Welcome to Think Tank 2, an English Language Arts program designed especially for homeschooled students who need a slightly gentler pace for mastering high school level grammar and writing.

While Think Tank is not a remedial class, it is:

• Paced for students who need a non-rigorous language arts program

• A Charlotte-Mason-inspired approach to grammar, literature, and writing

• Ideal for high school (or mature middle school) students with dyslexia

Class Overview:

In this class, students are introduced to great literature through lots of read aloud time in class, author studies, writing prompts, and hands-on projects. The focus of Think Tank 2 is to grow language arts mastery through building confidence, so there are no "tests." Just lots of practice reading, analyzing, and writing about great literature.

By the end of the school year, students will have successfully read and analyzed several pieces of classic literature, and learned how to write research papers, book reviews, poetry, and author biographies. Classroom time includes weekly: 

• Read aloud time (students are not required to read aloud in class)

• Handwriting practice

• Spelling lessons and practice

• Writing prompts

• Grammar lessons and practice

• Literature analysis

• Research and writing assignments

  
  

Required Texts:

Assigned novels - 2 per semester

Easy Grammar: https://www.mfwbooks.com/item/30021/Easy-Grammar-Ultimate-Series-/

Writing With Skill, Level 1: https://www.mfwbooks.com/item/30023/Writing-With-Skill-Level-1/

Other resources used in the Think Tank 2 program (provided by the teacher): All About Spelling, Lost Tools of Writing, The Critical Thinking Co, Write Through the Bible, and Progeny Press.

Homework Expectations:

In addition to class projects and work, students will need to spend about two hours per week on reading and/or writing assignments for this class.

Technology Requirements:

Students must have access to a laptop during class time for writing and/or research. All writing assignments must be turned in digitally via Google Classrooms.

Google Classrooms:

Students are required to join and keep up with Think Tank 2 via Google Classrooms, as this is the primary means of communication regarding homework and class updates.

Cell Phone Policy:

Students are required to keep cell phones put away in their backpacks during class time. (They may call or text parents, with permission, as needed.) Earbuds may be worn while working on in-class writing assignments, if this helps with focus. Earbuds may not be worn during other class times.

Student Requirements:

• 8th grade by August 2025

• Independent readers - able to read and understand classic literature (this is not a remedial class)

• Ability to integrate with other students and learn in a classroom environment

• Ability to complete writing assignments and turn them in via Google Classrooms

• Ability and willingness to learn how to write high-school-level essays and papers

• Respectful behavior toward teacher and peers

• Disciplined habits with technology (otherwise, ear buds and cell phones may be confiscated during class time)

Think Tank 2 is taught by Mrs. Kristy Howard, a seasoned homeschool educator with years of experience teaching (and parenting) dyslexic kids. Her goal for this class is to help students build skills and confidence, and draw out their natural creativity and curiosity.

The class is for mature middle schoolers or high schoolers who have dyslexia, or have struggled with reading/writing/spelling. It is not a remedial or special education class. Mrs. Howard is not certified to teach students who are on the spectrum. All students must be interviewed and approved by Mrs. Howard before enrolling in the class.