Students LOVE writing about horses in this class!

This descriptive writing class pairs students' interest in horses with developing creative writing skills in a small group setting. (Some experience with horses can an asset). I have combined my nearly 20 years of teaching experience in a classroom with my passion for creative writing and horses to design this engaging class.

This class aims to:
-Develop students' creative writing skills and foster a love for writing
-Teach students about different types of literary devices (figurative language) to create strong writing
-Improve students' written expression (specifically work on clarity of expression)
-Encourage students to think carefully about word choice 
-Provide a place for students to talk about horses and be social

The agenda for the class is:

1. Greetings and introductions.
2. Find the Best Descriptors Activity: Students work with the teacher and each other to create a strong list of descriptive words to describe water.
3. The Description Challenge: For this activity, students will use words from their list (from the first activity) to create a strong and clear description in an assigned time. 
4. Figurative Language Mini-Lesson: Students will learn about (review) imagery and similes and will attempt to use both in their final writing exercise. 
5. Final Writing Exercise: Students will select an image of HORSES IN WATER to describe in one or more paragraphs. Guided by the teacher, they will plan their ideas and select a point of view and tense to write from before being given time to write.
6. Share writing: Students will share all or part of their work to celebrate their success and receive feedback

I am a very positive and encouraging teacher, and I use a variety of methods that appeal to both visual and linguistic learners. This class will use many approaches for learning including discussion, visuals, fun activities and slides. Students will receive lots of verbal feedback, and there are many opportunities for students to participate throughout the class.

Students taking this class are strongly encouraged to have their cameras on as it develops students' intrapersonal skills and I can more effectively teach and respond to students' non-verbal cues. Students will need lined paper and a pen or pencil. As well, if students choose to type the final two activities, they will need a device to do so.

Requests for other times or days as well as different age groups (or a private one-on-one class) are welcome.