Creative Writing Workshop - Wizard Themed - 11 Weeks - Standards Based

What will be taught?

The Wizardly Writing Workshop is an immersive 11-week online course designed for 4th and 5th-grade students. The course teaches the full spectrum of narrative writing, guiding students from the initial brainstorming of ideas to the final stages of publishing their original fiction stories. Students will learn to:

- Develop compelling characters and vivid settings.
- Structure engaging plots with clear beginnings, middles, and ends.
- Use dialogue, description, and pacing to enhance their narratives.
- Employ sensory details and concrete language to bring their stories to life.
- Revise and edit their work for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.

The workshop covers a comprehensive range of topics essential for narrative writing that can be found on the course Syllabus. 

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Class Structure:

Each 55-minute weekly session follows a consistent and engaging structure:

Welcome and Warm-Up (5-10 minutes): Interactive activities or prompts to stimulate thinking and engage students at the start of the class.

Mini-Lesson (10-15 minutes): Direct instruction on the day's focus, utilizing slides, examples, or short videos to introduce key concepts and techniques.

Guided Practice (15-20 minutes): Students apply new concepts through structured activities, often collaborating in pairs or small groups using online tools like breakout rooms or shared documents.

Independent Work (15-20 minutes): Time for students to work individually on their narratives, implementing the day's lessons with the teacher available for support.

Sharing and Feedback (5-10 minutes): Opportunities for students to share their work and receive constructive feedback from peers and the instructor.

Wrap-Up and Homework Assignment (5 minutes): Summarize key takeaways and outline homework to reinforce learning and prepare for the next session.

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How will I teach?

My teaching approach is dynamic and interactive, utilizing various methods to cater to different learning styles:

Interactive Lectures: Engaging presentations with visual aids to introduce and explain writing concepts.

Discussions: Facilitating open conversations where students can share ideas and ask questions, promoting critical thinking.

Collaborative Activities: Using online platforms for group work, encouraging peer learning and cooperation.

Writing Exercises: Hands-on practice during class to apply new skills immediately.

Modeling and Examples: Demonstrating techniques using mentor texts and sample writings to illustrate effective narrative elements.

Feedback Sessions: Providing personalized guidance through one-on-one interactions and written comments.

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What's my Style?

My teaching style is student-centered and supportive, characterized by:

Encouragement of Creativity: Fostering an environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and taking creative risks.

Positive Reinforcement: Highlighting student strengths to build confidence while gently guiding improvements.

Interactive Engagement: Actively involving students in the learning process through questions, discussions, and collaborative work.

Adaptability: Being responsive to the needs of each student, offering additional support or challenges as appropriate.

Enthusiasm and Passion: Conveying a genuine excitement for storytelling and writing, which inspires students.
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Learners will have extensive interaction with the instructor throughout the course:

Live Interaction During Lectures: Students can ask questions and participate in discussions in real-time, ensuring immediate clarification and engagement.

Guided Practice Support: The instructor will circulate (virtually) during activities to provide assistance, answer questions, and offer feedback.

Individualized Feedback: Personalized comments on assignments and one-on-one discussions help address specific areas for improvement.

Collaborative Tools: Utilizing interactive platforms like online whiteboards, shared documents, and breakout rooms enhances communication.

Sharing Sessions: Regular opportunities for students to present their work and receive direct feedback from the instructor.

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Specific Interaction Methods:

Lectures with Visual Aids: Using slides and examples to make concepts clear and accessible.

Group Discussions: Facilitating conversations that allow students to learn from each other.

Interactive Games and Icebreakers: Incorporating fun activities to reinforce learning objectives and maintain high engagement levels.

Multimedia Resources: Occasionally using video clips or digital storytelling tools to enrich the learning experience.

Peer Review Sessions: Guiding students in giving and receiving feedback, which also involves instructor oversight and input.

Conclusion:

The Wizardly Writing Workshop is meticulously designed to not only teach students the mechanics of narrative writing but also to ignite a passion for storytelling. By the end of the course, students will have:

Developed a complete, polished narrative that is ready for publication.

Gained confidence in their writing abilities.

Learned valuable skills in critical thinking, organization, and creativity.

Experienced the joy of sharing their stories with an audience.