Foundational Critical Thinking & Writing ~ February 2025

Book Included if registration occurs prior to January 20th.

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

Foundational Critical Thinking & Writing: Code Talker

Class Begins: February 4th

Immerse yourself in a powerful story of courage, culture, and resilience with this literature and history class based on Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac. This class explores the story of the Navajo Code Talkers, whose contributions to World War II played a pivotal role in defeating the Axis powers.

What We’ll Learn:

• History: Dive into the challenging history of residential schools, their impact on Native American communities, and the cultural resilience of the Navajo people. Explore the role of the Navajo language and how it became an unbreakable code during the war.

• Geography: Study the geography of key WWII battle sites and understand the movement of Allied forces that shaped the outcome of the war.

• Cultural Understanding: Learn about the traditions, beliefs, and values of the Navajo people and how these influenced their contributions to the war effort.

• Writing Skills: Develop essential writing skills, including how to format bibliographies, write informational essays, and create compelling creative pieces that reflect the themes of the book and historical events.

• Vocabulary: Expand your knowledge of historical and cultural terms related to the Navajo Code Talkers and World War II.

Class Activities:

Students will engage in:

• Critical discussions about the book and historical context.

• Creative writing assignments that connect personal reflection with historical events.

• Informational writing exercises focused on summarizing and analyzing key concepts.

• Hands-on activities to reinforce understanding of geography and cultural elements.

This class is ideal for independent readers who are ready to deepen their understanding of history and literature. Through thoughtful discussions and meaningful projects, students will develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills while gaining insight into the extraordinary legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers.

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!