beginning February 2019:
Currently offering classes in Writing, Literature, & History via Outschool. Please check my listings there.
Reading & Writing, Literature & History: Classes for Homeschoolers & Others
All classes provide rich, lively opportunities for understanding and integrating literature, and her cousin history, into our lives. These include creative response in a variety of media as well as research and writing stemming from the topics at hand.
Classes are small, with strong individualized support for each student. All classes incorporate the development of fluency in reading and writing, according to the ages, abilities, and interests of the children. The development of this fluency (and joy!) will happen in a variety of ways depending upon the class; please see course descriptions below.
All classes can be modified to fit the age & interest range of the individuals & the group.
The Art of the Essay
In this class we will be considering the essay as a living literary form, with the study and discussion of historical and contemporary essays (of relevance to the students' interests) occurring alongside the development of their own fluency and confidence in the form.
Works & Lives
Studying & responding to the lives & works of artists & other inventors, as well as their cultural and historical contexts.
Creative Writing Workshop
Poetry & Songwriting Workshop
Fashionista (6 & up)
A survey of the history of modern dress in Europe and the US, with a focus on women designers from Claire McCardell to Miuccia Prada, their emancipatory influence as well as other cultural contexts and significance. We will respond to these histories in multiple fashions (!), including creating sketches for our own lines (gathered together as artists' books or portfolios), adorning ourselves and each other, and researching and writing about the designer of our choice, or about a theme that runs through the history we will be investigating. "A girl should be two things: who and what she wants." -- Coco Chanel
Introduction to Literature (12 & up; could be adapted for 9 & up)
We will develop an understanding of literary terms, procedures, theory, and history through the study of contemporary poetry & fiction, and use this knowledge to develop fluency in writing about literature.
20th Century American Literature by Women (14 & up; could be adapted for 9 & up)
In this class we will build on skills developed in Introduction to Literature (or elsewhere) while exploring US women writers’ contributions to 20th century literary movements including the Harlem Renaissance, Left Bank Modernism, “the Beats,” & the Native American Renaissance.
East Bay History (12 & up; could be adapted for 9 & up)
A survey of local history through the works of local authors over the last 250 years.
Fairy Adventures
All ages welcome; a mix of Rhymes & Adventures and Fairy Workshop, as described just below.
Rhymes & Adventures (ages 4 & up)
We will get a sense of the history and liveliness of literature by interacting with numerous versions of selected fairy tales, songs, and rhymes. We will explore the realms of fan fiction, narration, illustration, & dioramas. We will make our own versions of inherited stories and songs; we will envision sequels and extensions. We will read and play and make and write, creating and inhabiting our own rhymes and adventures.
Fairy Workshop (ages 5 & up)
Fairy literature & lore, & arts & crafts, including dress up, face paint, and play. We will study a variety of texts and art relating to fairies and we will make our own worlds, both in miniature and in play and adornment, as well as in writing, singing, and other forms.
Currently offering classes in Writing, Literature, & History via Outschool. Please check my listings there.
Reading & Writing, Literature & History: Classes for Homeschoolers & Others
All classes provide rich, lively opportunities for understanding and integrating literature, and her cousin history, into our lives. These include creative response in a variety of media as well as research and writing stemming from the topics at hand.
Classes are small, with strong individualized support for each student. All classes incorporate the development of fluency in reading and writing, according to the ages, abilities, and interests of the children. The development of this fluency (and joy!) will happen in a variety of ways depending upon the class; please see course descriptions below.
All classes can be modified to fit the age & interest range of the individuals & the group.
The Art of the Essay
In this class we will be considering the essay as a living literary form, with the study and discussion of historical and contemporary essays (of relevance to the students' interests) occurring alongside the development of their own fluency and confidence in the form.
Works & Lives
Studying & responding to the lives & works of artists & other inventors, as well as their cultural and historical contexts.
Creative Writing Workshop
Poetry & Songwriting Workshop
Fashionista (6 & up)
A survey of the history of modern dress in Europe and the US, with a focus on women designers from Claire McCardell to Miuccia Prada, their emancipatory influence as well as other cultural contexts and significance. We will respond to these histories in multiple fashions (!), including creating sketches for our own lines (gathered together as artists' books or portfolios), adorning ourselves and each other, and researching and writing about the designer of our choice, or about a theme that runs through the history we will be investigating. "A girl should be two things: who and what she wants." -- Coco Chanel
Introduction to Literature (12 & up; could be adapted for 9 & up)
We will develop an understanding of literary terms, procedures, theory, and history through the study of contemporary poetry & fiction, and use this knowledge to develop fluency in writing about literature.
20th Century American Literature by Women (14 & up; could be adapted for 9 & up)
In this class we will build on skills developed in Introduction to Literature (or elsewhere) while exploring US women writers’ contributions to 20th century literary movements including the Harlem Renaissance, Left Bank Modernism, “the Beats,” & the Native American Renaissance.
East Bay History (12 & up; could be adapted for 9 & up)
A survey of local history through the works of local authors over the last 250 years.
Fairy Adventures
All ages welcome; a mix of Rhymes & Adventures and Fairy Workshop, as described just below.
Rhymes & Adventures (ages 4 & up)
We will get a sense of the history and liveliness of literature by interacting with numerous versions of selected fairy tales, songs, and rhymes. We will explore the realms of fan fiction, narration, illustration, & dioramas. We will make our own versions of inherited stories and songs; we will envision sequels and extensions. We will read and play and make and write, creating and inhabiting our own rhymes and adventures.
Fairy Workshop (ages 5 & up)
Fairy literature & lore, & arts & crafts, including dress up, face paint, and play. We will study a variety of texts and art relating to fairies and we will make our own worlds, both in miniature and in play and adornment, as well as in writing, singing, and other forms.