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Beyond the Magic Door: A Fantasy Creative Writing Self-Paced Class

In this six week self-paced class, children will create a fantasy chapter book complete with a cover, dedication, table of contents, illustrations, and possibly an epilogue if they choose.
Sharon Ciummo
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(118)
Class
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What's included

6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1 hour per week. Students will be required to complete an organizer and write a chapter every week. It will also be expected that edits and revisions suggested by the teacher will be made by the learner.
Assessment
Each learner will receive feedback twice a week. One based off the information on the organizer submitted and the other on the chapter(s) submitted. At least one feedback received each week will be in video format.

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6
One of the most magical things about childhood is the ability to take part in make-believe and create wonderful worlds of which you become a part.  As children grow older, that opportunity is sometimes lost.  Here is a chance for your child to create a fantasy world, a place in which dreams can come true.  Will they be a young heroine or hero?  Or will a talking dolphin be the hero?  It is completely up to your child.

In this class, learners will write and illustrate a fantasy book with several chapters.  Young writers will work to include make-believe, magic, mythical characters, and animals with human characteristics as they develop a fantasy world in which they must complete a quest or journey.  Each chapter will require at least two illustrations to bring the writing to life.  A cover for the story, a dedication page and a table of contents will all be created by the young writer as well.

Each week learners will be provided with specific goals for the week which will typically be that of completing an organizer for the chapter and submitting it for feedback.  When the feedback is received, learners will then write the rough draft and also receive feedback for the chapter.  Learners will be asked to write one or two (if they choose) chapters each week.  Twice weekly feedback from the teacher will come in both video and written formats.

In addition to the development of the organizer and chapters, young learners will be asked to engage in weekly activities that will be presented to me in the learner/teacher section.

All documents being submitted for review should be posted in the learner/teacher section.  They should be shared in Google Docs (preferably) or Word form so that I may make suggested revisions and general comments.

At the end of six weeks, your child will have created a fantasy chapter book about which they can be very proud!  What fantasy world will your child create?  The sky is the limit in this fantasy writing class "Beyond the Magic Door - Self-Paced"

Syllabus

6 Lessons
over 6 Weeks
Lesson 1:
What is Fantasy?
 Learners will watch a video introducing the genre of fantasy.
1. Complete organizer for the overarching theme of the story as well as the organizer for chapter one. Submit as PDF.
2. Complete rough draft for chapter one and submit. Writing should be done in Word or Google docs so suggestions and edits can be made.
Learners may desire to write more than one chapter a week, but shouldn't exceed two.  For the purpose of this syllabus, it is assumed that only one chapter will be written each week. 
15 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Fun Fantasy Titles
 Watch a short video introducing titles of fantasy books.
1. Complete organizer for chapter two. Submit as PDF.
2. Complete rough draft for chapter two and submit. Writing should be done in Word or Google docs so suggestions and edits can be made.
3. Share with me if you enjoy reading fantasy and why.  This can be done through video or writing. 
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Plot Twists
 Watch a short video introducing the idea of plot twists and why they are fun to include in writing.
1. Complete organizer for chapter three. Submit as PDF.
2. Complete rough draft for chapter three and submit. Writing should be done in Word or Google docs so suggestions and edits can be made.
3. Share with me who your favorite fantasy character is and why it is your favorite.  This can be done through video or writing. 
1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Small Additions That Make a Difference
 Watch a short video introducing dedication pages and a table of contents.
1. Complete organizer for chapter four. Submit as PDF.
2. Complete rough draft for chapter four and submit. Writing should be done in Word or Google docs so suggestions and edits can be made.
3. Share with me who your favorite fantasy author is and why it is your favorite.  This can be done through video or writing. 
1 assignment

Other Details

Supply List
PDFs to aid in organization of thoughts and ideas.  These will post to the classroom. 
Access to Word or Google Docs.
Materials to create illustrations.  Some students choose to draw and other use apps.  The choice is up to the individual learner.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
118reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate
Master's Degree in Education from Carlow College
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Carlow College
I am thrilled to offer a wide variety of classes.  You will find classes that focus on the conventions of writing, sentence building, paragraph building, and even grammar courses.  No matter what stage of development your young writer is in, you will find something in my course offerings that will move him/her to the next level.  Having fun while writing is imperative so my courses will focus on topics that are unique and fun for children.

Young learners might enjoy my class of songs and finger plays and various pre-math and pre-literacy offerings! I love to have fun and be silly with little ones.

I possess a BS and MA in Early Childhood Education and have been an educator in private independent schools for 31 years. I have taught children ranging in age from preschool to third grade.  There is something magical about every stage of development and tapping into that magic to help young children soar is what fuels me.

I have found a great combination of nurturing and firmness that enables my students to have fun while learning in a welcoming environment.  Learning must be meaningful and engaging while still having structure and expectations.  This combination will be found in all my Outschool classrooms.

When not teaching I am an avid spectator of my daughter's softball games , encouraging my son with special needs to learn to ride his bike and use his voice output device, and reading.  I recently read an entire 375 page book in one day!

I look forward to meeting and teaching your child soon!

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Self-Paced Class
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$15

weekly or $90 for all content
6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 8 learners
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Ages: 9-14

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