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1 on 1 Private Tutoring
for Teens & Children
Creative Writing for
Motivated Teens
Most of my teen students begin with a passion for creative writing. Together we start on a journey to pursue progressive levels of craft and achievement.
Level 1 Beginning:
Often learners have either many, many ideas for stories or one a big idea worthy of writing an entire novel. I'll listen to their ideas, helping them navigate the process of getting everything down on the page, and nurture them towards the process of completing a manuscript.
Level 2 Learning:
Most teens--and adults--have difficulty finishing a complete draft of a story or novel. It's not only common for stories to be unfinished, but it's important to realize that it's okay. There's a serious amount of enrichment taking place in writing a draft. Even attempting to write something big, develops a set of skills:
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improved focus
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ability to integrate multiple elements into a cohesive whole (which transfers to academic writing)
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development of imagination
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creative problem solving skills
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oral presentation skills
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ability to analyze prose
Don't you want all that as a parent? Yes, you do.
Level 3 Finishing:
Any teen who can finish a book long manuscript (unedited & without the use of AI) is gifted. They are the marathon runners of the writing world: tired, but full of confidence from writing an entire book. Many of these writers go on to edit their work until it's worthy of publication. Few their age can accomplish this, and it can be a slog. That's because editing requires a completely different set of skills than it takes to write the draft. I am here to rally your learner, encourage them, and and provide gentle accountability. A completed manuscript draft or an edited novel ready for publication can be documented by the student and myself for college applications. This raises the chances of being, in the words of one prestigious college admissions dean, "a stand out applicant".
Level 4 Publication:
The pathways towards publication these days are many, and again, this is a completely different journey from everything that came before. However, for those that are ready to keep going, I relish helping them navigate the world of publishing and set their feet on the path towards success.
English Language Arts Customized
I use Common Core State Standards combined with a learner's own interests to create fun, individualized curriculum. (Please see my projects page.)
As a university instructor, I see the aim of ELA as helping the learner become skilled in producing many different forms of writing products using different elements of media--no matter what the content. I have some teens who begin working below their academic grade level and some gifted kids working far above theirs.
Assignments, taught in a friendly and fun way, focus on reading analysis skills, study skills, and techniques in comparing and contrasting. When students are ready, we begin forming research based questions, to create analytic argument in papers that utilize quality sources. These term papers are excellent preparation for the requirements of higher education.
Tutoring for Gifted
Teens & Kids
There are many stereotypes about gifted youths, however, gifted kids can be all races, all sizes, all genders. Gifted kids do not necessarily get good grades, complete assignments, or seem moody and strange. Most of all, gifted kids can be creative.
I often work with gifted teens and children, some as young as seven, formulating a plan with their parents to follow the passion of the learner. This may range over many topics and usually, but not always, can take the form of writing, drawing, or English Language Arts. We often meld these elements together. See my special projects page for more examples of alternative forms projects can take.
Availability
Availability
Teens
Kids
Looking for a group experience for your child? I sometimes offer online workshops and summer camps for children and teens.
Testimonials
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