Writing Tutor for Middle School & High School
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Archived Q&A and Reviews
Middle Schooler is struggling with writing
Feb 2015
My Longfellow middle schooler is struggling with writing. She reads a great deal of fiction but hates to write. We're looking for guidance -- how do you help your child with writing, how do you motivate your child to write, what outside help do you recommend, etc. Do you have a tutor that you recommend? Is there a summer camp that's for struggling writers? I can only find camps for accelerated writers. She needs to be with other kids who are struggling with writing. She needs motivation from someone who can teach her to love writing (or at least not hate it so much). Thanks for your help! Writer's Block
Do you think the writing programs at 826 Valencia would be fun for her? They're certainly intended to excite kids about writing. I wish I had other referrals for you. a writer
Barbara Lewis is an amazing writing coach. Also an educator, therapist and author. Barbara helped my oldest daughter from middle school through college essays. My high school junior works with her now. Even my husband has Barbara read his most important writing. She helps organize and tease out ideas. She is gentle, kind and highly qualified. I can't say enough good things about her. She is a writing coach at Berkeley High this semester. Her number is 510-350-6375. tm
The middle school years can be challenging ones for students. The workload increases, and the social pressures change as quickly as their hormones. Students are more sensitive than ever to perceived challenges and their ability to meet them. Has your daughter always ''hated'' writing? Is there a specific year in which you noticed her attitude toward writing forming? Are there particular types of writing she dislikes more than others? What kinds of feedback has she gotten about her writing? The good news is that your daughter loves to read, and sees the value and usefulness of the written word in her life. Barring any learning or processing issues (which I assume you may have already explored), her attitude toward writing can be improved. She may not learn that she has a secret burning desire to BE a professional writer, but she can certainly learn to approach writing tasks with confidence and enthusiasm. I have worked with reluctant writers since 1996, and would be happy to discuss how you can start to shift your daughter's approach to writing. Call Selaire Writing and Academic Coaching at 510-290-0208. Joellen H
Hi, Middle school is a very difficult time for students as they struggle both with maturing and academic issues. In my own tutoring practice, I strongly advise against parents helping their children. It just doesn't work. For help with writing in Berkeley, I recommend Jamie Keller at jamiekeller1 [at] gmail.com. For students who need help with expressing their ideas in the Lamorinda area, I am available also at julie.hemker [at] att.net. A trained educator, I work with students one-on-one so that they can achieve a level of self confidence that makes them successful. Good luck, 510 604-1174 Dr. Julie Hemker
Hi there, Classroom Matters offers individual coaching in writing as well as summer workshops for struggling writers. We work with many students with similar challenges and we are just down the street from Longfellow Middle School. Please give us a call to schedule a free consultation and check out our post in Announcements. 510-540-8646
In my humble opinion, the only way to learn to write is to write every day, at least one page per day. I would recommend he find a topic of interest and find something to write about it every day. It could be about experiences, shoes, sports, clouds, dreams. Any topic is fine. Use a computer or a spiral bound note book and pencil, or really any tools he likes. You stay out of it unless he asks for help. If he asks, make sure to find a detail about his writing you like and compliment him.