Creating Fiction: An Interactive Minecraft Writing Class

**To participate in this class, students will need to have Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition (Students need to have a Microsoft account to play on Xbox, PS, or Switch). This class is NOT  compatible with Java.**

Minecraft allows students to think creatively and use their imaginations to build -- the sky is the limit! Pair Minecraft with concepts of creative writing and a struggling writer may find they're a budding author. Each week, students will learn a new element of creative writing. Then, students will put that to practice through building and writing in Minecraft.  Students will be able to immerse themselves into the stories they're creating through building. Students that choose to come back each week will have the opportunity to continually add to their stories (and builds).

Structure of the class:
15-20 minutes - Cover topic for the week
20-30 minutes - Minecraft build and write challenge

Week of June 5:  Types of Characters
What are the different types of characters in a story?
Minecraft build and write challenge: Build a house and create rooms for three different types of characters. In your Minecraft journal, write why you designed the room the way you did for each character.

Week of June 12: Elements of a fairy tale
What are the important elements of a fairy tale?
Minecraft build and write challenge: Construct a build for your own fairy tale. In your Minecraft journal, start writing your fairy tale.

Week of June 19: Descriptive Writing
Tips for writing descriptively
Minecraft build and write challenge: Construct a build. Then, find another person's build and in the Minecraft journal, write a detailed description of that build.

Week of June 26: Developing Characters
How can we create believable characters?
Minecraft build and write challenge: Build a house for a character. In your Minecraft journal, explain how your build would help someone get to know your character.

Week of July 3: Setting and genre
What are the different genres and sub-genres?
What is the setting and why is it important?
Minecraft build and write challenge: Choose a genre and build a setting for a story. In your Minecraft journal, write what genre you chose and ideas for a story that matches the setting.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
Students will need to have Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition (PC, Xbox, PS4, iPad, etc...they also need to have a Microsoft account). This class is NOT  compatible with Java. They will also need to be able to interact in Zoom and play Minecraft at the same time. 

SKILL LEVEL:
This class requires that students have prior experience playing Minecraft. We will be playing in Creative Mode, so beginner Minecraft players are welcome.