Description: This engaging and comprehensive course helps students develop both critical thinking and essential skills in writing, literature, and grammar. Using a variety of methods—including selected principles from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), adapted specifically for CHAT students—students will have many opportunities to draft, edit, and polish their work. Topics covered include outlining, summarizing, and both story and essay writing. Writing 1 will introduce research and documentation skills.

Editing is an essential part of the writing process and a requirement for this class. Depending on the student’s writing level, assignments may need to be completed with guidance from an editor or home teacher. Each student must have an editor—such as a parent, older sibling, or outside tutor—who will proofread essays before they are submitted to the class tutor. Writing assessments are flexible and may be adjusted to reflect individual learning goals and ability levels.

The literature study aspect of the course will encourage critical thinking skills by examining elements of style, purpose, theme, plot, etc. The study of grammar and vocabulary will be covered by topical weekly practice and organically through writing.

This class uses Google Classroom as a platform for submitting work and receiving feedback. We will also occasionally be using other online platforms and tools to help facilitate discussions and the writing process itself.

Note: Although Writing 1 is formatted as a year-long class, each semester has its own syllabus and literature selection. It may be possible to add to this class at semester. Please contact the tutor with questions

Tutor: Amanda Gonsalves has a BA in English and German from Iowa State University with a Secondary Education teaching degree. She has taught in public schools, in homeschool coops and various Bible studies. Her desire is to help students bring the light and life of Jesus into each of their contexts through critical thinking and clear communication. "Mrs. G" lives and homeschools in Bloomington, where she enjoys reading, creating, and spending time with her four daughters and husband.

Cost: $256, $266 or $276 per semester (depending on registration date)
Level: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Homework: 2-4 hours per week
1st Semester Books:

• Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card) (to be purchased by the parent)
• A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens, Dover Publications) [purchased by the tutor]

2nd Semester Books:

• Animal Farm (George Orwell) (to be purchased by the parent)
• The Gift of the Magi and Other Short Stories (O. Henry, Dover Publications) [purchased by the tutor]
• Great Short Poems (Philip Smith, ed., Dover Publications) [purchased by the tutor]

Supplies: Books purchased by tutor are included in the cost for the class (above). Each student will need writing utensils, paper, a three-ring binder dedicated to this class with five dividers and a pocket folder. Computer access is needed at home.