English Reading & Writing Grades K–2 Grades 3–6 Grades 7–10 Foundation of English Writing PHONICS Phonics helps children comprehend letter-sound correspondences to reading. VOCABULARY A strong vocabulary helps children write more formally. GRAMMAR Use grammar to express yourself fully, clearly, subtly. READING Reading exposes children to other styles, different voices, and a variety of genres. English and Reading & Writing GRADES K–2 Class format: 1-hour class, twice a week In English and in Reading & Writing, our youngest students build foundational language skills in phonics, spelling, and grammar during classes tailored for age-appropriate learning. Our reading program for kids instills a love for language and storytelling. Our classes feature a combination of engaging lessons, interactive activities, and drawing and writing exercises. Our experienced K–G2 teachers keep students smiling, learning, and reading their way to success. Online and in-person (Livingston, NJ) class options available Minimum of four students, maximum of eight students per class. Class Schedule Register Today Kindergarten Become an eager reader with an effective growth mindset in our twice-weekly Kindergarten English class. Each week, Kindergarten students: Decode words and blend lettersMaster the alphabet and letter formationStudy correct spelling, punctuation marks, capitalization, and sentence structuresDevelop oral reading skillsPractice story comprehension 1st Grade Become a fluent and avid reader in our twice-weekly 1st grade English class. Each week, 1st grade students: Learn vowel sounds, digraphs, and blendsPractice strategies to decode and encode wordsStudy conventions of English grammar and usage, from proper capitalization and punctuation to nouns, verbs, and adjectivesBuild vocabulary acquisition, comprehension skills, and fluency through exposure to various genres of literature 2nd Grade In G2 Reading and Writing, students become excellent readers and creative writers. Our reading and writing class features engaging lessons and weekly writing assignments, in which students practice their handwriting while producing written pieces. Language Arts Utilize strategies for decoding unfamiliar wordsStudy vowel teams, prefixes, suffixes, and irregularly spelled wordsMaster the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing and speaking, including simple and compound sentences, pronouns, verbs, and contractions Reading Comprehension Become exposed to an array of literary genres, from poetry and drama to fiction and non-fictionAnalyze texts, determine the central theme and author’s purpose, and summarize key detailsUse context clues to determine definitions of new words, identify the main idea, and compare and contrast different texts with one another Writing Produce creative and nonfiction narratives, informative essays, and opinion piecesStudy the conventions, styles, and format of model texts as examples for their own writingLearn the writing process, from brainstorming and planning to drafting, revising and editingReceive detailed instruction and feedback on how to reread and edit their own work English, Reading, and Writing GRADES 3–6 Class format: 2-hour class, once a week In English, Reading, and Writing, students study the building blocks of English—grammar, syntax, vocabulary—and learn how to use these tools to express themselves on the page.Our two-hour class incorporates grammar and vocabulary lessons, reading comprehension practice, and writing units to give students a 360° view on the craft of writing.Online and in-person (Livingston, NJ) class options available. Minimum of four students, maximum of ten students per class. Class Schedule Register Today Grammar and Vocabulary Each week, students tackle new language arts concepts—from the subjunctive mood to imperative voice, subjects and predicates to appositives, metaphors and allusions to personification and hyperbole. Through close study, our young writers learn why grammar and English vocabulary matter: Craft complex, clear sentences and discover and interpret greater depth in literature, all with a confident grasp on the nuances of the English languageWield punctuation effectively and thoughtfully after mastering the intimidating rules of commas, semicolons, and colonsEnrich your fiction and nonfiction writing with literary and rhetorical devicesStudy prefixes and suffixes, Greek and Roman roots, and more to expand their English vocabulary. Practice finding more active, vivid, and specific nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that make your writing stand out. Reading Comprehension Students become fluent and critical readers of all writing, from nonfiction essays to the novels assigned in school. During the reading comprehension lesson, students hone critical reading skills across genres, writing strategies, and more. Topics include: Analyzing poems, plays, fairytales, and other genresIdentifying point of view, setting, plot, themes, and figurative languageUsing signal words to describe comparisons and contrastsUnderstanding supporting evidenceInterpreting multiple research sources Essay Writing To write clearly is to think clearly. We believe that a strong essay says something—It makes a statement, expresses an opinion, interprets and presents evidence to support a thesis.In each essay unit, students study mentor texts to understand the style and conventions of a broad array of essay genres: Opinion writing: From letters to the editor to opinion speeches, learn how to form and defend an argument with compelling evidenceLiterary analysis: Through close study of texts, craft in-depth analyses of themes, character development, and figurative languageInformative essays: Conduct research and synthesize sources to clearly and engagingly present information, evidence, and conclusionsNarrative: Write myths, legends, and historical fiction with a firm grasp on plot, setting, and character Our writing teachers take students through the writing process, emphasizing with each step how to approach all writing with a critical eye. Teachers offer detailed feedback on each draft, guiding students in writing introductions, topic sentences, supporting details, and conclusions.Students become adept at responding to feedback and making substantive revisions to produce polished essays. Sign up for our writing classes today! Online and in-person options available. Register Today Elementary School Student Essays English, Reading, and Writing GRADES 7–10 Class format: 2-hour class, once a week In English, Reading, & Writing, middle and high schoolers become analytical thinkers, deft writers, and confident public speakers, enriching their core academic skills prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. Our two-hour writing classes incorporate grammar lessons, reading comprehension practice, and writing units to teach students how to research, build, and support original ideas with clarity and precision.Online and in-person (Livingston, NJ) class options available. Minimum of four students, maximum of twelve students per class Class Schedule Register Today Importance of Writing Skills English writing skills are essential across all areas: EnglishSocial StudiesHistorySciences Private school applicationsCollege applicationsInternship applicationsJob applications Sign up now to grow crucial writing skills. Register Today Importance of Grammar Readability Writing filled with grammar mistakes is difficult to read and comprehend. Communication The better the grammar, the clearer the message, the better your message and meaning come across. Credibility As a writer who has mastered good grammar, you gain credibility among your peers and teachers. Poor grammar and typos are an immediate turn-off in college and job applications. Essay Writing Make your writing as unique and distinct as your personality. In our writing classes, learn how we can help you become strong writers, thinkers, and students on the page. In each essay unit, students study mentor texts to understand the style and conventions of a broad array of essay genres: Argumentative Writing: Craft compelling arguments with persuasive evidence and analysis. Literary analysis: Develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for high school and college-level English courses Informative analysis: Synthesize complex data and research into clear, concise reports in school and in the workplace Personal narrative: Confidently write personal statements for clubs, camps, internships, and college applications Essay feedback is more than just simple corrections —when utilized effectively, it is a form of one-to-one instruction, allowing the teacher to provide specific insights to the student’s strengths and weaknesses in the essay. Students develop targeted goals for subsequent drafts and enhance the sophistication of their writing abilities. Format of feedbackWritten feedbackOne-to-one verbal feedback during the classOne-to-one feedback during homework extra help class Sign up for our English, Reading, and Writing classes today! Register Today Middle School Student Essays Teaching Writing Skills at Different Ages GRADES K–2 Creative Writing Personal narrativesRealistic fiction storiesOpinion lettersPersuasive essaysPersuasive essays GRADES 3–8 Writing Process Informational essayPersuasive writingPersonal narrativesPersonal narratives GRADES 9–12 Essay Styles and Original Arguments Compare and contrast essaysClassification and definition essaysPersonal narratives with larger significances VSA Future Free Bonus Classes for English, Reading & Writing Courses Typing Practice Incoming 3rd grade students receive complimentary subscriptions to a typing practice program, to help them gain essential typing and computer skills. Writing Homework Help RW students (G3 and up) can sign up for free Writing Homework Help, which meets once a week. Want to Enroll Your Child? Experience premium-quality education from the comfort of home or at our Livingston learning center. Sign up with VSA Future Learning Center today! Enroll Now
