Writing Tutoring

Natalie has been working as a professional writer and editor since 2009, and she started to tutor writing in 2010. Writing tutoring is how she has helped hundreds of students become assertive, enthusiastic writers. Every person in the world has the potential to be a confident, eloquent writer. All it takes is one step — or sentence — forward in the right direction. As your child’s writing tutor, she provides the best support for your child on the path to successful writing.

Before starting lessons, your child will submit a short writing sample so Natalie can assess which skill area we should target first.

Writing Lessons Breakdown

Step 1: Sentences

Sentences are the foundation of writing. Children first learn how to write basic sentences, then more complex sentences as they reach higher grade levels. What’s left out is how to make those same sentences creative and expressive, not just longer. Even the greatest and most famous writers of all time considered this a critical ability! During lessons, we use diagrams and interactive activities to make sentence-building enjoyable and interesting. Word usage, correct sentence structure, and grammar review are included as part of their practice.

Step 2: Paragraphs

Once students have mastered sentences, paragraph building is next. At its core, a paragraph has a beginning, middle, and end. However, the length and development of a paragraph is where it gets tricky. Does it have too many sentences? Is it choppy? Does it sound repetitive? Is the main idea clear? Taking sentences and skillfully arranging them to tell a story or make a persuasive argument — and reach the intended audience — is the definition of a strong, well-built paragraph and the ultimate goal.

Step 3: Essay writing

Essays are everywhere. In private school admissions, college applications, or the classroom — students have to be able to write a thoughtful, organized group of paragraphs that support an overarching position or belief: their thesis statement. Students methodically work with Natalie on paragraph structure, transitions, body paragraphs, introductions, and conclusions, moving forward only when students are proficient. Editing is another part of the process that they focus on, especially self-editing, so they understand how to critique their own writing objectively and improve it to reach the final draft stage.

Grammar Review

Natalie uses clear, concise diagrams and charts of English grammar to show students how the rules work, and she follows up with examples in everyday writing and conversation. After learning the rules, the next step is to master using them. She walks students through exercises so they can see the rules in action and practice their correct usage. She also provides online resources to help them practice the same rules outside of lessons.

Writing Mechanics

Grammar, sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, transitions: these are the “cells” or “building blocks” of written English. Editing skills are an integral part of the writing process. Students need to be able to revise and proofread their own writing to be successful in school and beyond. They work on editing their writing together: revision, where they strengthen their sentences and transitions, and proofreading, which focuses on correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

College Admissions Essays

As a professional writer and editor since 2009, Natalie has helped many high school students polish their college application essays, coaching them through college application questions that require short but powerful responses. She works with your child within the guidelines of every application process. Together, we craft a personal, meaningful presentation of skills and accomplishments so they can be accepted to the college or university of their choice!