Once Upon a Pen

ABOUT THE COURSE

Before College Comes Craft was developed in 2018 as level 3 of The Denim Beret Writing Program.  Level 3 is different from the other two levels in important ways.  First, many students will find that the course is actually easier and less intensive than levels 1 and 2.  This is because in level 3 we move from a focus on fundamental composition theory to a focus on more subjective, artistic concepts, while still staying grounded in non-fiction.  Second, in level 3 students advance to research writing skills, such as notetaking, and they will focus for the first time on the six traits of excellent writing that have been only lightly discussed in previous levels.  As with level 2, though, they will continue to read and discuss critically-acclaimed essays from The Seagull Reader:  Essays, by Joseph Kelly.  All students must purchase this book as part of their supplies for the course.

Level 3 is also different from the other levels in that it has not been student-tested as much as the previous levels have been, so the tuition will remain at a reduced rate for the coming year. The information below is for the correspondence course only. A live, online version is offered in combination with the Before Epics Come Essays (level 2) live, online course. Please see the level 2 page for more information.

Parents should be aware that despite the lighter touch to this course, it is challenging. Students need to have a strong mastery of the skills taught in levels 1 and 2.  Because I do not reteach any of these skills in level 3, students may enroll in Before College Comes Craft only after completing level 2 or after passing an entrance assessment.

Students who are ready for Before College Comes Craft…

• can write a well-developed, multi-paragraph essay with a strong thesis statement.
• can develop an informal and formal outline correctly.
• have fairly strong grammar and mechanics skills.
• are willing to revise their writing multiple times.
• have access to a library system and the internet (research writing).
• are willing to go deeper with writing than academic essentials.
• are in 8th grade or higher.

LIVE COURSE: See the Before Epics Come Essays page.

CORRESPONDENCE COURSE:

* open to students in grades 8-12 (best sequence:  level 1 = gr. 6-8; level 2 = gr. 7-9; level 3 = gr. 8-10)

* year-round start date; level 3 must be completed within one calendar year (grades 9-12) or within two calendar years (8th grade and special circumstances)

*technical requirements:   webcam, microphone, headset or speakers, scanner or digital camera for handwritten assignments, and the following Google apps:  Gmail, Chat, Meet, Drive, and Classroom

Special beta pricing! Tuition: $350 + $25 non-refundable registration fee. 

To register, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/KGyZ8gu8CpQCg2HQ6

Questions? Contact me here.

Not sure? Ask me for a sample lesson of your choice! Grading is not offered for sample lessons, but you will receive the entire lesson to examine at no cost. Please note that sample lessons do not include workshops.