Student Writing Intensive - 4 Day Workshop

Learning Level: Grades 4-5, 6-7, 8-10+

Class Size Limit: 24 Students

Presenter: Bev Rempel, Master Teacher


This course is offered as an opportunity to introduce children to the Structure and Style approach, in addition to providing a "boost" to students who have some experience. Parents and teachers are encouraged to observe whenever possible, as these demonstration classes are a very important complement to the teacher courses. The four days will teach children specific models and techniques from the Syllabus of Structure and Stylincluding how to:

  • Take notes & summarize from references

  • Structure a "cohesive" paragraph

  • Summarize a narrative story in 3 sections

  • "Dress-up" a composition

  • Use a variety of sentence openers

  • Use checklists to evaluate writing style.

Schedules are generally as follows:

SWI - Group A (Grades 4-5), from 8:45 - 11:30 am

  • Day 1 - Outlines, Summary and Dress-Up

  • Day 2 - Story Summary and Dress-Up

  • Day 3 - Reference Summary & Paragraph Structure

  • Day 4 - Creative Writing - Expository

SWI - Group B (Grades 6-7)

  • Day 1 - Outlines, Story Summary and Dress-Up

  • Day 2 - Reference Summary & Sentence Openers

  • Day 3 - Multiple Source Summary (with mini-books)

  • Day 4 - Creative Writing - Expository

SWI - Group C (Grades 8-10+)

  • Day 1 - Outlines, Story Summary and Dress-Up

  • Day 2 - Summarizing References & Sentence Openers

  • Day 3 - Multiple Reference Summary

  • Day 4 - Formal Essay & Advanced Style

Each session will last about two hours daily. Students may be asked to do minimal work at home to complete each day's project, but significant time is devoted to in-class writing and individual coaching. Previous experience with the Structure and Style Syllabus may be helpful, but is not required.

If you're interested in finding a workshop in your area, click here.

Teaching Writing Structure & Style - 1 and 2 Day Workshop

Learning Level: Teachers and Parents

Presenter: Bev Rempel, Master Teacher


This one and two-day presentation trains teachers and parents in a system of structural models and stylistic techniques for English composition, which logically build upon each other, giving them concrete tools to help students become competent in using a variety of writing formats and grammatical tools. As opposed to many "creative" writing approaches, this more classical system stresses modeling and builds a firm foundation of specific skills.

Initially, students learn to make a "key word outline" and then rewrite from their notes, thus being freed from the problem of what to write about, so they are able to clearly focus on how to write well. As they utilize each composition model and master each writing technique, they develop great confidence - and consequently great creativity.

Checklists and wall charts allow for easy implementation and concise grading, enabling students to know exactly what is expected of them as they master new skills one step at a time. Even the youngest grade students can begin to develop a sense of structure and a repertoire of style; the high school and university student will see an instant improvement in their written communication.

When presented in a two-day format, the first day is designed for the novice teacher of the Structure and Style program, while the second day is for those with previous experience and training in the program (including attendance at the first day's seminar).

If you're interested in finding a workshop in your area, click here.