WHO: 
😃A friend once told me to look in the mirror and say "YOU ARE A WRITER!" It really can be that simple sometimes. I went on to publish over 25 books and to sell 40000 copies in the next ten years including these popular series: BE THE VET,  EVIE AND THE VOLUNTEERS,  NILES AND BRADFORD,  and HAZEL, THE CLINIC CAT.  I have also been published in newspapers, magazines, and websites and been a teacher for many years with a bachelor's and master's degree. I am currently still writing and publishing, so I am "in the weeds" with the students when it comes to writing and editing frustrations. Did someone say COMMA? 🥴

WHAT:
😃This class is a mix of lessons about creative writing strategies, techniques, or types of genres with every THIRD week being a free write class from fun/creative prompts provided by me or a chance for students to continue with writing that special work in progress.

😃This is an ongoing creative writing class. Students may move in and out of the class without missing necessary material. The classes do not build upon each other. Each week is different but follows the same structure. While this is a creative writing class, some of the writing activities might by based in reality (ie: describing a trip), but I think of creativity in these examples as practicing the use of detail. 

😀Class Format:
*Greetings
*Introduction of the week's mini writing lesson using Canva slides. (Unless it is Prompt Week...See below.)
*Writing Time (about 10-15 minutes). I touch base with students with private chat messages to ask or answer questions and to offer support. Otherwise, this will be quiet time while the students are working independently. I don't like to talk too much while students are writing, but my chat box will be open for them. Please consider if 15 minutes of writing time is too much for your child.
*Sharing of writing, if desired (though it is encouraged). If the class is populated, students may choose to share portions of their stories rather than its entirety. 

😀Note: EVERY THIRD WEEK will be a prompt-only class where students will write from a choice of prompts (or work on a special piece of writing) without a specific lesson which will allow for more time of free creative writing. Some students never write outside of this class. Some students write "all the time." This class session allows for both types of students to practice and hopefully to find joy in free creative writing. This class session will allow for a longer stretch of "quiet writing" while I am available to answer questions and to monitor student progress through chat. We will celebrate each others' writing during sharing time if students choose to share.

WHY:
😃As a forever learner who has been writing since a young age and became published for the first time in my 30s, I understand the frustration of not knowing how to say what you want to say when it's so awesome but stuck in your head! This class is all about getting that awesome creativity out of the head and onto paper without fear of judgment if it doesn't come out perfectly right away! My goal in this class for your learners is to put the joy back into writing by giving kids some control over what they write as well as support and enthusiasm for what they write. They will also learn valuable skills used in a variety of writing types. 

We have fun writing in this class! 😀  
"This class!!!! Talk about a kid walking away each week with more confidence in their writing than the last.   We (my 12y/o) has been enrolled and attending this course since it started!  Each week she looks forward to the conversations and the writing that comes with it.  I see improvement in her writing as a result.  Not just improvement, but self confidence ." Outschool Parent Review

"The teacher made writing fun ...." Outschool Parent Review

HOW:
😃How do I get kids to write? I believe in building relationships. I know your child's pets. I know their hobbies. I know who is the funny one and who will only write about horses. Building an atmosphere of a classroom online is not always easy, but when it clicks, it is an amazing feeling!

WHEN:
💠Week of August 28: Free Write From PROMPT Week
💠Week of September 4: Persuasive Writing
💠Week of September 11: Story Starters
💠Week of September 18: NO CLASS
💠Week of September  25: PROMPT Week
💠Week of October 2: Plot Twist/Humor Writing 
💠Week of October 9: Writing a Friendly Letter
💠Week of October 16: PROMPT Week
💠Week of October 23: Writing a Scary Story
💠Week of October 30: Fantasy Writing 
💠Week of November 6: PROMPT Week
💠Week of November 13: Thankful Writing
💠Week of November 20: NO CLASS U.S. Thanksgiving Break
💠Week of November 27: Story Endings
💠Week of December 4: PROMPT Week
💠Week of December 11: Roll-A-Story

 

Variations of the topics will cycle around as practice, practice, practice is important!
 
🎉BONUS: Students are encouraged to keep writing after class and may, if desired, send work to me privately to review and comment upon. 😊


BS in elementary education (15+ years in education)
MS in educational administration
Author of over 25 books