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Creative Writing: Write and Illustrate Your Own Picture Book

Ages 8-12
Live Group Course
In this 16 week, semester long, class students will learn how to write, illustrate, and publish their own picture book. Writing picture books is one of the best ways to learn storytelling techniques that are used in all writing formats.
Live video meetings
1x per week, 16 weeks
6-12 learners per class
55 min

What's included

16 live meetings
14 hrs 40 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Homework will be used to enhance the learning from class.
Certificate of Completion
1 after class completion

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 5
Intermediate Level
What will be taught?

In this 16 week, semester long class students will learn how to write, illustrate, and publish their own picture book. Writing picture books is one of the best ways to learn storytelling techniques that are used in all writing formats. 


What topics will you cover?

In this class we will cover storytelling and illustration techniques that are unique to picture books as well as storytelling techniques that are universal to other forms of writing. We will cover writing topics such as story arc, characterization, word choices, editing, and much more. We will also cover art and illustration topics such as color theory, character design, composition, style, contrast, and much more. 


How is your class structured?

This class builds on learned skills and is structured systematically so that students feel confident in their knowledge as they advance in skills. 


What's your teaching style?

I am a highly communicative and encouraging instructor. I believe that we are all creative and encouragement and enthusiasm is the best way to allow creativity to shine. 


How much will learners get to interact with you?

I will use slides and example from current picture books to teach this class. We will also have open class discussions for brainstorming and problem solving.

Learning Goals

Students will learn how to effectively tell a story with a beginning, middle. and ending.
Students will use illustrations to enhance their writing and further their storytelling skills.

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
16 Lessons
over 16 Weeks
Lesson 1:
What is a picture book and what makes it "work"?
 We will cover picture book structural components, such as: page count, word count, illustrations, story arc, character arc, pacing, dialogue, and page turns. 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Brainstorming ideas and characters for your picture book
 We will mine for ideas using your own experiences, chart unique story components, and use interesting titles for inspiration. We will also discuss how to chose winning characters that readers will fall in love with. 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Pitch writing for picture books
 Will we learn how to write a pitch for your book and how to use pitches to outline and guide your writing. 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Beginnings
 We will take a look at picture book intros and how they successfully introduce the main character and problem to your story. 
55 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
This class is good for kids with ADHD, anxiety, sensory needs, dyslexia, ESL. Small class sizes allow me to adjust class pacing and naturally, great picture book stories can be simple or complex. Reach out if your kid has special needs.
Pre-Requisites
Students should be able to type and write simple sentences.
Supply List
Students will need a Lulu kit for publishing their picture book, art supplies of their choice to complete illustrations, a binder to keep provided worksheets in, and google classroom to write their manuscripts. I will send out a list of supply needs before the start of the class with links included.
 1 file available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Meet the teacher

Joined May, 2020
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a award-winning published picture book author and illustrator. My passion is picture books! I am also a certified K-8 teacher with a Language Arts focus. I have taught and or coached for the past 17 years. 

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