How to Be a Book Dragon - September 5 - October 24

From 53.78 £ /h

Have you ever wondered how writers weave their stories? Is there a secret formula that all stories share? Do writers bury clues so curious and clever readers can uncover what lies beneath the surface of their story?

We explore these questions as we learn how to think about literature and how to engage in the “Great Conversation” that has inspired writers, readers, and philosophers for millennia to ponder what it means to be human and what makes a good life. You begin to recognize and understand common literary devices, symbols, themes, character archetypes, plot structure, and more.

Finally, we learn how writers make their words come alive by paying attention to how storytellers craft sentences.

We're not practicing to be bookworms — we are training to be book dragons.

Location

Online from Netherlands

About Me

Rippy is the fearless captain of Tumbleweed Writers, offering classes in literature, writing, and public speaking. She also dotes on libraries. As her children were growing up, she wondered if there was a way she could continue spending her days reading the mountain of books she had collected during their homeschooling years. In a burst of creativity, she designed several classes she believed would benefit and delight young people.

Genuinely, she wants to help a new generation of thinkers, readers, and writers. Imagining tumbleweeds jiggling, wiggling, and possibly even giggling as they fly across empty fields, she named her company after this thistle when she realized it could be a metaphor for writers who are often a bit clumsy and wild with ideas and words before finally tumbling freely and ferociously. Rippy creates a safe and inspired space for her students, who she nicknames 'tumbleweeds', where she brightly engages them in online classes.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Honors Anthropology
University of Alberta, Canada

Master of Arts, International Politics of Development (unfinished)
Queen's University, Canada
Awarded full scholarship and completed all course work with honours
Incomplete thesis

Experience / Qualifications

Educator
Tumbleweed Writers

Substitute Teacher
American School of the Hague

Desk Editor
Brill Publishing

Teaching Assistant
Queen's University

Education Consultant
Global TESOL College

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

English

Reading

Literature

Reviews

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Writing, Reading, and Presenting - Leiden and Online

53.78 £ /h

Writing can be hard work. You know what you want to say, but when you try to write down your ideas, your brain starts to hurt. Sometimes you don't know how to get started, or you get stuck. Perhaps you've toiled away, trying to capture your idea, only to realize your paragraph seems horribly dull.

Most writers wrestle with these issues but learn ways to make the writing process less painful. I can help you pick up a few tricks of the trade, so you too don't have to suffer (as much).

Learn how to take notes, make outlines, give presentations, craft clear sentences, compose focused paragraphs, draft stories and essays, and edit. Next time you are faced with a writing assignment, you’ll know the little steps you need to make for the task to be much more manageable.

--

Please see the listings for my online classes at Tumbleweed Writers:

How to Be a Writer
How to Be a Book Dragon
Essay Writing 101
Keeping a Commonplace Book

Justin

4.88

(64)

I am a native American English speaking instructor, editor, journalist, and legal/policy expert from Florida specializing in instruction, interview and exam prep, consulting and text correction for a wide range of professionals & students across Belgium including in the legal, academic, policy, and other fields.

My past & present clients have included: professionals and politicians from all four major EU institutions, the Belgian government, the UNHCR, and various NGOs, alongside diplomats, doctors, journalists, and engineers, as well as a variety of other professions in addition to traditional students..I have had over 50+ repeat students on Apprentus (which recently changed their algorithm to only display the last six months).

Approaching from a true native's perspective, I instruct and assist with both educational and business English in a multi-faceted nature covering a wide range of areas including comprehension, conversation, grammar, and situational skills, in addition to working on general language skills and accent training. As well, I can provide extensive help and training with the EPSO, IELTS, and TOEFL exams.

I have also written, edited or proofread a variety of academic papers, theses, applications, CVs, and other documents for numerous satisfied academic and professional clients.

I have spent my entire childhood and adult life in the United States before completing a master's degree in Political Science and European Politics at KU Leuven. Additionally, I also possess Bachelor's degrees in Political Science and History. I have an extensive knowledge and experience of English grammar and literature, as well as current and past working experience in journalism (Anti-Competition Law and European Policy at the Policy and Regulatory Report) and both European and American politics.

I also handle correction of text, editing, proofreading and ghostwriting, with weekly and monthly rates possible. My transportation costs are included.

Awni

4.88

(64)

I'm offering individual and personalized classes according to your level , groups also are welcome to join. I help beginners speak confidently also I will adapt to your needs and objectives :Grammar, conversation, vocabulary and culture.
My method will take you step by step to meet your goal! I am dynamic, easy-going and full of energy!
All material will be provided to you by email.
Lessons are well organized
I can suggest a weekly task

In addition, I can provide support in proofreading and translation. If you need help, I am here to listen.
About me:
Highly qualified English teacher, who prefer many methods of interacting with learners, because I think that every student has their own way of learning. I have gained extensive experience from my previous studies in the Master of Language Teaching Methods, my researches also have helped me to have a huge background about language aquisition, plus that I have worked as a tutor and translator in Europe for years.
So
Book your first lesson today because :
My students improved their grades by 30%
Learning new language can open extra doors for your career path.
I'm glad to put my experience in your service and answer your questions.
Any age or level is welcome also students of school or university.
I can lead you to pass international tests such as TOEFL and IELTS.
Language of teaching can be English, Arabic, French or Spanish.
Classes can be via Skype or zoom etc...

Mohamed

4.88

(64)

University English Instructor| Started teaching English 9 years ago| Specializing in Conversational English.

My teaching approach is designed to develop communication skills above all. We watch or read materials, such as videos, articles, stories, poems, caricatures, then discuss them; we act out situations from everyday life; we take positions and practice debates. However, this doesn’t mean that we just practice speaking. I also make sure the learner is not running in circles. I’m here to ensure that they do not keep repeating the same mistakes or keep using the same expressions over and over in conversation.
In order to keep making progress, I take my student on a journey that involves:
• Improving their grammar.
• Fixing their pronunciation.
• Enriching their vocabulary by learning to use new words and common idioms.
By the end of this course, you should be able to speak English fluently and confidently.

PS: Because of my academic specialty, I also help with academic writing and creative writing.

Nesrine

4.88

(64)

The objective is that: the learner masters the English language (🎧listening-comprehension,🎤 conversation, 📚 reading, grammar-pronunciation, writing...). It helps him to have language skills like native speakers. 🥇

At the same time, the learner will be 🚴‍♀️dynamic and well supervised by professional tutors who listen.
The atmosphere is distinguished: 🔥learning, interaction, no routine, no stress.

The learning tools used; videos, audios, texts, articles, images, games, stories...

We are happy to help both adults and pupils/students. If you want to learn the English language (reading, grammar, oral conversation, written production,...) or you have homework to do, or competitions/tests to take, 🏆 contact us :)

Benson

4.88

(64)

The SAT test is taken by high school students to demonstrate to colleges what the prospective student knows and how well they can apply their knowledge. There are three aspects of the test: reading, writing, and math. SAT scores are sent out to your desired colleges and universities as part of the admissions package.

Study your SAT with me and let me help you pass. I come with 5 years of professional experience in SAT prep.
I am well vested with the British and American curriculum and I am very competent. I strive creating trusting relationships with students, parents, and other staff I teach students on full-time and part-time basis from The USA, The Caribbean, The UK, INDIA, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Turkey, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, German, France, Italy and South Africa.
Book a lesson with me. We can start any day any time.

Mohsen

4.88

(64)

I teach German courses on the largest online sites and other platforms for all Goethe levels from A.1 to C.1 as well as special courses for beginners and advanced students as well as senior high school students in Egypt in the largest institutes as I am an expert in the German language in state secondary schools and a certified teacher in the largest platforms: I have a Master's degree in German Literature from the University of Vienna, Austria
I also speak Arabic, my native language
I am also fluent in English

Habiba

4.88

(64)

English course for beginners improving the four skills listening, reading, writing and speaking. learning how to understand the street language and how to speak like them and gain the American accent easily.
An English language course from scratch with the development of the four skills: listening, speaking, writing, reading, training in the American dialect, and learning about slang or street language in an easy way.

Nouhaila

4.88

(64)

🇫🇷 Speak English with Confidence — Travel | Business | Exams | Conversation 🇬🇧
✨ Do you want to speak English more fluently, whether for travel, work, or passing an exam? This course is for you!
✨ I am a qualified and passionate teacher with many years of experience teaching languages. Here, you will learn English in a practical, motivating, and effective way.

👋🏼 My name is Nouhaila and I offer personalized, caring and dynamic lessons.
💬 In my classes, we talk from the beginning: no more fear, no more silence — only useful and lively English!

🌍 Choose your route:
✈️ English for Travel
→ Communicate at the airport, hotel, restaurant, on public transport...
→ Learn the expressions actually used by native speakers.
→ Go on an adventure without linguistic fear!

💼 Professional English
→ Vocabulary and structures for meetings, presentations, emails, negotiations...
→ Content tailored to your industry.
→ Gain confidence and boost your career.

🎓 Exam Preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge...)
→ Personalized training for the tests.
→ Strategies, practice tests, targeted corrections.
→ Objective: succeed with serenity!

💬 Conversation Lessons
→ Varied themes: culture, society, travel, current events, daily life...
→ Improve your fluency in a supportive environment.
→ Corrections, vocabulary, pronunciation, confidence: it’s all there!

🎁 Little bonus:
From your first reservation, you will have immediate access to a private virtual classroom containing all course materials:
interactive resources, grammar and vocabulary sheets, comprehension exercises, written and oral expression activities, etc.

✨ Ready to transform your English? Let's start now!

Phillip

4.88

(64)

Learn English in pairs or small groups: conviviality, progress and fun guaranteed!

Want to boost your English in a relaxed and motivating atmosphere, whether as a couple, with friends, or colleagues? Enjoy tailor-made English courses for 2 to 3 people, accessible to all levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced), 100% online!

Native bilingual English/French (USA/French-speaking Switzerland), I have been teaching in person for many years and online since 2019. I adapt each session to your needs, your objectives, and your pace: oral practice, comprehension, vocabulary, preparation for stays abroad, for employment, or simply for the pleasure of speaking English together.

The advantages of my mini-group lessons:

- Friendly and dynamic atmosphere, ideal for progressing with confidence

- Personalized interaction, corrections and advice adapted to each participant

- Tailor-made content based on your interests and goals: travel, work, leisure, conversation

- Flexible schedules: evening or lunchtime classes, depending on your availability

Why not book a first discovery lesson? Come and try it out and be surprised by the progress you can make, in a friendly and fun way!

Contact me to discuss your expectations and organize your ideal slot :)

Shakiba

4.88

(64)

This ESL class helps students improve their English through clear explanations, speaking practice, and practical exercises. Lessons are customized to the student’s level and goals.

Focus areas include:
-Speaking and pronunciation
-Vocabulary for everyday situations
-Grammar made simple

Ideal for learners who want to build confidence and use English in real life.

Malak

4.88

(64)

Personalized English lessons tailored to your level and goals. Work on speaking, listening, grammar and vocabulary through dynamic exchanges and varied materials to help you progress with confidence.

Milena

4.88

(64)

Do you feel insecure when speaking English? Do you need someone to practice with regularly to improve your pronunciation, confidence, and overall speaking skills? Then let's work on it together. I have a degree in English Literature and Culture as well as a Cambridge Certificate.

With me you will:

- specifically improve your pronunciation

- gain more confidence when speaking

- expand your vocabulary

- and solidify your grammar step by step

I'd also be happy to support you with your writing: We can work together on your texts and significantly improve your written expression.

And if you're about to graduate from high school, I offer you a compact, effective crash course so you can get off to a great start, fully prepared.

Nina

4.88

(64)

I offer online English classes for students of all ages, from young learners to teenagers and adults. Lessons are tailored to each student’s age, level, goals, and interests, ensuring an engaging and supportive learning experience.
For young learners, classes focus on building a strong foundation through games, stories, songs, and interactive activities that make learning English fun and natural.
For teenagers, lessons support school learning, improve grammar and vocabulary, and develop confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
For adults, classes can focus on conversational English, exam preparation, academic English, or professional/business communication.

Jena

4.88

(64)

English can feel intimidating, but with the right support it becomes a skill you can feel confident using every day. I offer personalized English tutoring for children, teenagers, and adults of all levels, whether you’re learning English for school, work, or everyday conversation.

My lessons focus on building confidence as well as strong foundations. Depending on your needs, we can work on speaking and conversation skills, pronunciation, listening and comprehension, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary development. I also provide support with homework, exams, and school assignments, helping students feel more comfortable and prepared in class.

With over 10 years of tutoring experience, I adapt each lesson to the student’s age, level, goals, and learning style. My approach is patient, encouraging, and practical, creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable making progress at their own pace.

Nour

4.88

(64)

Hello! My name is Nour, and I am an experienced English teacher with a PhD in English. I have taught English at the Higher Institute of Languages of Tunis (ISLT) and worked with students from different backgrounds and levels.
I understand that learning English can feel difficult or stressful. In my classes, I focus on making learning clear, calm, and enjoyable. My goal is to help you feel confident when speaking English.
I teach practical, real-life English that you can use for:
*Daily conversations
*Work and professional communication
*Travel
*Interviews and presentations
*Improving pronunciation and fluency

Personalized English lessons tailored to your level and goals. Work on speaking, listening, grammar and vocabulary through dynamic exchanges and varied materials to help you progress with confidence.

Good-fit Instructor Guarantee

Contact Rippy