Foundational Critical Thinking & Writing ~ April 2025

Book Included if registration occurs prior to March 17th.

NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS ONCE PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE. Classes, materials, and teachers are paid in advance. 

Foundational Critical Thinking & Writing: Bud, Not Buddy

Class Begins: April 1st

Step into the world of Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, a heartfelt and humorous tale of resilience and self-discovery during the Great Depression. In this class, students will explore the story of Bud Caldwell, a ten-year-old orphan on a journey to find his father, while learning about the historical and social realities of the era.

What You’ll Learn:

• Historical Context: Understand the Great Depression through paired nonfiction texts and class discussions.

• Literary Elements: Analyze themes of family, identity, and perseverance. Examine characterization and how it shapes the story.

• Creative Projects: Develop a personal “rules to live by” list inspired by Bud’s journey.

• Reflective Writing: Engage in vocabulary work, reflective essays, and summaries to deepen understanding of the text.

Class Details:

• Dates: Tuesdays at 1:30 PM in April

• Cost: $65

Join us for a fun and engaging exploration of a modern classic that teaches the value of determination, humor, and hope in the face of challenges!

CLASS LEVELS AT ITAV ENRICHMENT CENTERS: 

Our classes are designed to meet students at their current stage of reading and writing development. Here’s an overview of each level to help you choose the best fit for your child:

THIS CLASS IS Level 300s – Foundational Critical Thinking & Writing

In this level, students move beyond summarizing texts to thinking critically about their meaning. They work on deeper comprehension and writing skills, focusing on analyzing what they read and forming thoughtful responses. This class is for independent readers ready to explore texts on a more meaningful level.

OTHER LEVELS AVAILABLE:

Level 100s – Phonics & Fluency

This class focuses on building foundational phonics skills and increasing reading fluency. Using games, crafts, and sensory activities, students also work on fine motor skills, pencil grip, and basic writing exercises. Ideal for pre- or early readers who are just beginning their literacy journey.

Level 200s – Early History & Literacy

Students in this level develop basic sentence structures, expand their vocabulary, and explore different forms of writing. This class also introduces early history topics. It’s perfect for children who can read independently but often prefer to read aloud with a parent or need extra support with writing.

Level 400s – Advanced Literary Analysis & Composition

This advanced class is designed for teens who are confident independent readers. Students learn to connect texts to history, culture, and the world around them. The focus is on critical thinking and writing meaningfully about what they read. It’s an excellent class for teens ready to dive into deeper analysis and composition.

Each level builds on the previous one, helping students grow their skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking at a pace that’s right for them. Let us support your child on their learning journey!