FAQ

Question: When do the classes meet and for how long?

Answer: Because these are all online classes, there is not set meeting time or place. All communication takes place via email. Lectures and assignments are emailed out every Monday in Word documents. Assignments are due back on Friday of the same week. This gives students a week to complete assignments on their own time. Students are free to ask questions via email as often as they wish throughout the week. Classes run for an 8-week time period with the start date listed on the website.

Question: Are there textbooks required for any of these classes?

Answer: No textbooks required. Instructional lectures will be emailed each week.

Question: Are there any other materials required?

Answer: Besides a computer with email and word processing capability, no other materials are needed. If you need a recommendation for a basic English grammar reference, I usually refer to “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White.

Question: My son struggles with writing and does not really enjoy it. What class would you recommend?

Answer: I would recommend “Creative Writing for Kids.” Some of my previous students who struggled with an interest in writing and were more of a math/science background really excelled with creative writing. Composing a story takes away the pressure of more formulaic writing and the feeling that you are “doing schoolwork.” There are far fewer rules with creative writing which allows students to get excited about the idea of putting words on paper. I’ve found that, if a student learns to overcome a fear of writing and actually enjoys creating their own story, the other forms of writing such as essays come more easily.

Question: What is the difference between “The Basic Essay” and “The 5th-9th Grade Basic Research Paper” classes?

Answer: The Basic Essay Class is perfect for an introduction to writing. “The Basic Essay” class is geared toward students who struggle with writing and enables them to be walked through the steps of completing an entire paper. “The Basic Research Paper” is a little more challenging as it involves extra research as well as completing a bibliography page. Both classes assume a basic knowledge of English grammar.