Elementary Writing Tutoring

Through incorporating regular reading paired with our individualized learning plans, we have been able to improve the reading and writing abilities of elementary students of all ages by building confidence, refining habits, and stimulating critical thinking.

What makes our writing tutoring program the best?

Thornhill Learning Center has over 10 years of experience improving the core reading and writing abilities of younger students. Through a specialized learning program, we guarantee a noticeable improvement in your child's basic reading and writing abilities within 3 months.

Writing Success Stories

Kai is in grade 5.

Over the course of the last year, we've found ways to get him from not writing at all, to writing short chapters on things he loves, like the game "Cuphead".

Yanni is in grade 6.

He started coming to our center on a weekly basis because he was having trouble not only organizing his thoughts on paper, but also being able to recall details. Over the last several months, he's gone from writing just a few sentences to pages on his most recent favorite movie.

Melissa is in grade 3.

She has been with us for years but recently had found that while her paragraphs and structure were good, they lacked details. With practice and daily exercises, in just a few months she is able to write 1-2 pages journal entries full of details in both French and English.

FAQ

How can my child can't write well even though he/she reads a lot?

While reading a lot can definitely help improve writing skills by exposing your child to various styles, vocabulary, and sentence structures, writing is a separate skill that requires its own practice. Reading and writing, although closely related, involve different processes. Here are some common reasons:

Lack of Writing Practice: Writing is a skill that improves with practice. Regularly writing essays, stories, or journal entries can help your child develop their writing skills.
Difficulty Organizing Thoughts: Some children struggle with organizing their thoughts and ideas in a coherent, logical manner. This can make their writing seem disjointed or unclear.
Limited Vocabulary: While reading often helps to build vocabulary, using those words in writing is a different skill. Your child may struggle to recall and use the words they've learned from reading when they're writing.
Grammar and Spelling Challenges: Even if your child understands what they read, they may struggle with the rules of grammar and spelling when it comes to writing.
Fear of Making Mistakes: Some children are afraid to express their thoughts in writing because they're worried about making mistakes. This can lead to overly cautious writing that lacks creativity or flair.

How can I practice journal writing with my child at home?

Journal writing can be a great way to help your child develop their writing skills and express their thoughts and feelings. Here are some steps you can take to practice journal writing with your child at home:

Get a Special Journal: Start by getting a special journal for your child. This can be a simple notebook or something fancier. Letting your child pick out their own journal can make the activity more exciting for them.
Establish a Routine: Make journal writing a part of your child's daily routine. This could be after school, or before bedtime. Consistency can help your child get into the habit of journaling.
Start with Prompts: If your child is new to journaling or has trouble coming up with what to write, you can provide them with prompts. These could be simple things like "What was the best part of your day?" or more complex topics like "Write about a time you felt really proud of yourself."
Make It Fun: Encourage your child to decorate their journal, use colorful pens, or even include drawings or stickers. This can make journaling more enjoyable for them.
Don't Critique: The purpose of journaling is to express thoughts and feelings freely. Avoid critiquing your child's spelling, grammar, or handwriting. The focus should be on the content and the practice of writing, not perfect execution.
Discuss Their Entries (If They're Open to It): If your child is comfortable with it, discuss their journal entries with them. This can help them process their feelings and deepen your understanding of what they're experiencing.

When I edit the writing with my child, what areas should I focus on?

Grammar and Spelling Check You can ask your child to explain grammar rules and provide examples. This can be an interactive way to learn and improve his/her grammar
Vocabulary Expansion: ask your child for synonyms or definitions. This can help expand your vocabulary and improve your word usage.
Sentence Structure: You can ask your child to rewrite your sentences in different ways, which can help his/her understand different sentence structures and styles.