Creative Writing Basics: Fun and Encouraging for Beginners and Beyond
In this 6-week online class, students will learn and practice creative writing basics. Class includes time for writing, learning, discussion, and sharing (if desired). Students may complete optional HW assignments for written feedback.
What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each week students will have the option to practice the covered skills by completing a personal writing assignment of 1-3 pages, double-spaced. They may submit their writing to me for written feedback, if desired.Assessment
Students have the option to complete and submit each weekly writing assignment for my written feedback. Feedback will focus on the covered skills and will not include numerical grades. The goal of my feedback is to encourage students, helping them grow as writers without pressure or fear.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Class Structure: Each class begins with a warm-up in the form of a writing prompt. These are for the learner's eyes only, unless he/she decides to share. (10 min) Students have the option to share a sentence or two from their warm up (5 min) Brief lesson about the day's topic (10 min) We will review a number of example texts, analyzing and discussing how they demonstrate the topic of the day (10 min) Short in-class writing activity to practice the skill of the day (10 min) Review of practice activity and optional share time (5 min) I will share and explain the optional homework assignment (5 min) *All times listed are estimates. I will adjust in real time to meet the needs of the class.
Learning Goals
Students will learn and practice six characteristics of creative writing.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Plot: Zoom In
We explore the basics of plot, and the benefits of zooming in for maximum effect. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Show, Don't Tell
We explore the concepts of showing vs. reporting, and the impact of each technique on the reader. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Setting & Imagery
We explore the importance of a story's setting and notice the power of sensory descriptions. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Character Development
We explore how a character's traits and desires affect the outcome of a story. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will use Google suite tools (Slides, Docs, etc.) for teaching, learning, and completing assignments. It would be helpful for students to have access to a Google account.
At times, YouTube videos or Kahoot games may be used to encourage attention and participation.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined February, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Florida Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
I have been a middle and high school language arts teacher for fifteen years, ten of which have been in the online space. I also spent three years as a creative writing club sponsor for middle and high school students. Personally, I am a lifelong student and dabbler in creative writing, having taken several college and community-based creative writing courses as an adult. I have personally practiced all of the skills that students will learn in this course. Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly or $120 for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
4-14 learners per class
