I highly recommend these classes for any child looking to enhance their essay writing abilities.

Kate Itkin (parent of a 3rd grader)

OUR ELA TEAM

Kayla Pearson

I have been an educator for 15 years and specialize in providing reading and writing programming rooted in multi-sensory modalities and research-based methods. My career has spanned from Sacramento, to San Francisco and even Panama and has included teaching elementary and middle school, supervising a literacy clinic, as well as training other teachers. I work with students to find joy and empowerment through their writing in order to best express their unique perspectives and creativity!

Lauren Berger

Writing and teaching are my passions. I'm a professional writer for a digital marketing company, and I have been tutoring students at all levels for more than nine years. My teaching experience ranges from basic grammar lessons to entrance exams to graduate school thesis writing. No matter the topic or assignment, writing can always be fun! I classify writing as a creative science. My goal is to teach students how to channel their creativity, while following the formulas of writing and grammar. With the notion that if one can think, one can write, I help students articulate their thoughts and insights and turn them into dynamic written words. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in public relations from University of Maryland, College Park.

Valerie McKenna

Valerie McKenna is an accomplished professional educator with over a decade of successful teaching, tutoring, and mentoring experience. Her diverse experience as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and interventionist across different grade levels, including college teaching in English, has honed her expertise in guiding students to become more proficient writers. Her primary goal is to help her students develop various writing skills and techniques, nurturing their love for writing and transforming it from a challenge into an enjoyable endeavor. Valerie firmly believes in the importance of strong reading and writing skills for every individual, considering them essential foundations for a successful life. Her mission is to instill a passion for writing in her students, empowering them to become not just proficient, but confident and enthusiastic writers. Valerie holds two Master's Degrees, one in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and another in Educational Leadership from Georgian Court University, in addition to Bachelor's Degrees from Kean University. She holds several teaching certifications as well as her administrator certification. She currently resides in East Brunswick, NJ. She has a four year old son and two energetic dogs. In her spare time she likes to cook, garden, and read. One day she hopes to become a published author, and a public school administrator.

MEET OUR TEAM

ESSAY WRITING GRADES 3-8 Jersey City - Hoboken - Online Group Classes & Private Tutoring