The Classroom Collective

Grammar doesn’t have to feel boring.
And writing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

This class gently introduces students to the foundations of grammar, writing, literature, and cursive in a way that feels encouraging, interactive, and fun. Using the highly respected Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) program, students will build confidence step-by-step as they learn parts of speech, punctuation, clauses, phrases, homophones, and more—without needing any prior grammar experience.

The writing lessons are humorous, creative, and designed to help students actually enjoy the writing process while growing into stronger communicators.

Students will also dive into 4–5 engaging chapter books throughout the year, complete fun projects and book reports, and participate in meaningful class discussions that strengthen comprehension and critical thinking skills.

And yes—cursive is included too.

This class is full of creativity, encouragement, laughter, and foundational skills that prepare students for future success in language arts while making learning feel exciting along the way.

Mrs. Raymond still has room in her T1 and W1 classes. For more information go to www.classroomcollectiveok.com.

Some classes teach information.
Tabitha Raymond’s classes create stories students keep talking about long after the school year ends.

Whether students are practicing public speaking, or writing from the perspective of a traveling classroom penguin, Mrs. Raymond has a way of turning learning into something memorable, creative, and unexpectedly fun.

Her 6th/7th-grade Smart Steps class pushes students outside their comfort zones in the best way. Students practice speaking in front of their peers, something many initially dread. But the nervousness quickly fades once the impromptu speech topics begin appearing. Subjects like “What if cats or dogs ruled the world?” turn speeches into laughter-filled moments students actually look forward to.

And then there’s the famous class pet tradition in 4th/5th-grade Language Arts.

Each year, students help care for a stuffed “dog,” “cat,” or “penguin” that travels home with a different student each week. Students journal from the pet’s point of view, creating hilarious and imaginative stories about the adventures they shared together. It’s one of those simple classroom traditions students never seem to forget.

Mrs. Raymond’s classes are filled with creativity, connection, laughter, and meaningful conversations—making learning feel less like work and more like something students genuinely want to be part of.

Come grab yours on June 26… or exercise extreme patience and wait until Fall Orientation on August 4. Those are the two options. No porch drops. No secret meetups. No “can I swing by real quick next Tuesday?” moments.

This is the yearbook pickup tour, and it only has two stops. Come and get it—or wait. 😎

Some students aren’t struggling because they’re incapable.
They’re struggling because no one ever taught them how to study. This class changes that.

Designed for 8th–10th grade students, Study Skills gives students practical tools that make school feel manageable instead of overwhelming. Through hands-on activities, guided planner use, peer support, and real-life applications, students learn how to stay organized, manage time, prepare for tests, complete projects without last-minute panic, and actually take ownership of their work.

Students will discover:
• How to study effectively
• How to plan ahead and meet deadlines
• Note-taking and test-taking strategies
• Reading comprehension and research skills
• How personality and learning styles affect success
• How to create routines and habits that work

This course is especially valuable for families who feel like they’ve been “figuring it out as they go.” Instead of constant reminders, frustration, and unfinished assignments, students begin building confidence, independence, and responsibility.

The goal isn’t just better grades.
It’s raising capable students who know how to succeed. Mrs. Simm's still has room in her W2 class. For more information head over to www.classroomcollectiveok.com.

Some students dread grammar.
Then they take this class.

This Intermediate Language Arts class is designed to build confident writers, thoughtful readers, and students who actually understand how language works. Through rich literature, creative writing, structured grammar instruction, and engaging discussions, students gain the kind of foundation that strengthens every subject they take after this one.

The secret? Repetition, structure, and learning techniques that make grammar finally click.

Students begin with strong paragraphs and introductory essays, then steadily build the skills needed for advanced language arts courses. Along the way, they’ll sharpen reading comprehension, critical thinking, and creative writing skills through meaningful literature and purposeful assignments.

Even better? No prior grammar experience is needed.

Designed for both 5th and 6th grade students, this two-year rotating curriculum allows students to return for a second year with entirely new novels and writing assignments, while optional 6th-grade extensions provide additional challenge and growth.

This isn’t busywork language arts.
It’s the class where students realize they’re capable of more than they thought.

Mrs. Simms still has room in her T1, T4, W1, and W4 Intermediate Language Arts classes. www.classroomcollectiveok.com

Some teachers naturally leave an impression—not because they are loud or flashy, but because they are steady, disciplined, and deeply committed to helping students grow. That’s Erin Simms.

Fitness and discipline are important parts of Erin’s life, and students quickly notice the consistency she brings into the classroom. That same mindset carries into the nine classes she teaches at TCC. Her classes are structured, thoughtful, and focused on real growth.

Students are often surprised by how much they enjoy Language Arts. Mrs. Simms introduces grammar almost like learning a secret language, and what once felt intimidating quickly becomes fun and rewarding.

Intermediate Language Arts also comes with one unforgettable tradition: the shofar. Students who remember to bring their books earn the chance to blow it before class begins. In Science, students blow the shofar to officially start and end class. In Study Skills, it makes an appearance whenever it lands on the Wheel of Random.

Study Skills helps students discover how they personally learn best, giving them practical tools and confidence they can carry into every subject. One of the moments students remember most is receiving letters they wrote to themselves the year before—letters Mrs. Simms mails back a year later.

Science classes are equally memorable for hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and occasionally blowing things up.

One of the most meaningful moments happens quietly in Language Arts. Mrs. Simms saves a writing assignment from the first day of school and has students complete it again on the last day. Seeing the difference reminds students just how much they’ve grown.

Mrs. Simms’ classes are built on discipline, consistency, growth, and helping students become stronger learners than when they first walked through the door.