Reading and writing classes

Typical 60‑Minute Writing Studio

Parents often ask what happens during a single class session. Every Masterpiece Writing Studio follows a consistent, predictable 60‑minute instructional routine designed to maximize learning and engagement.

1. Writing Warm Up & Sharing

• Short mentor text or excerpt
• Discussion of the author’s craft 
• Vocabulary or language focus

2. Writing Strategy Lesson 

• Explicit instruction 
• Teacher modeling 
• Clear success criteria

3. Guided Writing Time 

• Students apply the skill to their own writing
• The teacher circulates for individual conferencing
• Real‑time feedback and coaching

4. Sharing & Feedback 

• Students share selected work
• Peer and teacher feedback tied to the rubric

5. Reflection & Next‑Step Goal

• Students reflect on progress
• Set a writing goal for the next class

Why This Routine Works

• Balances reading, instruction, and writing

• Keeps students actively engaged

• Builds independence and confidence

• Allows measurable progress every session

Elementary Writing Studio (Grades K–2)

Purpose: Build foundational literacy, sentence fluency, and early writing confidence

Skills Addressed:

• Sentence formation and clarity
• Story structure 
• Oral language and retelling
• Early opinion and narrative writing

Outcomes:

• Confident early writers
• Strong sentence control
• Positive writing habits

Upper Elementary Writing Studio | Grades 3–5

Purpose: SOL‑aligned genre mastery and paragraph development

Genres Covered:

• Narrative writing 
• Expository/informational writing
• Opinion & persuasive writing
• Poetry and literary response

Key Instructional Elements:

• Prewriting strategies 
• Drafting with content focus
• Peer and teacher feedback
• Revision and editing
• Published final pieces

Outcomes:

• Organized paragraphs and essays
• Clear voice and detail
• SOL‑ready writing skills with depth

Middle School Writing Studio (Grades 6–8)

Purpose: Academic writing, argument, and critical thinking

Genres Covered:

• Multi‑paragraph essays

• Argumentative and persuasive writing

• Narrative nonfiction

• Text‑based responses

Outcomes:

• Clear thesis development

• Strong evidence and reasoning

• Confidence in academic writing

Writing Seminar | Gr 9–12 

Purpose: College‑ and career‑ready writing

Focus Areas:

• Analytical and argumentative essays
• Research writing
• Style, voice, and clarity
• Portfolio development

Outcomes:

• College‑level composition skills
• Strong written communication
• Preparedness for advanced coursework

How to Join a Writing Studio

Enrollment in the Masterpiece Academy Writing Classes begins with a $95  Literacy Snapshot, required for all new students. This non‑refundable assessment includes a writing sample that allows our instructors to accurately evaluate each student’s reading and writing strengths.

Using this baseline data, students are grouped by skill level rather than solely by age, ensuring instruction is appropriately paced and supportive. This placement process is essential to the success of our Writing Studios and is why classes are closed‑enrollment.

If a family chooses to enroll after placement, the $95 assessment fee is applied to the first tuition payment as a deposit to reserve the student’s seat in the class.

Assessment ensures the right fit, strong instruction, and meaningful progress from the very first session.