What's included
1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
Intermediate Level
In this ongoing weekly class, learners will practice creative writing techniques using different writing prompts each week. Learners are encouraged to participate by sharing ideas to build confidence and excitement around their writing. Learners should bring a notebook to class each week to add their writing and build a collection. They will practice skills that will carry over to their academic writing and increase their writing fluency. ***Please be aware that this class is "creative" writing. I do not provide specific templates for students to follow--that would defeat the purpose of creative writing. Creative writing involves different styles, and the point of this class is to encourage learners to explore a writing technique and become better writers in the process. Writing is an art that takes practice, and students often lose their enjoyment of it through formulaic writing. This class is not a strict, intensive, formulaic writing class. If you are looking for a class that covers writing mechanics such as sentence structure, paragraphs, essay writing, and more academic genres, check out my Private One-To-One Writing Instruction classes: https://outschool.com/classes/private-one-to-one-writing-instruction-4-weeks-KYwCxZg6?usid=yTnEktM1&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link Each week will feature a theme, such as building characters and settings, literary elements like metaphor and alliteration, and techniques such as creating dramatic tension--some will involve a little drawing or thinking outside the box. The goal is to make writing fun and non-threatening, to discover new writing techniques, and to encourage students who love writing to build their portfolios. Learners are encouraged to share their writing at the end of class, but it is not required. Note: Students may write during class as we discuss the topic or literary element. They may also draw illustrations while listening. Some classes will have more writing time than others, depending on student participation and the depth of our topic that week. Students are expected to continue writing between class meetings to "build their writing journals." They may share their writing with me through the classroom messaging. An example of a typical class would be: 1. Introduction to the theme of the week with slides and a short lesson. 2. Collaboration to gather and share ideas related to the topic. 3. Time to write as available.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of the writing process and will build a collection of their writing, while exploring different writing elements and techniques.
Other Details
Supply List
A notebook or journal is needed for this class to collect your writing each week. A simple hardback composition notebook works great. Learners will also need a pen or pencil, and basic art supplies (crayons, markers, color pencils, etc.) for illustrations and for some 'out-of-the-box' writing activities.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Bachelor's Degree in English from College of Charleston
Hello! I am a certified English/Language Arts teacher and believe in embracing the “light bulb” moments of discovery that happen both in and out of the classroom. My goal is to make learning relevant to students’ interests by providing unique and fun ways to strengthen reading and writing skills, explore literature, and learn about our world.
Classes I offer on Outschool include creative writing, essay writing, literature studies, phonics, and reading skills. I also offer private tutoring, catered to your learner's needs, for all ages.
My classes are designed around the idea that kids can learn language arts through creative projects and real-world experiences. Literature and writing are more meaningful when students can relate them to their own lives and what is going on in the world around them.
From the time I was a child, I always wanted to be a teacher. I am a certified English teacher with classroom experience (grades 6-12) in Texas and South Carolina, in addition to substitute teaching for all grade levels (K-12) and special education classes. I have a BA degree in English from College of Charleston and 30+ postgraduate hours. I am TESOL certified and taught ESL classes online to students in China for 4 years. I am also certified in Early Reading Training through the Tennessee Department of Education. I have homeschooled my 3 children for over 20 years, and I teach literature, writing, and public speaking classes to other homeschool students.
As part of my Bachelor of Arts in English and postgraduate studies, I successfully completed college courses related to adolescent literature and development. I completed coursework in African American literature and African American history as part of my degree program. I received 4 professional development hours for the 2021-2022 Facing History Community Read Workshop, "Teaching Brown Girl Dreaming," through Facing History & Ourselves. I attended a follow-up seminar with author Jacqueline Woodson--"Brown Girl Dreaming: Exploring Identity and Belonging with Jacqueline Woodson."
I have taught many works of literature, including some with 'sensitive' content, to students in a classroom setting. As with almost any work of literature, many themes and plot details can be controversial, and my role as an educator and facilitator in the classroom is to guide students to deal with these topics within the scope of their literary relevance.
I taught the 'Pace' program for at-risk students for the Southwest Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. I also completed a training program as a high school teacher, becoming certified as a 'Natural Helper' faculty mentor.
In addition to my training and experience, I love children's and young adult literature and enjoy using 'fun' books to teach important language arts skills using a cross-curricular approach. Outside of my classroom, I enjoy Pokémon, watching movies, and backyard chicken farming!
One of my greatest joys is working with students and motivating them to enjoy learning. As the mom to 3 children, I am very patient and encouraging! My goal as a teacher is to make learning memorable, fun, and rewarding. If you have any thoughts about how I can customize a class for your learner, please send me a message. I’m always looking for ways to accommodate learners. I'm looking forward to meeting you in the classroom! :)
Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly1x per week
30 min
Completed by 137 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-5 learners per class