Lang Arts / English

For complete COURSE DESCRIPTIONS, click on Course Title below in chart and/or go to Class Registration

For complete TEXTBOOKS/SUPPLIES, click on Course on Class Registration 

For TUTOR BIOGRAPHIES, click on Tutor Name in below chart and/or go to Class Registration

For assistance in choosing the correct class, please see WEST's Class Track Guidelines

Tuition Payments are broken up with two payments for semester classes and four payments for annual classes

 

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature encourages students to “unlock” the mysteries within literature by teaching analytical techniques, literary elements, and literary devices using the IEW approach. Students will learn how to read, infer, analyze, and write about literature, going beyond memorization of the elements of literature to applying them and even appreciating them. As not all readings come from a Christian worldview, author worldview will be discussed, as well as the power of literature to influence. Short stories and poetry will be the focus, utilizing discussion and small group activities in class, as well as reading, writing, and projects at home. Students will end the course well-prepared for upper level literature classes with practical experience in literary analysis and interpretation.

Essay Writing
Every day the ability to communicate through the written word is vital. In this year- long class, students will be engaging with and developing different genres of essays in order to become stronger communicators through writing. This course will encounter writing styles such as opinion, cause & effect, compare & contrast, persuasive, informative/research, descriptive as well as poetry, creative writing and emailing, interviewing skills. Learning how to create a strong thesis statement is key throughout this class.

Students will focus on excellence, creative expression, and collaboration in practicing the elements of writing from a variety of perspectives as listed above.

As students learn to write, some grammar will be reviewed; they will need grammar at home using an outside resource. Below are a couple possibiltiies to consider ordering and utilizing: Easy Grammar by Wanda C Phillips, Fix It! Grammar by Pamela White.

This course is a fabulous follow-up to Writing Fundamentals and Journalism or before Journalism. Students need to practice their foundational writing skills as they prepare for high school, college work, career and life in general. This course is it!

Introduction to Communication/Speech
In numerous studies of CEO’s and employers, the ability to communicate is cited as the number one job skill. In this year-long Introduction to Communication and Speech, students will develop this critical skill by learning to organize their thoughts in prepared presentations, by using effective delivery techniques (eye contact, body language, vocal variety) and by practicing interpersonal communication skills. Every student will speak almost every class session–some giving prepared speeches, some giving impromptu speeches and some evaluating speeches. Every student also will have the opportunity to give a personal testimony of faith.

Skills: Effective listening, critical thinking, organization of ideas, controlling nervousness, techniques of persuasion and influence, conflict resolution, impromptu speaking, storytelling, using logic and emotion to engage and persuade, time management, delivery techniques, providing helpful feedback to others.

Great Books
Great books and literature are great for a reason: they can change the life of those who read them. In this class, students will read, enjoy, and delve into novels, short stories, and writings that span a variety of authors, genres, and eras. Through spirited discussion, meaningful activities, short writing exercises, and brief history overviews for context, students will develop an appreciation and understanding of the importance and application of the themes and ideas presented within each piece. The primary goal is for each student to walk away having been truly affected by these works of literature. Some of the great literature we will be reading are: The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, The Giver by Lois Lowry, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and Night by Elie Wiesel.

This class is an excellent precursor or follow up to Analyzing & Interpreting Lit as the tone is set at any time to engage with solid literature in a variety of ways.

Middle School Communication, Conversation, & Character

This course will teach the art of conversation, teaching skills from “hello” to “farewell.” We will draw from Biblical values to build character as we train in language arts, speech, communication, and good manners. This class aims to instill in students the qualities of good character that build a successful foundation for life.

NOTE: Students who took “Conversation, Character & Communication” in the Fall of 2023, may sign up for Spring 2025 Semester only and complete Part 2 of the course for $185 + class fee/prizes

Writing Fundamentals Levels: 1/2, 1, and 2 - FAQs
*All writing classes are full year courses. A tuition payment will also be required for the second semester of this class.

Class Description: Writing Fundamentals 1/2, Writing Fundamentals 1, and Writing Fundamentals 2 will be using the Institute for Excellence in Writing method to teach students strong foundational writing. From note taking, structural and stylistic techniques, creative writing, and report writing to more advanced skills such as timed essays and critiques, students will learn skills that will prepare them for high school, PSEO, and college-level writing assignments.

THREE LEVELS of Writing Classes: Starting at the elementary level, students need as many years of writing practice as possible before proceeding to high school and PSEO courses where quality writing skills are an expected medium for learning. It takes time and repeated practice to digest effective writing skills, and students must start with small bites and gradually work to greater challenges. Thus, these writing classes offer three levels: Writing Fundamentals 1/2 for grades *5-7, Writing Fundamentals 1 for grades 7-9, and Writing Fundamentals 2 for grades 8-10. Based on a principle of mastery, these courses provide time and space for meaningful practice, growing competence, and significant refinement of individual style.

Parental Involvement: Parents must proofread all assignments. To better nurture, reinforce and benefit from these skills, parents of younger students are enthusiastically encouraged to attend classes with their students. Assignment and checklists must be downloaded.

*NOTE: Regardless of past writing experience, ALL NEW STUDENTS MUST START AT Writing Fundamentals 1/2 or Writing Fundamentals 1

Level 1/2 is not required, but it is highly recommended before Writing Fundamentals 1. Students should repeat Writing 1/2 and/or Writing Fundamentals 1 until they are ready to move on. Level 1 is recommended to be taken for two years so the student is solidly prepared for Level 2. Each year the same units are taught with all new assignments. It is best to take the Writing classes consecutively until the student has successfully mastered all Writing Fundamentals levels. Level 2 has a prerequisite – a student must have completed two years of Level 1 or have teacher approval to register.

Regardless of past writing experience, no mid-year entry is allowed. Students must take Fall and Spring semesters of each level within the same school year to complete that level.