Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

Creative Writing Workshop: Writing Exercises for High Schoolers

In this ongoing class students will use a variety of creative writing techniques, styles, and prompts to help get new ideas flowing.
Leah Bootes M. Ed.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(23)
Class
Play

What's included

1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

Does your child recoil in horror at the mere mention of writing? It's likely due to an imbalance of academic and creative writing. I'll let you in on a secret: this class is like the hidden veggie puree you mix into the mac and cheese or chocolate muffins. The students will think they're having fun writing creatively, but all the while they're learning different styles and techniques that great writers use. 

This ongoing class focuses on creative writing in order to remind students of the joy they once felt while writing creatively. This workshop style class provides different exercises each week to get that creative brain muscle moving. Each class is unique in nature which allows students to join at any time. 

Each week I will present an example of a technique or style using mentor texts. A mentor text is a text that provides an excellent example of a specific technique or style; they can provide an avenue for new ideas--especially for students who say they don't know what to write about. 
For example, students may read a poem in which the author focuses on a specific literary device and uses a unique style of delivery; students will think of their own topic and write an entirely new poem in the same style/format. 
Another example is to read a page/paragraph of a book in which the author portrays an exceptional example of imagery. After reading the excerpt, students will write their own short piece that focuses heavily on imagery. 

This workshop will push students out of their writing comfort zones through creative formats, formulas, techniques, and styles they can emulate. 
Students will write during class and are encouraged to share their writing with the group. If a student writes something highly personal and does not wish to share, they are not required to share. I will keep track of sharing time so that each student has the opportunity to speak. Some writing activities are completed by the individual and others are a "round robin" sort of writing where students write for a set amount of time and then trade pieces to continue writing someone else's story. I will provide feedback to each student during the class. 

There is no required experience or knowledge other than being able to read and write in English. This class is not grammar focused, but if there is a specific literary technique I will provide an explanation and example. 


Week of March 6th Sensory Imagery and Details and prompt
Week of March 13th Show Don't Tell and prompt
Week of March 27th Rhetorical Questions
Week of April 3rd Golden Shovel with 6 Word Memoirs
Week of April 10th Writing Prompt Round Robin
Week of April 17th Circular Writing
Week of April 24th Personification
Week of May 1st Perception

Learning Goals

Students will learn 
-a variety of creative writing techniques and styles. 
-how to write creatively and share their writing with others.
-how to respect the creative work of others and provide constructive feedback.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
I do not present any sensitive material. I will ask that if a student writes anything inappropriate for a professional setting (e.g., swear words) that they do not read that aloud in class, but I am more than happy to provide feedback on individual pieces.
Supply List
Students don't need to bring anything other than creative writing they wish to share with the group.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The Creativity Project edited by Colby Sharp, The Writing Thief: Using Mentor Texts to Teach the Craft of Writing by Ruth Culham, Notebook Know-How: Strategies for the Writer's Notebook by Aimee Buckner, Writing Radar: Using Your Journal to Snoop Out and Craft Great Stories by Jack Gantos, I Can't Keep My Own Secrets edited by Smith Magazine. These books are not required reading for students.
Joined June, 2021
4.9
23reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello, my name is Mrs. Bootes and I have been teaching English Language Arts since 2012. I have a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in middle and secondary education. I teach a variety of topics within the English Language Arts subject including reading, literary analysis, book club style discussion groups, poetry, and creative writing. My writing classes target trouble areas of grammar and writing so students can perfect their skills and produce quality writing. Academic writing is a common cause of stress for students, but it does not need to be. I believe in taking the stress out of the equation by introducing techniques and strategies students can use to easily improve their skills and boost confidence. Students sometimes lose the joy of reading and writing as they move through school, but I aim to help them rediscover that joy and realize their true abilities. I hope you take my class so I can share my love of grammar and writing with you. My loved ones often joke that I read grammar books for fun; but you guys, I really do! 

Reviews

Live Group Class
Share

$8

weekly
1x per week
25 min

Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 15-18
2-8 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyYour Privacy ChoicesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool