Foundational Critical Thinking & Writing ~ January 2025

PLEASE ENSURE YOU PURCHASE OR BORROW A BOOK PRIOR TO THE FIRST CLASS. 

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

Foundational Critical Thinking & Writing: My Mother’s Secret

Class Begins: January 7th

Join us for a meaningful journey through history and storytelling in this foundational critical thinking and writing class in our level 3 language arts & history course. Based on My Mother’s Secret, a novel inspired by the true story of a brave woman in Sokal, Poland, this class explores themes of forgiveness, faith, and love during the Nazi occupation of World War II.

What We’ll Learn:

• History: Study the movements of troops during WWII, explore the geography of Europe, and learn about the Jewish experience during this time.

• Sources: Understand the purpose of primary and secondary sources and how they help us learn about the past.

• Writing: Build skills in vocabulary, response essays, paraphrasing, and summarizing for informational writing.

Why Take This Class?

Students will gain a deeper understanding of historical events and develop critical thinking skills. Through discussions and writing projects, we’ll explore the big questions about humanity and courage in the face of great challenges—all while meeting Texas state language arts and history requirements.

This class is designed to make history come alive while improving essential writing skills in an engaging, age-appropriate way.

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!