What are some of the challenges of writing? Coming up with content? Organizing thoughts? Expressing ideas through beautiful and precise language? Using the Lost Tools of Writing Level I curriculum, we will learn techniques and use the proven tools of classical rhetoric to tackle each of these struggles. Using the classical canons of Invention, Arrangement, and Elocution, students will be challenged to think deeply about characters’ choices in the literature we will engage with to write thoughtful and compelling persuasive essays . Students will also learn and practice using the common topics of Definition, Comparison, Circumstance, Relation and Testimony as tools for generating and taking inventory of their ideas.

In many ways, the Lost Tools of Writing is a misnomer – it more accurately teaches the lost tools of thinking. The skills learned in class will not only help students with writing, but with reading, defending their beliefs, anticipating problems and making important decisions. Modeling every step of the way, I will also lead literature discussions and facilitate the brainstorming of essay ideas in class. We will think very hard, but don’t worry – we will have fun and closely read great books along the way! Students will have ample opportunities to share their writing and learn from one another. I will read each assignment and provide feedback.

This is a rich class that will be best experienced by attentive students who are willing to work diligently and faithfully.

Course Prerequisites:

Students should –

1. Have a basic knowledge of the eight parts of speech

2. Be able to write a paragraph

3. Be familiar with verb tenses

4. Be able to keep up with the reading schedule

Course Materials:

Lost Tools of Writing Level I student book https://a.co/d/7OYQR21 or https://circeinstitute.org/product/ltw-1-student-workbook/

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis

The Magician’s Nephew – C.S. Lewis

The Faithful Spy – John Hendrix

Superman Smashes the Klan – Gene Luen Yang

Number the Stars – Lois Lowry

Various short stories that will be provided as pdfs

The reading list is tentative and may be adjusted in the coming weeks. No worry if your student has read some or all of the selections before as we will be working with these works as places to practice the Lost Tools. Familiarity will allow students to focus more on the new skills they are learning. Students who have already taken one year of Lost Tools can deepen their understanding and further practice with another year of study (and a new reading list!).

TUITION: $310 per semester paid to EUREKA!

ACH Bank Transfers receive a $10 discount.