Creative Writing: Bringing Your Characters to Life
This informative and fun class will allow students to discuss the fundamentals in creating dynamic characters and techniques to ensure that they are engaging, layered, and relatable to the reader. ** Includes a writing exercise **
Kim Cooper Smith
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(337)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
An integral part of storytelling is bringing your characters to life. We want the reader to connect with our characters, but how do we give them dimension and make them memorable long after the book is returned to the shelf? In this class, students will learn and talk about the function of characters in a story, ways to bring them to life, and how to make them have a lasting impact on the reader. Students will be asked to share some of their favorite characters and why they continue to be inspired by them. I will begin the class with a lecture supported by slides. Discussion and feedback are highly encouraged with respect for the opinions and ideas of others. Students will then be given an exercise to demonstrate what they have learned about character development which will be shared in class. We will conclude by summarizing what we have learned and recognizing our fellow writers. As this is an inclusive class, all students are welcome. If your student has special abilities or requires accommodations, please let me know. I would also recommend "The Elements of Creative Writing Summer Camp" which closely examines the five main elements of creative writing and allows writers to connect and share ideas with their peers in a collaborative atmosphere.
Learning Goals
Students will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of describing characters in a story.
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need materials to write with during class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2020
4.9
337reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from University of South Carolina
I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults within the educational and mental health systems. While in graduate school, I was a part-time college instructor which ignited my passion for teaching. I then became a mental health therapist, working in residential facilities as well as in the community. For the past six years, I have taught students online, which has been rewarding and challenging in ways that continue to inspire me.
Along with being a teacher, I am also a writer. I have had two short stories published, and I continue to regularly submit material. For three years, I had a blog that included my short stories, reviews, and opinions on various issues. Other examples of my writing experience consist of curriculums for an independent living program, program descriptions, numerous website articles, as well as online advertisements. I enjoy sharing my passion for writing with students and hearing about what inspires them. I strive to provide a supportive atmosphere for my students, allowing them to harness and express their creativity in ways unique to them.
Throughout my educational and professional careers, I have implemented various tools in my own life to create and maintain a system of learning, organization, and balance. After successes and failures alike, I now believe the knowledge of "how to learn" is a skill that serves us well after we graduate from school. I enjoy sharing these valuable skills with students who may discover a new way to be productive, feel confident as they plan for their future, and apply them to different parts of their lives for the rest of their lives. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$16
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 40 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-6 learners per class
