Morning

Thursday mornings focus on strengthening communication skills through reading, writing, and discussion. CP4 youth explore the power of language—moving from creative expression to analytical thought—through a blend of literature study, writing exercises, and collaborative activities.

Early sessions reconnect learners with writing through reflection, storytelling, and playful engagement with words. Warm-ups like Word Ladders and I’m a Poet and Yes I Know It encourage flexibility with language, while creative prompts—such as stories featuring anthropomorphized animals—build imagination and confidence.

As the year progresses, youth transition from narrative to academic writing. They analyze texts, gather evidence, and structure persuasive essays with clarity and purpose. Literary studies—including The Graveyard Book and A Separate Peace—invite youth to discuss imagery, symbolism, and moral complexity. Short-form writing, such as the “100-Word Memoir,” balances creative voice with precision.

By year’s end, each young person crafts original essays and reflections that demonstrate growth as thoughtful, capable communicators.