This course takes a unique approach to teaching writing to early middle school students. Instead of skill drills and unmotivated assignments, students study good writers they already enjoy — like Lewis, Tolkien, L’Engle and others — to see how these writers catch the reader’s interest, and how audience, purpose, and genre shape their writing content. Students write their own creative work, including poetry, narratives, short stories, and personal essays, with each assignment divided into manageable elements that are built gradually into a finished piece of writing. Students learn grammar in the same tightly integrated composition process that gives them tools to construct rich, varied sentences without having to interrupt the enjoyment of writing to practice mechanics. Reflection activities allow students ample opportunity to work through their difficulties, recognize their strengths, and identify areas for growth.
Note: This course is for grade 7 or higher students whose writing is less developed due to a late start or earlier lack of direct instruction. It is suited for students from a literature-based humanities (e.g., “classical”) background who want to develop their writing with an expert teacher. It is also suited for reluctant writers who have basic skills but lack confidence. It is not suited for younger students seeking to accelerate their writing development.
Note: The Confident Comp courses are not a complete English Language Arts course. Students seeking a complete English Language Arts course should enroll in the appropriate level TPS English Lit Analysis and Comp course instead of the Confident Comp course.
Note: Students needing to strengthen their Grammar foundation are encouraged to take TPS Grammar Foundations for Elementary and Middle School Writing in the summer before this course.
Note: To get an additional boost in writing improvement, students are encouraged to take TPS Writing for Middle School in the summer before this course.