Reflective Writing: Introduction to the Personal Essay, Grades 6-8
Build your confidence with writing experiences that go beyond the academic subjects in order to explore your unique point of view
8 class sessions, 1.5 hours per class (12 hours of instruction)
January 14 - March 4
Tuesdays, 4:00- 5:30 p.m. PST
Course Description:
The most exciting subject you have to write about might be the one staring back at you in the mirror! In this class students will engage in fun conversations and brainstorms that will connect them to unique aspects of their life and experience. They will observe and practice the tricks and tools writers use to turn their point of view into powerful personal storytelling. When students get excited to write about their own life, that often translates into stronger academic writing as well as more insightful and self-aware personal writing down the line, which will help prepare students for the reflective writing they will need to be able to do in the future.
Instructor Biography:
Michelle Reigstad has taught at Glendora High School in the San Gabriel Valley for 25 years. She teaches AP Research, AP English Language, and ELD, and loves working with students to enjoy and maximize their writing process. Michelle holds a BA in English from UCLA and a Master of Education in teaching English to speakers of other languages from Concordia, Portland. She became a UCI Writing Project fellow in 2023, and is the founder of College Essay Sidekick, an essay coaching service.
The most exciting subject you have to write about might be the one staring back at you in the mirror! In this class students will engage in fun conversations and brainstorms that will connect them to unique aspects of their life and experience. They will observe and practice the tricks and tools writers use to turn their point of view into powerful personal storytelling. When students get excited to write about their own life, that often translates into stronger academic writing as well as more insightful and self-aware personal writing down the line, which will help prepare students for the reflective writing they will need to be able to do in the future.
Instructor Biography:
Michelle Reigstad has taught at Glendora High School in the San Gabriel Valley for 25 years. She teaches AP Research, AP English Language, and ELD, and loves working with students to enjoy and maximize their writing process. Michelle holds a BA in English from UCLA and a Master of Education in teaching English to speakers of other languages from Concordia, Portland. She became a UCI Writing Project fellow in 2023, and is the founder of College Essay Sidekick, an essay coaching service.