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, helping them effectively express their ideas through written communication. Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of essay writing, focusing on three primary types of essays: narrative (personal and story), informative/explanatory, and opinion-based essays. Key Features: - Essay Structure: Learn the components of an essay, including introduction, body, and conclusion. - Thesis Development: Understand the process of creating a strong thesis statement. - Paragraph Crafting: Master the art of writing clear and concise paragraphs using the RACER model. - Pre-Writing Techniques: Emphasize brainstorming, outlining, and drafting to streamline the writing process. - Grammar and Mechanics: Expand knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation to enhance writing quality. Students will have ample opportunities to practice these skills through various writing assignments. Personalized feedback from the instructor will enable students to revise and improve their work effectively. Course Structure: - Class Schedule: Classes meet once per week for 60 minutes. - Assignments: Regular writing assignments to be completed at home and submitted for thorough review and feedback. - Personalized Feedback: Continuous guidance and constructive criticism to facilitate improvement. 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. The program ensures that students have ample time to master the art of essay writing and cultivate their own distinctive writing style through consistent practice and refinement. Join us to help your child develop essential writing skills and gain confidence in their ability to communicate through the written word!

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 skills necessary 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 argumentative, narrative, and informative/explanatory writing. Key Features: - Essay Types: Master the art of writing argumentative, narrative, and informative/explanatory essays. - Brainstorming Techniques: Refine brainstorming methods to generate strong ideas. - Essay Formatting: Learn the structure and organization of five-paragraph essays. - Editing Skills: Develop strong editing skills to improve clarity and coherence. - Writing Enhancement: Imagery and Descriptive Language: Incorporate detailed imagery and descriptive adjectives to bring writing to life. - Sentence Variety and Transitions: Use a variety of sentence structures and smooth transitions for better flow. - Literary Devices: Employ literary devices such as similes and metaphors to enhance writing. Course Structure: - Balanced Lessons: Each lesson is designed to balance challenge and attainability, allowing for accelerated progress. - Supportive Environment: Enjoy a rewarding and supportive environment that fosters creativity and confidence. - Skill Building: Build new skills, foster creativity, and gain confidence in writing abilities. In this enjoyable and supportive course, students will develop the skills needed to excel in writing five-paragraph essays, preparing them for academic success in middle school, high school entrance exams, and beyond.

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!

Tina Nicolucci

As a dedicated reading coach, I am passionate about working with and teaching students all aspects of reading and writing. My instruction is guided by the science of reading, ensuring that my methods are both effective and evidence-based. I believe that every student has the potential to become a proficient reader and writer, and I strive to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where each child can thrive. I have substantial experience working with Orton-Gillingham and Wilson/Fundations methodologies, which enhances my ability to address diverse learning needs. My professional qualifications include certifications in childhood education (K-6), the science of reading, ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages), and the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI). These certifications reflect my commitment to continuous learning and my dedication to providing high-quality literacy instruction. I am particularly skilled at adapting my teaching strategies to accommodate the unique needs of each student, ensuring that every child receives personalized support and guidance. When I'm not inspiring young minds, I enjoy spending my free time outdoors, embracing the beauty and tranquility of nature. Whether it's hiking, camping, or simply taking a walk in the park, I find that nature provides a perfect balance to my professional life, keeping me energized and motivated. My love for the outdoors also inspires me to incorporate elements of nature into my teaching, fostering a holistic approach to education. I am excited to bring my passion, experience, and dedication to the students at AlphaMinds Academy, and I look forward to making a positive impact on their reading and writing journeys.

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.

MEET OUR TEAM

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