WRITING AND LITERATURE CLASSES

Approximate Time Required Outside Class Each Week: 30-45 Minutes Daily

 

Class Description:
Class time will be spent guiding your children through a variety of literature in order to maximize your students’ reading experiences. This will be done by providing activities that foster comprehension, higher level vocabulary and an understanding of various literary elements. Students will develop and enhance writing and speech communication skills through a variety of reader’s response questions and essays that they will complete and share in class. They will be guided through the basic steps for writing a successful paragraph. Once they gain a basic understanding for paragraph writing, we will move on to three paragraph essays. Students will also participate in a fifteen minute grammar lesson each week using the Easy Grammar curriculum. Homework will include assigned reading, vocabulary and comprehension questions each week. There may be times when students are asked to put the finishing touches on a writing assignment at home. For example, they might be asked to edit, revise and type an in-class writing assignment.

Supplies Needed:
1 1/2 inch 3 ring binder
5 Dividers
Notebook Paper
Books:
The Cricket in Times Square By: George Selden
Farmer Boy By: Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Indian in the Cupboard By: Lynne Reid Banks

Tuition:
Tuition is $500 for the year, split into 10 payments of $50 (due July 1, 2024-
April 1, 2025). The July payment should include the $50 supply fee.
There is a $50 supply/copy fee for this class because I print all grammar assignments, study guides and other materials. If paying by semester, the July 1, 2024 payment would be $300 and December 1, 2024 payment would be $250.

Class registration forms and tuition payments can be mailed to:
Lori Kelley
216 Skipper Jack Drive
Montgomery, TX 77316

Payments can also be made online through Zelle: Lori Kelley 281-813-4763

* A late fee of $10 will be added for fees received after the 10th of each month.

* If you have questions or concerns, you can reach Mrs. Kelley at
lorikelley@ttcclasses.com or by texting her at 281-813-4763

Creating Sentences- Grades 6th, 7th and 8th

Approximate Time Required Outside Class Each Week: 30-45 Minutes Daily

Class Description:
The Creating Sentences writing class is a sentence composition class designed for students who need extra help with sentence writing skills. Students will learn basic sentence composition and grammar skills using a variety of enjoyable topics and activities. We will cover common writing errors and equip your child for formal paragraph writing. Below is a list of topics we will touch on:
* Common writing errors: homonym confusion, proper and common noun confusion,
apostrophes in possessives and contractions, run-on sentences and incomplete sentences
* Construction of basic sentences and development into more interesting informative
sentences
* improving sentence structure using basic grammar and figures of speech
* verbs, adjectives, adverbs, compound sentences, prepositional phrases, alliteration, who/
which clauses, because clauses and paragraph writing
* creative poetry writing to reinforce writing skills
* games to reinforce writing skills

Curriculum:
Available online from The Write Foundation. Go to https://thewritefoundation.org and purchase
the Creating Sentences Student Worksheets (Cost $20)

Supplies Needed:
The student will need one 2” 3 ring binder, 7 binder dividers with tabs, wide ruled loose-leaf
notebook paper, pencils and pens, 5+ highlighters (pink, blue, yellow, orange, green, and
purple), a thesaurus, and a dictionary.
While this is not a literature course, a reading list will be provided either to be read
independently or as a family at home. Reading books will count as an assignment grade.

Tuition:
Tuition is $500 for the year, split into 10 payments of $50 (due July 1, 2023 – April 1, 2024) and
a one-time $35 supply/copy fee is due along with the July payment.

Payment Options:
Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed on the first of the month (July 1, 2024 – April 1, 2025)
The July check should be $85 to include the yearly supply fee.
Pay by semester (1st semester dated July 1, 2024, and 2nd semester dated December 1,
2024). No refunds will be given for canceling after July 1st. July check would be $280 and
December check would be $250
– Checks can be mailed to:

Lori Kelley
216 Skipper Jack Dr
Montgomery, TX 77316

Or you can use Zelle online Payment:

Lori Kelley 281-813-4763

*A late fee of $10.00 per class will be added for fees received after the 10th of each month.*
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach Mrs. Kelley at lorikelley@ttcclasses.com
or by texting 281-813-476

Junior High Literature and Written Analysis -Shelly Smyth

This class will focus on studying different types of literature from a Christian perspective. We will use study guides to help break down and analyze literature from a Biblical point of view. Students will learn to identify many literary techniques, such as setting, description, foreshadowing, symbolism, characterization, point of view, flashbacks, mood, plot, themes, conflict, protagonist, antagonist, simile, metaphor, figurative language, and resolution. Students will study vocabulary in context, throughout their novel studies, utilizing a number of different activities that encourage retention and understanding. Our goal for each novel study will be to strengthen their reading comprehension and encourage critical analysis of the literature. Students will also further develop their writing and analysis skills through reader’s response questions and essays.

This is a two-year cycle class. Students can take this class for two consecutive years and the
information covered will be different.
Homework will include:
*assigned reading from selected novel
*vocabulary that coincides with our novel
*comprehension questions
*literary analysis in a reader’s response format

 

Expected time outside of class will vary depending on students reading and writing speed, but average time spent will be about 3-4 hours a week.
Supplies Needed:
*3 ring binder
* set of 5 dividers
*notebook paper
*highlighter
*colored pen (any colors, other than black or blue are okay)
*4 assigned novels
*study guide to be printed at home

 

There will be a one-time supply fee of $25 to help cover copies and materials used in
class.
Tuition is $500 for the year. This can be split into 10 post-dated payments of $50 each
(due July 1, 2024 – April 1, 2025). The July payment should include the $25 supply fee.
If you would like to pay by semester, the July 1, 2024 payment would be $275 and the

December 1, 2024 payment would be $250.

 

Class Registration forms and tuition payments can be mailed to:
Shelly Smyth
8820 Catamaran Way
Montgomery, TX 77316

 

Book choices for the year:
*A Wrinkle in Time
*Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
*The Witch of Blackbird Pond
*The Hiding Place

 

Prerequisite:

Must have successfully passed the Creating Sentences Writing Class at TTC or taken the writing assessment/placement test to register for this class. Please email billiejocraig@ttcclasses.com to request the writing assessment.

Please do not help students with the assessment.

Expect to spend 3-4 hours a week on homework. Students must be able to follow all directions and complete an organization, outline, and paragraph each week using a checklist and no list.

Class Description:
The Sentence to Paragraph Writing class is designed for students who can write basic sentences and follow directions. This is a checklist-based class. The student learns how to incorporate grammar into writing more descriptive sentences, while also becoming skilled at the organizational process. Creative writing is taught by the inclusion of parts and figures of speech. There is also creative poetry incorporated into each lesson. It is recommended that all homework be typed. While this is not a literature course, a reading list will be provided either to be read independently or as a family at home. Reading books will count as an assignment grade worth 48 points for each semester. There will be no tests given in this class.

Class time:

The class is 1 hour and 15 minutes per week. The expected time outside of class each week needed for preparation and homework is about 3 hours.

This class is offered on both days. You can sign up for Mondays at Gracepoint or Tuesdays at Hope Church.

Curriculum to Order:

Available online for you to purchase from The Write Foundation.

Go to https://thewritefoundation.org/sentence-to-paragraph-level-1/ to purchase the student worksheets. Worksheets cost $20 + tax & shipping. I would recommend the option to get it mailed to you.

Second Option: This option is highly recommended especially if students struggle with writing. Order the Curriculum Package with student worksheets and teacher lesson books. The cost is $75 + tax. Go to https://thewritefoundation.org/order-curriculum-packages/

Be sure to Click on Level 1 – Sentence to Paragraph when ordering.

Supplies Needed for Purchase:

• 5” or 3″ 3 Ring Binder
• Pack of No 2 Pencils
• Pencil Pouch for Binder
• 7 Binder Dividers with Tabs and Labels – Label in this Order: Assignments, Checklists, Word Lists, Lesson Notes, Reading List, Graded Work, Worksheets.
• College-Ruled or Wide Ruled Loose-Leaf Filler Paper
• 5+ highlighters in these colors: pink, blue, yellow, orange, green, and purple
• A Small Thesaurus

Tuition:

Tuition is $500 for the year, split into 10 payments of $50 due on the first of each month (July 1, 2024 – April 1, 2025) and a one-time $25 supply/copy fee due along with the July payment. So, a $75 first-time payment just for July alone. The July payment holds your child’s spot in my class and will also cover the first week of May 2025. The supply fee covers materials that I need to purchase throughout the school year for the class, such as printer ink, printer paper, etc. throughout the school year. To register, please fill out The Training Center class registration form and mail it along with your first tuition payment and supply/copy fee to my home address (listed below).

Payment Options:

Your student is not fully registered until one of the following payment methods is confirmed.

1. Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed on the first of each month (July 1, 2024 – April 1, 2025)
2. Set up a bank draft with your bank to arrive at my address by the 1st of the month.
3. Pay electronically on the 1^st of the month through Zelle using my phone number
   – Pay for an entire year by semester (1st semester – $250+$25 supply/copy fee = $275 dated July 1, 2024, and 2nd semester – $250 dated December 1, 2024).
4. Write a check to pay $500 for a full year along with the $25 supply/copy fee.

– Checks can be mailed to my home address or dropped off at the front desk at TTC.

– Payments are due no later than the 10^th of the month

– If you need me to hold on to a check and wait to deposit it on a certain day, I can certainly do that. Please just let me know, and you will not be charged the late fee.

*A late fee of $10.00 will be added for class payments received after the 10^th of each month.*

– No refunds will be given for canceling the class after July 1st.

Contact Information:

Heidi Webb
Cell: 936-446-6627
Email: heidiwebb@ttcclasses.com
Mailing Address: 9613 Crystal Springs Drive, Conroe, TX 77303

 

Expect to spend 3-4 hours a week on homework. Students must be able to follow all directions and complete an organization, outline, and paragraph each week using a checklist and no list.

 

 Expected time outside class each week needed for preparation and homework – _varies depending on reading speed; expect 4-5_ hours.

 

This class will introduce students to the classics.  Literary elements will be explored at home with novels and in class with short stories and poetry.   We will learn to express thoughts about passages and ideas of the aspects of literature by writing one to five-paragraph essays throughout the year.

Supplies:

3 Ring Binder, notebook paper, pens, pencils, red pen, highlighters (a couple of colors)

Study guides will then be printed out at home, as needed.

All books are easy to find or borrow. The editions are suggested because they go with the study guides, if you use a different edition, students may have trouble knowing where to end reading each day.

There will be a one-time per-year supply fee of $15.00

Book final list will be published by July 1.

Books may include White Fang, The Importance of Being Earnest, Julius Caesar, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Great Expectations, and The Hobbit.

Tuition is $550 for the year, split into 10 payments of $55 (due Jul 2024-Apr 2025).

A copy fee of $15 is due in July. As we often turn students away, once you have reserved your space, there will be no refunds given after July 1.

Payment options: (Indicate on your registration form which one you would like to use:

1) Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed each month (Jul 2024-Apr 2025) The first check dated July 1 is $70.00 because it includes the supply/copy fee.  The remaining 9 checks are $55.

2) Set up auto payments with your bank to arrive on the 1st of the month beginning in August. The first payment of $75 is due with registration to hold your spot.

3) Pay for an entire year by semester 1^st semester ($290 includes supply fee) dated July 1, and 2^nd semester ($275) dated Dec 1.

4. Zelle online pay is automatically set for the 1st of each month, August through April. (To hold your spot, you must submit July with a supply fee.) Use my phone number for this option.

Contact info: Billie jo Craig 936-203-2866, Address: 3214 Felton Springs Dr., Spring, TX 77386.

Email: billiejocraig@ttcclasses.com

Must have successfully completed Basic Paragraph class or taken an assessment. Email Billiejocraig@ttcclasses.com for the assessment.

Expected time outside class each week needed for preparation and homework – varies depending on reading speed; expect 4-5_ hours. Students must be able to follow all directions and complete brainstorms/organizations, outlines, rough drafts, and final papers.

Highly recommended 10th-12th grade as it prepares for college essays.

This writing class uses The Write Foundation–Essay Writing curriculum by Becky Celsor. Essay Writing is a fundamental approach covering 5-paragraph essays and creative poetry with advanced figures of speech. The class will review and strengthen organizational skills, such as note-taking, brainstorming, outlines, rough drafts, editing, and logical reasoning. The student will examine, develop, and reinforce their skills in writing 5-paragraph essays, longer essays, and one basic research paper. The last six weeks are spent mastering timed essays to prepare them for college tests and entrance exams.

Students will be required to read from an approved list to complete the credit for English.

Supplies: The student must purchase the Essay Writing Student Worksheet set from Order Worksheets Only – The Write Foundation (Essay Writing Worksheets) (I do a bulk order in July for a discount price).

3-ring binder (2 – 3 inch)

6 hi-liters (orange, pink, blue, yellow, green, purple, and one more any other color)

Notebook divider tabs.

Printing Fee of $15.00

Tuition is $550 for the year, split into 10 payments of $55 (due Jul 2024-Apr 2025).

A copy fee of $15 is due in July. As we often turn students away, once you have reserved your space, there will be no refunds given after July 1.

Payment options: (Indicate on your registration form which one you would like to use:

1) Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed each month (Jul 2024-Apr 2025) The first check dated July 1 is $70.00 because it includes the supply/copy fee.  The remaining 9 checks are $55.

2) Set up auto payments with your bank to arrive on the 1st of the month beginning in August. The first payment of $75 is due with registration to hold your spot.

3) Pay for an entire year by semester 1^st semester ($290 includes supply fee) dated July 1, and 2^nd semester ($275) dated Dec 1.

4. Zelle online pay is automatically set for the 1st of each month, August through April. (To hold your spot, you must submit July with a supply fee.) Use my phone number for this option.

Contact info: Billie jo Craig 936-203-2866, Address: 3214 Felton Springs Dr., Spring, Tx 77386. billiejocraig@ttcclasses.com

The expected time outside class each week needed for preparation and homework varies depending on reading speed.  The average will be 4 – 5 hours per week.

Students will use study guides to read through classics. We will read works in their entirety from various time periods of British History. We will learn to express thoughts about passages and ideas of the time period in discussions and by writing one to five-paragraph papers throughout the year. There will also be a research paper.

Supplies and Fees: 3 Ring Binder, notebook paper, pens, pencils, red pen, and a highlighter. Study guides will be printed at home.

The book list will be final by JULY 1, but may include but not limited to:

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Beowulf, Utopia, Othello, She Stoops to Conquer, A Christmas Carol, Alexander Pope, Frankenstein, Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Arms and the Man

Tuition is $550 for the year, split into 10 payments of $55 (due Jul 2024-Apr 2025).

A copy fee of $10 is due in July. As we often turn students away, once you have reserved your space, there will be no refunds given after July 1.

Payment options: (Indicate on your registration form which one you would like to use:

1) Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed each month (Jul 2024-Apr 2025) The first check dated July 1 is $65.00 because it includes the supply/copy fee.  The remaining 9 checks are $55.

2) Set up auto payments with your bank to arrive on the 1st of the month beginning in August. The first payment of $65 is due with registration to hold your spot.

3) Pay for an entire year by semester 1^st semester ($285 includes supply fee) dated July 1, and 2^nd semester ($275) dated Dec 1.

4. Zelle online pay is automatically set for the 1st of each month, August through April. (To hold your spot, you must submit July with a supply fee.) Use my phone number for this option.

Contact info: Billie jo Craig 936-203-2866, Address: 3214 Felton Springs Dr., Spring, TX 77386.

Email: billiejocraig@ttcclasses.com

American Literature – 9^th-12^th – Billie jo Craig

 

Expected time outside class each week needed for preparation and homework – _varies depending on reading speed, expect 4-5_ hours

We will read works in their entirety from various time periods of American History and learn to write about the works. Study guides with questions that go with the book are assigned four days each week. Class time will be spent reading and evaluating various genres of literature. We will learn to express thoughts about passages and ideas of the time period by writing one to five-paragraph essays throughout the year.

Supplies:

3 Ring Binder, notebook paper, pens, pencils, red pen, highlighters (a couple of colors)

Study guides will be printed out at home, as needed.

All books are easy to find or borrow. The editions are suggested because they go with the study guides, if you use a different edition, students may have trouble knowing where to end reading each day.

The booklist will be announced by July 1.

Some Possible Books:  The Scarlet Letter, The Red Badge of Courage, The Princess Bride, Up From Slavery, Our Town, The Great Gatsby, The Mouse That Roared.

 

To register: please fill out the Training Center Class Registration form and mail it along with your $70.00 payment dated July 1 (first tuition payment and printing fee). There are 9 more tuition payments of $50.00 (due on the 1st Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., March, April). A late fee of $10.00 per class will be added for payments received after the 10th of each month.

Contact info: Billie jo Craig 936-203-2866, Address: 3214 Felton Springs Dr., Spring, TX 77386. billiejocraig@ttcclasses.com

Payment options:

1) Write 10 post-dated checks to be cashed on the first of the month (July -April)

2) Set up a bank draft to arrive at the 1st of the month

3) Pay by semester (1^st semester dated July 1, and 2^nd semester dated Dec 1).

 

No refunds will be given after July 1.