2020–21 Writing Classes

Now accepting applications for 20–21 school-year classes! These classes will be offered through Bluebonnet Home Scholars Collaborative. Click on either class link below to find more information.

Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons for 4th–6th grades

Discover and be amazed at the wonders of the ancient world while learning to write with structure and style! The Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons “offers writing topics that explore the civilizations of Sumer, Egypt, Israel, Babylon, Greece, Rome, Asia Minor, and Asia—the people’s ideas, traditions, systems of government, feats, and wonderful skills.” Upper-elementary students will participate in activities aimed to inspire a love of words, sentences, and word-play. With the support of guided group discussion, brainstorming, and critique, students will learn to write with appropriate structure while enlivening their prose with stylistic flare. For more information click here.

Writing—Essay Basics for 7th–10th grades

In this class that incorporates both report-style and descriptive writing, students will learn the structure and style of various essay formats and will produce original essays including integrated quotations, MLA in-text citations, and properly formatted “Works Cited” page. An intensive overview of style elements will assist students in developing vivid vocabulary and sophisticated sentence variety. Throughout the course, students will gain an awareness of sentence structure and grammar that goes hand-in-hand with their growing ability to amplify and manipulate the parts of a sentence. In addition to basic report-style essays, students will learn a five-step process for developing a thoughtful thesis statement that interacts with the great conversation of ideas. By attending to sources and engaging in group discussion, students will be able to find their own voice as they search for the truth through their reading and writing. For more information click here.

English Literature & Composition for 8th–12th grades

In this college-preparatory literature and composition course, highschool students (and advanced eighth-graders) will explore elements of literature and develop beginning skills in literary analysis as they read and write upper-level essays and critiques. Focus works, including novels, short stories, poems, and drama, have been selected for literary quality, interest, and for their place in the historical development of literature. Students will gain an understanding of the development of literature and will practice the skills of close literary analysis through essays, approach papers, and other evaluative writing. For more information click here.