We recognize that not all children are the same, so we group students according to their ability, not their grade level. That is why there is an overlap between our classes.
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FOUNDATIONAL LITERACY
Level A1 (grades 4-5), Level A2 (grades 5-6)
Strong reading comprehension skills impact learning in all subjects. Reading comprehension is the ability to process what is read, understand its meaning, and connect it to what you already know.
We will teach students strategies to read actively:
- preview a passage and utilize text features
- annotate (take notes) as they read
- highlight only the most important parts of the passage
- analyze, question, and identify what they know and what they need to learn more about
- respond effectively to questions using complete sentences and sufficient details
Students will also:
- learn grammar and punctuation concepts
- strengthen their vocabulary and sentence fluency
- develop their paragraph structure
- build their confidence while learning public speaking skills
PRE-ESSAY WRITING
Level B1 (grades 6-7), Level C1 (grades 7-8)
We use a unique approach to teaching writing skills. With our methodology, students will read critically and learn how to take effective notes in a brief outline. Once students have drafted their rough work, we show them how to revise their rough drafts and then edit their work in partners. This is a key step to improving their writing results and enhancing their interpersonal skills.
Our students will work with non-fiction and fiction material. In addition, through weekly vocabulary exercises, students will build a rich repertoire of words, improving their ability to choose the best words to express their ideas.
Finally, to develop their confidence and public speaking skills, students will learn to deliver short presentations with confidence, poise, and good articulation.
ESSAY WRITING
Level B2 (grades 7-8), Level C2 (grades 8-9)
Writing essays develops critical thinking skills, which enables students to solve problems effectively and make sound decisions throughout their life. Our students will gather research, analyze the information collected, develop an opinion to make an argument and finally present their conclusion to convince their reader.
We have essay writing classes to advance the skills of writers at various levels. All of our classes offer a variety of different essay styles such as expository, persuasive, compare and contrast, personal narratives, etc. Students will work through each step of the writing process (research, outlines, drafting, revising & editing and publishing) in detail.
In addition, our students will continue to improve their vocabulary and public speaking skills, presenting speeches of longer length and complexity.
Literary Analysis and Essay Writing
E1 (grades 9-10), E2 (grades 11-12)
The E1 and E2 programs are for motivated and high-performing students who are university-bound. The programs focus on writing the formal long paragraph and essay responses as required by the Ontario high school English curriculum.
The E1 and E2 programs emphasize both the quality and the process of writing. Students learn to apply decoding skills to texts: these train students to use higher-level thinking when analyzing texts for assignments. Students follow a writing process that enables them to organize their ideas into a smooth and logical introduction, body, and conclusion, using sound English conventions and style.