Course Description
Our teacher takes the children on an hour-long ride into writing that they won’t forget! With a huge ‘magic pen’ we encourage them to change their scribbles and doodles into lovely letters, words and sentences!
Of all of the elements of literacy, writing is the task that perhaps comes least naturally and is most difficult for children. Even with the greatest will and a vast imagination, putting thoughts down on paper can be very difficult for children (and adults) of all ages.
This course is designed to reward and encourage writing in all forms, and at all levels of development within this age group. Children benefit and learn when provided sheets and examples to trace and follow but they are naturally drawn to visually appealing and more interesting ways of putting ‘pen to paper’.
Our course tackles the alphabet, letter forms, basic penmanship, joining words in sentences and all the foundations of writing, through diverse and appealing projects that allow the children to feel a huge sense of achievement.
Goal/Aims: Enhancing writing skills and the will to write, problem-solving ability, and cognitive development through concentration-building games and exercises.
Course Content
Warm Up: Children begin with a few minutes of ‘down-time’ where we set the scene for the work ahead. We use ‘brain games’ increase concentration levels through a series of fun and stimulating games and exercises. Activities include ‘Brain Gym’ style stretch/movements and tasks that develop small motor skills, to get those little hands working!
Main Content: One project will be covered every two weeks. The teacher will build a project folder for your child and you will be seeing many of the lovely creations make their way home! The children chat about each project and are shown project examples as a guide. Projects can be completed by all ages and the teacher will explain expectations at an appropriate level to each student. Each project involves a creative element, is visually appealing and allows for new vocabulary and discussion. The tasks require some work to increase dexterity/form, and involve writing. This may be as simple as your child drawing guided letters on a self-made picture frame, or writing sentences around the edge: what we are seeking to achieve is a love of putting letters and words down. Prior to applying their letters/words on their work the students must have a practice-run on paper. Each project takes two weeks in order that children have a solid hour’s concentration and reiteration, and opportunity to add to/improve and finish off their work.
The children will also talk about their work, stories, sentence structure and how/why we write.
Wind Down : We all have a chance to congratulate and share! Sticker Time will be used to award and build confidence.
Topics Include: ‘My Family’, ‘My Favourite Things’ and ‘The 5 Senses’
Project Examples : Story Placemats, Wordy Picture Frames, Secret Messages, Word/Alphabet cubes, Story-Through-Pictures …
Homework : Generally, homework will be assigned after every class.
Schedule
0:00 - 0:10 |
Quiet meditation/non-verbal exercises to promote focus and aid motor skills |
| 0:10 - 0:20 | Activity Explanation and Review |
| 0-20 - 0.50 | Writing Circle Projects |
| 0:40 - 0:45 | Sticker Time/Bye-bye/Rewards and praise |
Classes
This term we offer two different times with slightly different age ranges.
The syllabus for both classes will be the same however the 2.00pm to 3.00pm course lasts for 2 months and leads on from our ‘Word Wizards’ course (September and October).
Children can join either class, at any time, and do not necessarily have to enroll in ‘Word Wizards’ beforehand.
Please contact us for more advice on class selection and scheduling.
