IPM School Special 2017

Emerson School and Hacienda School

The Gift of Writing Well

Every summer, Emerson School of Palo Alto and Hacienda School of Pleasanton open their doors and offer their innovative programs in a camp-like setting to outside students who want to share in the summer adventures. Students discuss literary, film, and music “texts,” produce a series of writing products in response to them, and respond to ideas and concepts our teachers introduce in conversation. At key points throughout the day the faculty provide students with individual- ized coaching in thinking, conversing, writing, revis- ing, and presentation skills. THREE DIFFERENT COURSES Three courses are offered during the summer of 2016. “Expository Writing” focuses on writing mechanics and prose forms used in school assignments. “Creative Writing” encourages the development of self-expression and imagination. “Presentation Techniques” develops public speaking skills, with an emphasis this year on the

use of persuasive appeals, tools, and techniques.

HELP STUDENTS LOVE WRITING The goal of the Write Now! program is to encourage students to love writing because the more they enjoy it, the more they will write and the better at writing they will become. This is done four ways: by (a) engaging students in intriguing material, (b) writing quickly, (c) writing a lot, and (c) only sometimes focusing on the mechanical flaws of punctuation and spelling. The absence of letter grades also helps students enjoy the whole writing process. At the end of each day, students have an opportunity to go back and complete unfinished pieces as well as rewrite pieces they like. These works are then pre- sented to the whole group in the “Authors’ Workshop.” Parents are invited and, indeed, encouraged to attend these sessions. PARENTS ARE ASTONISHED Many parents are surprised by how much their stu- dents enjoy writing when given a chance to do it in a Write

CULTIVATING ASTONISHING POTENTIAL!

• Individualized Montessori curriculum • Emphasis on thinking skills & personal values • International curriculum (Chinese, Spanish)

• Superior academic preparation • Year-round, full-day program • Business calendar Hacienda School

Emerson School 650-263-4749 Palo Alto www.EmersonPaloAlto.com

925-302-6587 Pleasanton www.HaciendaSchool.com

30 www.indiaparentmagazine.org

School Special 2017

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