Middle School Writing Program

Welcome! Please watch the 5-minute introduction to our Middle School Writing Program. 
Highlights:​ 
  • Small Class Size: The student-teacher ratio is about 12 students per teacher.
  • Individualized Learning: We use the writing workshop model from Columbia University  to provide students with one-on-one writing conferences and individualized support.
  • Experienced Faculty:​ Our teachers are professional international school educators who specialize in literacy skills.
Program Description: This intensive 42-hour program is designed to help middle school students develop the essential skills in narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository writing. They will use the six-traits approach to learn, practice, and thoroughly understand how to write effectively. Throughout the 14 sessions of class, students will analyze model texts, participate in group learning activities, receive ongoing teacher feedback, and actively engage in the process of planning, writing, and revising. In addition to daily exercises in writing mechanics and conventions, students will read a required novel and complete a portfolio of six writing assignments. Elements of Columbia University's Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) are integrated in the writing program.

Program Objectives
Upon completion of the program, students will:
  • Understand the six-traits of effective writing and apply them in their own writing.
  • Develop the confidence and essential skills needed to become effective writers.
  • Have read a classic novel that connects with the writing lessons.
  • Improve in individual areas of weaknesses and continue to build on their strengths.
  • Produce a writing portfolio that records their ongoing process of planning, writing, receiving feedback, and revising.

Student Reviews

Lian Chang, Hsinchu American School
Before I came to this writing program, I always struggled with writing assignments. However, after I joined this class, I learned a lot of strategies such as "show, not tell", figurative language, and using strong leads and endings, etc. Thanks to this program, I feel that my writing skills improved a lot this summer.
Payden Wang, International Bilingual School in Hsinchu
I never liked writing before. I only wanted to read other people's writing. But after doing this program, I learned many new techniques in writing and now I like to write! But I still think that essays that have 500-800 word requirements are very tiring. I think writing is something that I like even though it is hard.

​Evie Chang, Hsinchu County American School
I was having a hard time writing essays at school. But after joining this program, I no longer feel that writing is so difficult. Now, I know how to easily plan, start, and end my essays. My writing also makes much more sense! I am thankful that this program has helped me become an effective writer.
Charlotte Lin, International Bilingual School in Hsinchu
This year at school, my English didn't improve at all, but when I was in this writing program, I learned many ways to make my writing better. Unlike in school, the teachers in this program actually reads your work and takes the time to tell you what you need to work on to make your writing better. Overall, I feel that I learned many useful techniques, and my writing improved a lot after taking this class.

​Steve Loo, Hsinchu American School
At the beginning of the class, I had a really difficult time writing my assignments. But this program helped me learn how to be a better writer. I felt I had an easier time writing as we learned some strategies and tips and good writers use. These skills are very beneficial and this program helped me learn what I was missing in my writing.

​Yebin Kim, Hsinchu International School
Before joining this program, my writing was terrible! But after taking the class, my writing improved a lot. I learned many strategies like using Show Not Tell, figurative language, descriptive words, and plot twist. Overall, I became a better writer and no suffer through writing assignments.
Luke Zhu, International Bilingual School in Hsinchu
Before I attended this class, I hated to write and usually can't think of any ideas. But when I was in the program, I learned many techniques and how effective writers write. I also read many examples from famous novels written by effective writers. Now I am more confident in writing and feel that I improved in my writing skills.

​Amber Lee, International Bilingual School in Hsinchu
When I was in sixth grade, I had a teacher who didn't really teach writing. But after I came to this program, I felt like I improved a lot and did half a semester's worth of work. By "improved" I mean learning new strategies for writing, such as using Show, Not Tell and adding plot twists. Also, I learned not to procrastinate!
​Anna Huang, International Bilingual School in Hsinchu
Before I took this class, I was horrible at writing. Every time I had a writing assignment, I always did a terrible job. However, when I enrolled in this program, I learned a lot about writing through strategies that were really useful and fun activities that showed me how to become a better writer. After lots of practice, I found that I have improved a lot in writing.
Jason Yang, Hsinchu County American School
Before coming to this program, I hated everything to do writing. Every time a written assignment was assigned, I dreaded the day that it was due. But now, I realized that I can really express myself through my writing. I learned many strategies and simple tricks to make my writing much better, such as showing and not just telling. Thanks to this program, I now love to write!

Wei-Hsi Mar, International Bilingual School in Hsinchu
Before I took this summer program, I thought that my writing was bad. However, I improved a lot from taking this course. Throughout the classes, I learned many writing strategies that were really useful. The class activities were a lot of fun, and the teachers were also great. 
Justin Tang, Hsinchu International School
I learned many important writing strategies in this class. One of them is "show, not tell." Learning this strategy has made my writing look more like a pro's. The teachers were excellent, and there were also many fun class activities. After taking this writing program, I became better at writing assignments and no longer have to spend as much time on my homework.

​Hideyuki Nagai, International Bilingual School in Hsinchu
In this summer writing program, I learned a lot of techniques and strategies in writing, and I feel that my efforts have paid off. The classes were great and I am glad that I took this summer program.
Sarah Ku, International Bilingual School in Hsinchu
While I was in the writing program, I learned to use Show not Tell, figurative language, and strategies to connect the scenes of my story. I improved a lot in my writing since taking the course. The teacher was excellent and I learned a lot from the class.
Anderson Chung, Hsinchu American School
After taking this program, I feel that the writing part of my brain became stronger and more powerful! This writing course is very helpful and beneficial, and it changed the way I write a lot. We learned many techniques that great writers use, such as figurative language, "show, not tell", vivid imagery, etc. I have improved incredibly as a writer.
David Park, International Bilingual School in Hsinchu
This Firm Foundation program helped me become a more effective writer. I used to make many mistakes in my writing, such as sentence fragments, a bad introduction and conclusion, and missing what my story was really about. After taking this program, I learned many ways to improve my writing, such as using "show, not tell", figurative language devices, and strong leads and endings. It was a wonderful experience and I made a lot of new friends too!