Fostering a Love of Writing at Explore Horizons
by Karyn Brodsky
“The pen is mightier than the sword.” – Edward Bulwer-Lytton, playwright
While developing strong writing skills can lead to significant achievements, how can we guarantee that our children learn the essential techniques to advance?
Introducing Explore Horizons Enrichment and Tutoring Centers, an educational organization that goes beyond standard tutoring and test preparation. Their website states that they believe every child has the potential to be a courageous learner and they work to help each member reach their maximum capability, both academically and personally. The center is accomplishing this by enhancing problem-solving math abilities to equip children for future careers in STEM fields, in addition to refining their writing skills.
With a curriculum aligned to Texas state standards, Explore Horizons cultivates the skills and mentality necessary for success on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) and other evaluations. However, “the STAAR-tested curriculum is shifting away from assessing creative writing abilities,” remarks Belinda Southgate, Head of Marketing. “This means there is less motivation to encourage children and teach them writing skills, but we are providing them with the tools to do just that.”
Southgate points out that what differentiates Explore Horizons from other tutoring services is its focus on personal writing skills through two enrichment classes. The Enhanced Writing program for students in grades 3 to 6 includes topics such as story writing, planning, structuring, play writing, journalism, and poetry. Meanwhile, the Advanced Writing Skills Class for students in grades 6 to 8 emphasizes college and career preparedness by enhancing reading and writing competencies, including essay writing, presentation structuring, and debating.
“Instilling a passion for writing is one of the primary goals of Explore Horizons for every child we encounter,” explains Southgate. “Whether handwritten or typed, developing writing skills is crucial for high school and college success. We want children to discover the joy of writing, especially through story creation, which can ignite their imagination.”
Explore Horizons was established in the UK in 2001, and in 2013, it launched its first U.S. location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. In addition to 150 centers in the UK, it currently has sites in Colleyville, Plano, Garland, Frisco, and Fort Worth. This celebrated and award-winning institution from the UK has plans for further expansion throughout Texas and other areas of the U.S.
For further information, visit explore-horizons.com
Importance of Writing Skills for Students’ Present and Future
“To prepare students to take on leadership roles in the 21st century, Prince of Peace fosters thoughtful and analytical discernment, equipping students to express their insights clearly, persuasively, and sophisticatedly. Students with strong thinking and writing skills will emerge as leaders among their peers and can address real-world challenges credibly.”
– Dr. Sharla Schimelpfenig, high school English department head, Prince of Peace Christian School
“Becoming an effective communicator is essential for young people to articulate their thoughts. Our one-on-one model enables our educators to tailor the writing instruction to each student.”
– Christina Tipton, Director of Admissions and Outreach, Fusion Academy
“Writing empowers teens to contemplate their ideas and refine them before sharing with others. It grants them the opportunity to navigate their understanding of concepts that they might otherwise overlook or misinterpret in today’s fast-paced world. Additionally, writing allows students to process their emotions, leading to greater discernment in their perspectives.”
– Christine Angelos, B.A., English Department Chair, John Paul II High School
