An engaging and comprehensive class designed to develop young writers' skills in spelling, narration, and composition. This class is divided into several interactive and developmental stations, tailored to meet the needs of students from 1st to 4th grade.
Spelling Scholars
Integrated with our Spelling Scholars program, this class provides incremental spelling tests to enhance spelling proficiency. Every 10 minutes, the teacher will call out “Spelling Scholars Level 1”, “Level 2”, etc. Students in each level will come to the front, take a 5-minute spelling test, switch papers with a peer, and grade each other's work. This segment is designed to provide continuous assessment and improvement opportunities.
Note: Spelling is recommended only for students reading at an upper 2nd grade or early 3rd grade level. Once proficient, students should start with Spelling Level 1-2.
Narration Station
Narration activities focus on developing storytelling and writing skills through different levels of support:
1st-2nd Graders Students narrate their stories to a buddy who writes everything down. This can be done either by typing and printing or by writing out the narration.
2nd-3rd Graders Students transition from needing a buddy. The buddy writes the entire narration with correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Then, one sentence is used for the student’s copywork. This gradually increases to two sentences until the student is fully capable of writing their own narration.
3rd-4th Graders Students narrate stories to themselves and write them down independently.
Scribble Studio
A creative corner where students can visit throughout the class. Equipped with crayons, washable markers, regular and colored pencils, this station encourages students to draw pictures of their narrations. This is especially useful for 1st or 2nd graders who are waiting for a narration helper or have finished their narration.
Copywork / Dictation Duet
Weekly copywork and dictation exercises are essential components of the class:
1st-2nd Graders Students engage in traditional handwriting practice to develop their writing skills.
2nd-4th Graders Copywork is displayed on the board, set out at a station, or handed out to each student. Students practice writing accurately, paying attention to spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
Occasionally, the class will have a “Dictation Duet Day” where students pair up. One student reads the dictation to their partner, then they switch roles. Afterward, they exchange their work to grade each other's dictation.
Join us in Classical Composition, where students will not only improve their writing skills but also enjoy a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Required Materials: Natural Speller, Kathryn Stout (1 per family for 1st-8th grades)
All other materials including handwriting/copy book provided
Dates: Mondays Sem 1: 9/1/25 - 12/10/25 (breaks 10/20 & 11/17) Sem 2: 1/12/26 - 4/6 (breaks 2/23) |
Dates: Wednesdays Sem 1: 9/3/25 - 12/10/25 (breaks 10/22 & 11/26) Sem 2: 1/14/26 - 4/8/26 (breaks 2/25) |
Cost: |
After $50 enrollment fee |
Co-op Rate / Semester |
Drop-off Rate / Semester |
2 Full Days |
$55 |
$125 |
|
1 Full Day |
$67 |
$145 |
|
A la carte Classes |
$75 |
$175 |
*** Significant discounts are available for full-day enrollment and co-op families. ***
Contact Jenn MacDonald for questions (260) 445-3838.
St. Therese Catholic Church, 2304 Lower Huntington Rd., Fort Wayne, IN
* If a student has special needs, please contact the teacher to discuss any accommodations that might be made.
** All classes require online family registration
and enrollment. Year-long classes carry a $50 yearly enrollment fee. This enrolls your student in the class for the entire year. There is no need to re-enroll for 2nd semester. The cost of the class is due no later than the first day of each semester in an envelope labeled with your student's name & the class name with cash or a check made out to the teacher. Registration and Enrollment Fees are non-refundable.