Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
A Two-Day Seminar for Teachers, Parents, & Tutors
Friday & Saturday, October 5 - 6, 2007 8:30 - 4:15 pm
Cost: $89.00/participant (2nd family member ½ price)
The structure and style syllabus teaches models and techniques for English composition which logically build upon each other, allowing students to become familiar and competent with a variety of writing formats and styles. As opposed to many "creative" writing approaches, this more classical system stresses modeling and builds a firm foundation of specific skills.
Students first make a "key word outline" and then rewrite from their notes, thus being freed from the problem of what to write about, so they are able to clearly focus on how to write well. As they master each structural model and stylistic technique, they develop great confidence, and consequently great creativity. The syllabus then gradually moves the student from dictated content toward "the blank page" using:
Eight different structural models, including:
* Note making and summarizing from notes; limiting skills.
* Summarizing narrative stories with the story sequence chart.
* Summarizing references (without copying the encyclopedia).
* Library research reports using multiple references and fused outlines.
* Topic - clincher paragraph format, techniques for titling.
* Creative writing, letters and writing from pictures.
* Formal essays and critique formats.
The Syllabus in Style introduces specific techniques to help students:
* "Dress-up" each paragraph with six different tools.
* Use a variety of sentence "openers."
* Judiciously choose literary "decorations."
* Learn English grammar in the context of USING it
rather than just memorizing terms and identifying parts of speech.
Nurturing Confident Communicators -
The Two Most Critical Components
An Evening Presentation for Teachers, Parents, Grandparents,
Families with children of all ages.
Friday, October 5, 2007 7:00 - 8:30 pm Cost: Free and open to the Public!
Many parents and teachers assume that good readers will naturally or automatically become good writers. Others think that writing talent is just a natural ability--some have it others don't. Both are myths. History and observation show very clearly how good writers have developed, and what are the two most critical things parents and teachers can do to nurture a high level of aptitude--from a young age through high school. With humor and insight, Andrew will share the two easy but unbelievably powerful things that must be done at home and in the classroom to create confident communicators.
Student Writing Intensive
A Two-day writing class for students Grade 4 - 10+, with two additional video sessions & lesson plans
Tuesday & Thursday, October 2 & 4, 2007 Cost: $75.00/participant
This course serves both as an opportunity to introduce children to the Structure & Style approach, as well as a "boost" to students who have some experience. Parents and teachers are encouraged to observe whenever possible. Demonstration classes are a very important complement to our teacher courses. Four lessons will teach children specific models & techniques from the syllabus of Structure & Style, including how to:
- take notes & summarize from references. - "dress-up" a composition.
- structure a "cohesive" paragraph. - outline a report using multiple references.
- summarize a narrative story in 3 sections - use checklists to evaluate writing style.
- use a variety of sentence "openers."
Class size is limited to 24 students in each group. Parents and Teachers are encouraged to observe any or all class sessions. Pre-requisite: parent has attended TWSS. Schedule follows:
SWI - Group A (Grade 4-5) 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Day 1 - Outlines, Summary and Dress-up
Day 2 - Story Summary and Dress-up
Day 3 - Reference Summary & Paragraph Structure
Day 4 - Blank Page & Sentence Openers
SWI - Group B (Grade 6-7) 12:00 to 2:45 p.m.
Day 1 - Outlines, Story Summary and Dress-up
Day 2 - Reference Summary & Sentence Openers
Day 3 - Multiple Source Summary (with Mini-Books)
Day 4 - Creative Writing - Expository
SWI - Group C (Grade 8-10+) 3:15 to 6:00 p.m.
Day 1 - Outlines, Story Summary and Dress-up
Day 2 - Summarizing References & Sentence Openers
Day 3 - Multiple Reference Summary
Day 4 - Formal Essay & Advanced Style
Each session will last 2½ hours daily. Students may be asked to do minimal work at home to complete each day's project, but significant time is devoted to in-class writing and individual coaching. Previous experience with the Structure & Style syllabus may be helpful but is not required. Includes two days live instruction along with two DVDs, with additional lesson plans for practice throughout the year.
High School Essay Intensive
A One-Day Seminar for High School age students and teachers
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 8:30 - 3:30 pm
Cost: $50.00/participant (parents $25 if attending with student)
The High School Essay Prep class is an excellent way to get immediate experience and inside tips on how to do your best on the timed, 25 minute response to a prompt required on the new SAT test. Participants will actually write two full essays, carefully study and then apply the College Board evaluation criteria to sample essays, while receiving a detailed booklet of resources and lesson plans for continued practice.
Additionally, students will learn special structure and style tools for use in composing the college application "personal essay"--an entirely different type of writing task. The complete process will be presented: choosing the question, creating the outline, and polishing a final version. Participants will leave with a clear concept of the task, their own outline for an actual personal essay, and several new tricks and techniques to add to their repertoire.
Although this seminar is specifically designed for those who will be taking the SAT or submitting college applications within the next 1-2 years (and especially those teaching such students), it is also useful for general writing practice, tools and tips. It is open to all students, regardless of their experience with IEW courses or materials. A lot of actual writing is done during this six-hour class.
Some comments from past attendees in Alaska and California:
"I really didn't want to come, but my mom made me, and I am soooo glad I did. It's really going to help me, and I'm not so worried about the SAT essay any more."
"I took the SAT last spring and did okay, but I'm going to do it again and go for a better score. With this new information, I'm very sure I'll do better on the essay portion."
"Mr. Pudewa's seminar is like the rock concert of writing classes."
"This workshop just de-mystified the whole thing for me. Thanks!"
"Although I've been in many of your classes before, this was awesome. I especially loved the strategies for quickly planning and outlining a short essay, and the advice about how to formulate an opinion and just go for it, even if you're a little undecided about the question. Also the TRIAC paragraph model is awesome--it makes it so easy to organize a good paragraph."
"Really glad I came. I learned a lot. (And I got out of school, too!)"
"I came to be with my son, but I actually had a lot of fun myself. I sure wish I knew some of this when I was going into college!"
Meet Andrew Pudewa
Our presenter is the director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing and a father of seven.
Leading seminars and workshops throughout North America, he addresses issues relating to teaching, writing, thinking, spelling, and music with clarity, insight, practical experience, and humor.
His courses for parents, students and teachers have helped transform many a reluctant writer and have equipped educators with powerful tools to dramatically improve students' skills.
Although he is a graduate of the Talent Education Institute in Japan, and holds a Certificate of Child Brain Development from the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his best endorsement is from a young Alaskan student who called him "the funny man with the wonderful words."
He and his beautiful, heroic wife Robin currently live with several of their seven in Atascadero, California.
-----------------
Institute for Excellence in Writing
PO Box 6065, Atascadero, CA 93423
800-856-5815
info@writing-edu.com
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