Introduction
If you love to read, write, observe, learn, and talk with others about your thoughts, your discoveries, and your writing then these classes are for you. Challenge Primary Language Arts provides students with many opportunities for creative writing. We’ll try many different approaches to our writing, as well as different forms, and there will be something to appeal to everyone’s interests and abilities. We'll work on everything from poetry to fiction to playwriting
Sessions will encompass all aspects of language arts (reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking) with an emphasis on writing. Students will work with a number of different writing forms and topics, both individually and in small groups. We'll read the work of other writers and use their work as models as we discuss things like metaphor, simile, and personification. In addition to reading, we'll take some outdoor trips to trigger our imagination. And we'll work on revision as we prepare a class anthology.
Objectives
The Challenge Primary Language Arts program is designed to develop 3rd-4th grade students' language arts interests and abilities. Students will receive direct instruction, and they will do independent work. During class time, students will be expected to write, discuss, and dream. Students will share pieces of their own writing with each other. Occasionally, challenging assignments may be provided for home exploration.
Instruction
The Challenge Primary Language Arts program is designed to be an intensive mentorship program. We are committed to having high-quality instructors. Click here to read more about our instructors.
Class Size
Minimum of ten, maximum of fourteen students per class.
Testing
There will be no pre-testing or post-testing.
Text
There is no textbook for the course. Teacher-generated materials will be used.
Dates for Fall
Challenge Primary Language Arts is a one-semester program with 3 ½ hour classes (9 AM to 12:30 PM) taking place on five Saturdays during the fall semester (see site schedule link). Challenge classes will not be offered during the spring semester.
Location
Challenge Primary Language Arts classes will be offered in Iowa City (The University of Iowa) only.
Cost
Tuition is $340* for the semester’s five classes. This fee includes teacher salary, all of the costs for materials, and all curriculum development costs. The Belin-Blank Center underwrites the administrative costs, including the salary for a graduate assistant assigned to help with Challenge Primary Language Arts and any assessments that may be coordinated by the Belin-Blank Center.
*This is a semester fee, and we do not pro-rate the fees. There are no refunds or discounts for classes students must miss.
Financial aid is available for qualifying families.
Note
Please send a healthy snack (fruit, juice, crackers) to class with your child to enjoy during a mid-morning break.
For more information, please contact:
Catherine Blando, Ed.S - catherine-blando@uiowa.edu or
Susan Assouline, Ph.D - susan-assouline@uiowa.edu
(800)336-6463
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