What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. You will be asked to write a short piece of descriptive writing using your previous people-watching exercise. Feedback will be given.Assessment
Informal assessment.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
The lesson will include: • A discussion about how to what makes a believable character. Can people-watching help us to do this? • You will learn how to show the scene you want to write. (There's a difference between telling a reader and showing a reader - one is effective, the other, not so much!) • You will learn how you can use observations to create characters that people want to read. • You will choose between first or third person writing - which is better for the stories you want to write? • You will learn how to use your observations in your writing. *Important note*: You will need to spend some time people-watching in the days prior to taking the lesson. People-watching means observing what people do when you are out and about. Examples could be: a child having a tantrum in a shop – what are their parents doing? An old man stumbles in the street - how do passers-by react? Kids are playing outside – which one is the leader of the group and how do you know? Make notes of what you saw and have these to hand. There will be class interaction throughout so you’ll need your camera on so I can see when you want to talk. There will be occasions when the class will need to be muted to allow me to progress the lesson. Profanity will not be tolerated, so please tailor your language accordingly.
Learning Goals
Students will learn the difference between showing a character and describing a character. You will learn how to use your ideas to create strong characters within the stories you write. You will learn how to write short pieces of flash fiction sparked by the five senses.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I follow a particular set of rules in class and these are as follows:
1. Cameras on - a large part of this class is via discussion and it's good for everyone to see the person talking and who is listening to them.
2. No cursing
3. No interrupting when another person is talking (students who do so will be warned and may be muted if the interruptions continue)
4. Everyone’s opinion is valid
5. Class may be muted when I need to progress the lesson – I will tell you when I am doing so.
Supply List
Notebook, pens, or access to Word.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a published author and editor outside of Outschool. A few years ago, I was commissioned to write many short pieces of fiction that are used in schools throughout the UK for SAT preparation. As such, I have an inate understanding and knowledge of how to craft fiction stories.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
2-9 learners per class