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Creative Writing Club: Genre Explorers!

In this ongoing club, middle school students explore a new writing genre each unit, using picture prompts or stories as inspiration to create their own unique pieces while developing creative writing skills.
Class
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What's included

8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Projects
2-4 hours per week. A creative writing piece will accompany each week's genre exploration. Students could spend anywhere from 1-4 hours per week working on this club, depending on their creative writing pieces.
Grading
Detailed writing feedback and critiques will be given on each creative writing piece a student submits.

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 8
Beginner - Advanced Level
Welcome to the Creative Writing Club: Genre Exploration! This dynamic course is designed for middle school students who have a passion for storytelling or wish to discover their creative potential. Over the course of eight weeks, students will embark on an exciting journey through various literary genres, including mystery, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, horror, adventure, and graphic novels. Each week focuses on a different genre, allowing students to explore unique writing techniques and develop their individual writing styles.

Throughout the course, students will engage in a variety of activities, from analyzing popular literature to creating their own original stories and scripts. By the end of the program, participants will have a portfolio of diverse writing samples, including short stories and graphic novel scripts, that they can share with friends and family.


What will be taught?

Each week, students will explore the defining characteristics of a specific genre. They will learn about key elements such as plot structure, character development, and thematic considerations. Students will also learn about the importance of genre conventions and how they shape storytelling.


Each class will be structured around a blend of self-paced instruction, hands-on writing activities, and teacher feedback. The lessons will typically begin with an overview of the genre, followed by inspiration of relevant literature, and ending with a creative writing activity.

How will you teach?

My teaching style is self-paced, student-centered, with emphasis on professional feedback and critiques for students. I prioritize creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and creativity. I will utilize a mix of instructional techniques, including self-paced learning guides, multimedia presentations, and detailed feedback and critiques to strengthen students' creative writing skills.

How much will learners get to interact with you?

Students will have ample opportunities for interaction with the instructor throughout the course. Each session will include:

Self-Paced Learning Guides: Brief introductions to each genre and its elements.
Literature Inspiration: Examples of famous literature pieces in each genre.
Writing Exercises: Hands-on activities where students create their stories based on prompts.
Feedback Sessions: Opportunities for students to share their work with teacher and receive constructive feedback.

By the end of this course, students will not only have improved their writing skills but also developed a deeper understanding of various genres and how to express their ideas effectively. They will also have an impressive creative writing portfolio. I can’t wait to welcome your aspiring writers to the club!
Learning Goals
Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics, conventions, and themes associated with each explored genre, including mystery, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, horror, adventure, and graphic novels.
Students will develop essential writing skills, including plot development, character creation, dialogue writing, and world-building, tailored to each genre's unique requirements.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
8 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Mystery Writing
 My lesson is about exploring the mystery genre, focusing on its common tropes like clues, suspense, and plot twists. We will analyze short mystery stories and/or picture prompts to understand what makes them compelling, and students will write their own short mystery stories featuring a main character and at least three clues. 
3 assignments
Lesson 2:
Fantasy Writing
 My lesson is about delving into the fantasy genre, where we will focus on world-building, magical systems, and character archetypes. Students will discuss popular fantasy literature and learn how authors create immersive worlds. They will then write a short fantasy story set in an original world, introducing unique creatures or magical elements. 
3 assignments
Lesson 3:
Science Fiction Writing
 My lesson is about introducing students to the science fiction genre, where we will explore futuristic settings, technological advancements, and speculative themes. We will analyze short sci-fi stories to understand character development and themes, and students will craft a short science fiction story centered around a technological innovation and its societal impact. 
3 assignments
Lesson 4:
Historical Fiction
 My lesson is about exploring historical fiction, focusing on how to blend real historical events and figures with imaginative storytelling. We will discuss effective research methods for ensuring historical accuracy and character development, and students will write a story set in a specific historical period, incorporating a real event or character. 
3 assignments

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The horror genre lesson in Week 5 includes mild, age-appropriate "creepy" themes meant to build suspense rather than frighten. For example, I may introduce well-known horror authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and offer optional short stories for students who want to explore the genre further. The picture prompts used in class are designed to inspire without depicting graphic or violent content. Parents may wish to monitor students’ work to ensure it aligns with an age-appropriate level of "creepiness" and avoids overly violent or disturbing content. This will help ensure that each student's writing remains within an engaging, safe framework suitable for middle school learners.
Supply List
Students will need the following items to participate fully in the Creative Writing Club:

Notebook or Journal: For note-taking, brainstorming, and writing exercises. This can be a simple spiral notebook or a dedicated journal.

Writing Utensils: Pens, pencils, and highlighters for annotating and editing work.

Digital Device: For typing longer pieces, sharing work online, or accessing provided digital resources.

All curriculum materials, prompts, and optional reading suggestions will be provided digitally within the course. No additional purchases are required.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2023
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
South Carolina Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University
I hold a Master's degree in Creative Writing and Literature, along with a Master's in Teaching and a Master's in Library and Information Science. With nearly a decade of experience teaching, I’ve led high school creative writing and journalism courses and organized a creative writing club for public school students. I also have a BA in Psychology and a minor in English, further enhancing my understanding of student development in writing. Currently, I am a school librarian at a 3K-8th grade public Montessori school, and I own a successful tutoring business with my husband, where I specialize in English Language Arts skills.

In addition to my professional experience, I’m a dedicated homeschool mom, supporting my own two academically excelling children as they grow in their learning journey. This blend of academic training, hands-on teaching, and personal commitment makes me well-prepared to guide young writers in exploring diverse genres and building their writing skills in an engaging, supportive environment.

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Self-Paced Class
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$4

weekly or $25 for all content
8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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Ages: 11-14

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