At English Ninjas, we encourage creative and critical thinking.
Practice makes progress.
Students need time and space to practice critical thinking, to make mistakes and learn from them. We DO NOT encourage students to memorise someone else’s work or a model composition as we believe that it tells them subtly that ‘You are never good enough to write creatively, so use someone else's work’.
Memorising is a short term fix with little long term gain. Giving students the time to explore the writing process for themselves may feel slow-going but learning cannot be rushed.
Moreover, memorising stories does not teach students about the creative process at all, nor does it allow them opportunities to experience their own success.
We set out to set our students up for success in the long term by sharpening skills like logical and critical thinking so necessary to tackle the challenges in different aspects of life.
We support our students to attain proficiency in the two main areas:
1. Content
Create composition storylines that are highly interesting, clear, logical, and fully relevant to the composition title.
2. Language
Develop language skills that equips students to write independently with good grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Expand range of vivid vocabulary that engage readers in the storyline of the composition.
Excellent paragraphing and sequencing of events that support the way the composition is developed.
In a Composition class, we focus only on Composition Writing. Vocabulary and Grammar exercises will also be designed to support good Composition Writing techniques and the needs of the descriptive writing process. We prioritise the process of planning for Composition Writing and in developing
PLAN:
When applying the ABC method, we teach your child how to start when planning a good composition.
1. Analyse Title and Pictures
Deconstruct the keyword(s) in the question to craft a highly relevant storyline for a good composition.
2. Brainstorm Plot Possibilites
Focus on analysing plot possibilities to choose a storyline that best captures the composition title and chosen picture.
3. Create an Interesting Character
Develop interesting and impactful characters to add OOMPH! to the story.
WRITE:
Next, apply the DEF method to build up descriptions, insightful use of vocabulary and grammar to make the story interesting.
4. Dynamic Dialogue
Effective dialogue to convey characters' emotions
5. Empathic Expression
Emotive expressions to make readers support or dislike the characters
6. Feeling Verbs
Vivid verbs to immerse readers in the scene
Ee Jia
Parent of K, P6 Composition
I came across English Ninjas' ads on IG and was drawn to their philosophy - encouraging critical thinking, growth mindset and NOT memorising plots or good phrases to ace composition-writing. As I made enquiries, Jewel was really pleasant, accommodating and patient in addressing my concerns as well as ensuring that the class would be beneficial.
I'm really thankful for the centre (Ms Esther) for empowering my child to think and write confidently. In my child's words, he says "Class is fun, not like any other tuition." and rates it as "great!" compared to the half-grudging "good" when i ask him about other classes. This speaks volumes, and this is how learning should be! We are definitely looking forward to more classes at English Ninjas.
Loh Sing
Parent of M, P4 English and Composition Writing
My daughter has been attending English and Composition Writing classes at English Ninjas Enrichment for a year and finds them enjoyable and useful compared to other centers. Their well-designed composition writing techniques focuses on critical thinking and contextual application have been very beneficial to my girl's learning.
Ms. Esther and Ms. Catherine are passionate and insightful teachers who go the extra mile for their student. Jewel, has been very supportive since the start and explained the benefits of English Ninjas' teaching and reassured me.