Camp: Basics of Storytelling Part I (Ages 9-11)
My Basics of Storytelling class in a one week camp: Learn the building blocks of narrative writing—character, plot, setting, conflict, beginnings, and endings—and practice by writing your own stories and sharing them with your classmates.
Annie Downer, MFA
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(102)
What's included
5 live meetings
6 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Note: This one week camp covers the same material as my 5-week, once-a-week class, Basics of Storytelling I. Using discussion and writing exercises, Basics of Storytelling Part I will cover the topics of narrative writing, character, setting, plot & conflict, and beginnings & endings. After each class, students will be assigned a short homework activity, usually writing a 7-sentence to 7-paragraph story. At the beginning of each class, we will go over students' homework stories. Students may read their own stories out loud or ask the teacher to read them out loud. After each story is read, students are encouraged to tell the writer what they liked. They may also ask any questions they have, for example, if a certain sentence or paragraph confused them. Students will be instructed to treat their classmates’ works respectfully. After reading and commenting on stories, we’ll go over some writing vocabulary and cover the specific creative writing topic for that day (listed below). Class will involve lots of student discussion and interaction as students ask and answer questions, comment on each other’s work, and complete writing exercises, both together and individually. Students should be able to write in class, either with pencil and paper or on the computer. They will need to type their short stories (or have someone else type their stories for them) so they can submit them to the Outschool classroom. They will also need to participate in class discussion, though they may do so with the chat feature if they desire. First class: What is narrative? Second class: Character Third class: Setting Fourth class: Plot and Conflict Fifth class: Beginnings and Endings
Learning Goals
Students will learn the basic building blocks of narrative writing and will have tools to use in writing stories on their own. They will also begin to learn how to assess their own work and to give constructive criticism in a positive way.
In all my creative writing classes, the main goal is for students to learn confidence in their own writing and to enjoy writing creatively.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I will guide discussion to make sure it is age appropriate. I will ask students for examples of stories. Land of Stories (magic), Wings of Fire (dragons), and Percy Jackson (mythology) are almost always mentioned.
We will discuss conflict, antagonists, villains, and challenges. At this age range, conflict is usually in the form of disagreements between friends, natural disasters, villages attacked by dragons, etc. However, villains such as Darth Vader and Voldemort are often mentioned.
Please contact me with any concerns before class.
Supply List
Students will need paper and a writing utensil or a computer for in-class writing exercises as well as homework assignments. Handouts will be supplied on a class-by-class basis. Computer: Students will need to type their stories and share them in the Outschool classroom.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.9
102reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in English from Vermont College of Fine Arts
Bachelor's Degree in English from LeTourneau University
I have been writing stories since I was four, including group stories with friends. I have an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and have taught creative writing at the middle school level. I maintain involvement in the writing community through critique groups, writers’ forums, conferences, etc. I love giving students opportunities to practice, explore, and learn creative writing.Reviews
Live Group Class
$125
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
75 min
Completed by 86 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-11
2-6 learners per class
