The goal of our Lower School Writing Course is to introduce lower grade students to the fundamentals of writing, including handwriting, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary. Through a variety of writing activities and assignments, students will develop their writing skills and learn how to express themselves effectively in writing.
In writing classes, students alternate between Great Writing (GW) or Writer's Workshop (WW). The main difference between the two is that Great Writing requires students to write more at length and focus on idea development and academic writing skills (structure, tone, organization), whereas Writer’s Workshop 1/2 focuses on improving students' grammar level in lower school.
Course Sequencing & Specializations
Grade Level | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
3-4 | Great Writing Foundations: An introduction to the mechanics of writing, focusing on sentence-level clarity, basic punctuation, and vocabulary building. * This class may be substituted by Reading & Writing Foundations | Great Writing 1: Expanding from sentences to basic paragraph structures using engaging, thematic content. |
4-5 | Writer’s Workshop 1: A grammar-intensive module designed to reinforce technical accuracy alongside unit-based paragraph composition. | Great Writing 2: Focused development of formal paragraph writing, emphasizing logical organization and descriptive detail. |
5-6 | Writer’s Workshop 2 (Semester 1): Focuses on advanced grammar-oriented mechanics and unit-based short-form composition. | Great Writing 3 (Semester 2): Transition to long-form writing (3+ paragraphs) across various academic genres. |
5-6 Advanced | John Locke 6 (Full-Year): A specialized skill-training course designed for students preparing for the prestigious John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize. | |
Feature | Writer’s Workshop (WW) | Great Writing (GW) |
Primary Focus | Strengthening grammar, syntax, and writing fluency. | Refining academic structure, tone, and organization. |
Core Objective | Building a rock-solid foundation in English mechanics. | Mastering formal essay structures and academic precision. |
Ideal Student | Students looking to bridge gaps in grammar and foundational writing. | Students with high proficiency seeking to polish their academic voice. |
What is Writer’s Workshop?
Developed by AEI’s expert faculty, this course is divided into modular units that target specific elements of composition. By dedicating significant time to grammar and editing, we ensure students develop the "internal monitor" necessary for high-quality writing.
| Teaching process | Description |
|---|---|
| Warm-up | Engaging, prompt-based exercises to stimulate creative thinking and immediate drafting. |
| Core Instruction | Introduction of specific writing techniques or narrative structures, followed by guided practice. |
| Rest | 5 minute break |
| Mechanical Mastery | Focused sessions on grammatical concepts to ensure technical accuracy. |
| Peer Review & Self-Editing | Students learn the vital skill of critiquing and refining their own work and that of their peers. |
Note: All essays receive detailed instructor feedback. Units conclude with a grammar assessment to ensure retention.
What is Great Writing?
National Geographic offers a wealth of learning resources, including articles, photos, and videos, providing students with real-life writing examples that they can use as inspiration for their own writing.
Students taking this course will have the opportunity to learn some of the more fundamental areas of academic writing, including structure, organization, and tone. Note: Students are required to submit writing assignments weekly.
Why Writing Classes at AEI?
- Life-Long Communication: Writing is a vital life skill; we empower students to articulate their thoughts and emotions effectively in any context.
- Critical Reasoning: The writing process demands logical organization and analytical thinking, directly enhancing a student’s problem-solving abilities.
- Academic Excellence: Success in higher education and professional life is inextricably linked to the ability to produce high-quality written work.
- Creative Self-Expression: We encourage students to find their unique voice, using imagination to present fresh perspectives and personal experiences.
In summary, AEI’s writing classes do more than teach grammar—they build the communication and critical thinking skills essential for modern academic success.
