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Creative Writing Seed Journals, a Writing Workshop Camp

Small group creative writing workshop class/camp in which learners will use an old-school composition notebook for journal entries that will become seeds of inspiration for their self-expression. I'll also share models/examples in class.
Ms. Nancy (Nancy Jaynes)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(23)
Star Educator
Class
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What's included

5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hours
Assignments
1 hour per week. Students are encouraged to add to their Seed Journals, revise their writing, and type up their work to share with me and the class members for guidance or suggestions.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 7
(Please note that class will be canceled without a minimum of 2 learners enrolled.) 

During these small group classes, I will read aloud a story, poem, or reading selection to highlight a particular writing style or technique. Students will be given a writing prompt to help get their creative juices flowing. Students will write during class time and are encouraged to share their writing with their classmates during our “Author’s Chair” time at the end of class.  Any shared responses during class will receive encouraging comments and gentle questions to help guide revisions.  Students who are uncomfortable sharing in class are welcome to share throughout the week in the classroom. I may offer to read their writing aloud during the next class if they are reluctant to share. 

We’ll kick off the class by creating our “seed journals” -- our idea books that will become the play and workspace for our ideas as we explore writing creatively. Student writers are encouraged to share drafts of their writing with me through shared Google documents as we revise our works. 

During this 5-session class, students will work on the following activities:                           
Create their Seed Journals (a notebook is needed) for writing ideas 
Write Six-Word Memoirs  (and longer memoir pieces)                                                                                                               
Create a Memory Map
Complete a Mining-the-Heart page       
Write “After” Poetry based on a poem by Langston Hughes 
Write ekphrastic poetry
Write found poems
Participate in our Author’s Chair (when the student is ready)
Add to their Seed Journals every session

Please note that no makeup sessions or refunds for missed classes will be offered, but learners are welcome to view the video recording of a class that was missed. If an emergency arises requiring me to miss class, I will either reschedule a convenient time for all participants or issue a prorated refund for that class.  (Heaven forbid-- and it's never happened before now!)

Learning Goals

1. This is a hands-on class, and students will write during the class period.
2. Learners will practice writing techniques that I’ve highlighted.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Required: composition book notebook and pencils
Optional Materials for Decorating Seed Journals: 
colored pens, perhaps magazine cut-outs for collage decorations, glitter, markers, etc. (personal preference!)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined January, 2021
5.0
23reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Louisiana Teaching Certificate
I have been an English teacher in public, private, and charter schools for the last 12 years and have been teaching altogether for 20-plus years. I am a Teacher Consultant with the Greater New Orleans Writing Project and also received training through the Phillips Exeter Academy. I participated in the New Orleans Poetry Forum for a time, where I learned the value of being brave about sharing writing with peers to receive feedback. Developing a safe space in which my students feel comfortable sharing their writing is important. I hope to create a sense of rapport and trust with my students. At the same time, I hope to encourage camaraderie to develop between participants as they open up and share their thoughts and feelings through their writing.  

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$160

for 5 classes

5x per week, 1 week
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
2-4 learners per class

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