HOW WE Write

Our Junior School students write, edit, illustrate and publish their own books, exercising their imagination and expressing their creativity. Our Writing Workshop curriculum provides opportunities for students to practice presenting cohesive arguments and writing persuasively. Students undertake a full writing process just like real authors, learning to brainstorm, draft, edit, revise and publish a finished masterpiece. Finally, they share and celebrate their work with the Shady Side community at our semiannual Authors’ Night events.

Our faculty create a warm environment for students to respectfully critique each other’s work – one in which students support their peers and offer observations that help everyone improve as writers and thinkers. Shady Side’s elementary writing program teaches students to write in three genres – narrative, informational and opinion – building the essential foundational skills to become exceptional writers and communicators.

Colleges and employers in all industries value effective communication. No matter the profession, the ability to express and defend ideas will always be a vital trait for success. At Shady Side, our Writing Workshop empowers students to think critically about their own ideas, and gives them the confidence to present their opinions in compelling ways.