Creative Writing Ongoing Summer CAMP Turning Pictures Into Paragraphs

In this creative writing class, students will learn key writing skills as they engage in the creative writing process. 

Each week, students will be shown an interesting, engaging, (and silly!) picture. The picture will serve as inspiration for their story (characters, setting, plot) and students will work on brainstorming story ideas as we discuss what we see in the photograph. 

Before writing, we will brainstorm together and create a web of ideas. 

The teacher will provide a mini lesson about a story element before students begin writing. For example, students may work on character development one week and setting the next. They will use that writing focus throughout class. Then, they will be encouraged to finish their stories after class. ***Students finished pieces may be posted to the classroom page (optional).***


Class Structure

1. Greeting (3 minutes)
2. Mini-Lesson (mini-lessons will vary weekly, but may include topics such as effective hooks, character descriptions, character traits, setting, plot, vivid vocabulary, grammar skills, using dialogue, etc.) (5 minutes)
3. Picture Presentation and Whole Group Brainstorm (5 minutes)
4. Independent Writing Time (12 minutes - with teacher check-ins throughout the process)
5. Sharing (Optional) (5 minutes)


***This writing course will be cancelled and rescheduled if there are fewer than the minimum number of students (3) enrolled. This style class works best when students have other students to collaborate with.***

Students can continue to work on their writing pieces after class and may post their completed stories to the classroom page for continued discussion and feedback. 

This is a great class for students who are looking to engage in the writing process in a fun, stress-free environment. Whether your child is reluctant to write, loves to create stories, or just needs some fun writing practice in a supportive environment, this class is the perfect way to keep them excited. 

Students may choose to turn in their writing for specific feedback on writing mechanics and idea development after class. However, we will not "correct" students' work in class. In this writing course, we will focus on positive praise as we work to create a lifelong love of writing in your child. 

Schedule: 
Week 1 (5/12): Character Descriptions
Week 2 (5/17): Point of View
Week 3 (5/25): Setting 
Week 4: Vivid Vocabulary