Creative Writing for Teens: Writing a Book (Novel or Short Story)
In this immersive 8-week course, students will develop a novel while mastering creative writing fundamentals through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and personalized feedback, culminating in a finished draft!
Teacher Mónica - BMusEd
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(75)
What's included
8 live meetings
7 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each week, students will have a writing assignment to complete before the following class in order to reach their novel-writing goal. Students are expected to turn in these writing assignments at least 24 hours prior to the following class in order to receive solid feedback from the teacher.Assessment
includedLetter Grade
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
In this class, students will create, develop, and write their own short story or novel! Whether you're a new or experienced writer, this course offers a structured and supportive environment to help you achieve your creative goals. Each week, we'll cover essential writing techniques, from story structure and character development to dialogue and revision. Students are encouraged to write in any genre, set personal writing goals, and finish with a polished piece of fiction. This class fosters creativity, accountability, and growth as a writer! 📋Class Breakdown: ✏️5 minutes: Introductions/Journal Prompts. We'll start each class with a quick hello and a fun icebreaker to get our creative brains started. ✏️20 minutes: Mini-lesson and Guided Practice. Each week will cover a "mini-lesson" on a key fundamental to novel writing (ie tone vs mood, hooking your reader, world-building.) Students are always encouraged to share thoughts and ideas during the mini-lesson. ✏️20 minutes: Feedback & Discussion. Feedback is brief and casual. Students are able to ask questions, share ideas and struggles, and encourage one another to stay motivated. Students are never expected to change their stories based on lesson content or my suggestions. Instead, I encourage students to view them more as guidelines rather than rules. ✏️5 minutes: Recap and Exit Activity. We'll close the lesson with a quick recap and reminder of what students are expected to work on before next class. ⭐⭐Students are required to submit their writing assignments 24 hours before the next class in order to receive feedback. In my art classes, I empower young artists to see the world with fresh eyes, drawing not just what they know but what they truly observe. In my music classes, I guide students to freely explore their creativity, providing them with the tools to create or play music they’re proud of. In my writing classes, I help aspiring writers unlock their potential by reading like a writer and mastering the art of 'show, don’t tell.' Together, we cultivate skills that turn imagination into captivating stories, striking visuals, and inspiring music.
Learning Goals
Develop Storytelling Skills: Students will learn to structure a complete story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, utilizing key elements of narrative such as plot, setting, and character development.Foster Creative Expression: Students will explore and develop their unique voice, experimenting with different genres and styles while building confidence as writers.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Week 1: Your Model Novel & Your Characters
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week 2: Telling Your Story, Story Planning, and Pacing
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week 3: Show, Don’t Tell
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week 4: Dialogue
55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
📁 ~ 2 pocket folder or binder to keep handouts in one place 📝 ~ pencil for the occasional handout 💻 ~ working laptop or desktop keyboard for typing prompts and writing activities** ** journals are acceptable as well, as long as photos of writing assignments are turned in each week
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined August, 2020
5.0
75reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from The Master's University
Hi, I'm Teacher Monica (they/them) - a musician and artist. I am passionate about teaching, traveling the world, and creating art.
Currently I'm a middle and high school choir and fine art teacher at a Waldorf school, but I also have experience with teaching early elementary aged learners in private and small group music and art classes.
As an experienced educator, I believe that every child can become a musician and artist. All learners deserve a well-planned, differentiated arts education. I am an energetic and passionate teacher and do my absolute best to model to my students so they have an example of what having a passion for learning and creating art or music looks like.
I have been teaching music for 20 years and received my Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2014. This helped me achieve a firm grasp on the art of teaching music in both a group or private lesson setting. I also learned so many tools on how to study, read, and analyze music, which helps me guide my students into being confident performers and analyzers of their pieces.
Fun facts:
I have three cats named Atoka, Calcifer, and Bagels.
I have a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.Reviews
Live Group Course
$24
weekly or $185 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-10 learners per class
