Students LOVE writing about horses in this on-going class! 

This small group learning environment pairs students' interest in horses with developing writing skills. I have combined my nearly 20 years of teaching experience in a classroom with my passion for writing and my experience as a former riding coach and horse owner to design this engaging class.

This class aims to:
-Develop students' creative writing skills and foster a love for writing
-Develop students' use of the entire writing process to write short stories
-Teach students about different types of literary terms (like plot, conflict) and devices (figurative language) to create strong writing
-Teach various creative writing skills and techniques (like show, don't tell)
-Improve students' written expression (specifically work on clarity of expression)
-Encourage students to think carefully about word choice to create unique writing
-Provide a place for students to talk about horses and be social

Every class begins with greetings and the class agenda. Each session then focuses on a different skill or concept which students work through as a discussion or activity. Following this, students work independently on writing their own stories while the teacher works one-on-one with each student. The class ends with a discussion of student learning and celebrating successes. 

Note: Some classes will spend more time on activities or writing depending on the topic. As well, class topics can change depending on students needs and skill development.

I am a very positive and encouraging teacher, and I use a variety of methods that appeal to both visual and linguistic learners. This class will use many approaches for learning including discussion, slides and sometimes video or audio clips. Students will receive lots of verbal feedback, and there are many opportunities for students to participate throughout the class. I love talking about horses and watching students achieve success in their writing.

Students taking this class are strongly encouraged to have their cameras on as it develops students' intrapersonal skills and I can more effectively teach and respond to students' non-verbal cues. Students will need lined paper and a pen or pencil and/or a device for typing.

Parents are sent a short email after EACH class (by the end of the day) to communicate class content and provide some learner feedback...which many homeschooling parents find helpful.

Tentative Schedule for Writing Topics:

Week of September 29 – Story Structure & Literary Terms
Week of October 6 – Generating Ideas & Planning 
Week of October 13 – Writing Beginnings & Settings
Week of October 20 – Writing the Climax & Short Sentences
Week of October 27 – Generating Ideas Writing Dice Game/Conferences
Week of November 3 – Story Workshop & Metacognition about the Writing Process
Week of November 10 – Settings for Stories
Week of November 17 – Outline & Begin New Story
Week of November 24 – no class
Week of December 1 – Writing Dialogue & Generating Ideas
Week of December 8 – TBD
Week of December 15 – TBD
Week of December 22 – no class
Week of December 29 – no class
Week of January 5 – TBD
Classes will continue weekly with varied topics.