Descriptive Writing
Classes to challenge young writers to become more descriptive
Jessika O'Sullivan
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(1,167)
Popular
What's included
1 live meeting
1 in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Intermediate Level
Weekly schedule for the class: Tuesday 7:30-8:30 AM Eastern time: A portal Thursday 5-6 Eastern time: a festival Friday 1:40-2:40 pm Eastern time: What would it be like to be able to fly Wednesday at 9 am Eastern time: Nature "The cottage was located at the end of a meandering trail. The tiny house indeed needed some new paint, but it was still charming. White and powdery pink roses clung to the walls, filling summer evenings with sweetness. At first, you might not hear anything, but if you paid attention, you would soon hear the wind in the trees and the waterfall a short walk away. In early July, you could pick crimson red wild strawberries by the south wall. They had a tangible spiciness to them mixed with honey." Descriptive writing is the glue that holds a story together. It helps the reader imagine and experience the locations and worlds in the story. In this ongoing class, we will meet once a week to practice descriptive writing. Each week, a different theme or location will be covered, and the students do not have to join all of them and can pick which weeks to participate. The students don't need to have any experience doing descriptive writing. Each 60-minute class will be divided into three sections. 1. 20 minutes of teacher-led discussion of the theme or location. With my guidance, the students will brainstorm ideas on the whiteboard or around a photo to inspire their writing. 2. 20 minutes to write a description or descriptive scene 3. 20 minutes for the students to share their writing in the chatbox or read aloud. Students are also welcome to finish their writing after class and post it in the classroom. Week 1: Nature (discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 2: Houses and buildings(discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 3: Villages and towns(discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 4: Cities (discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 5: Fantasy Worlds (Not animals and creatures. Discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 6: Science Fiction Worlds (Not aliens or creatures. Discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 7: Food (discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 8: Human looks and clothing (discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 9: Emotions (discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 10: Magic (discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 11: Animals (discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 12: The season winter (discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 13: Fantasy/Magical Creatures (discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.) Week 14: Aliens and Creatures from a Science Fiction World (discuss and brainstorm, 20 minutes to write and end the class by sharing your work.)
Learning Goals
To become a stronger writer and use more descriptive writing.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some of these themes might bring out more sensitive or complex writing pieces, for example, emotions or magic.
Language of Instruction
English (Level: B1)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2016
4.9
1167reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in personal experience. Growing up with dysgraphia, I encountered teachers who left me feeling uncomfortable, insecure, and inadequate. Those experiences shaped my commitment to creating an environment where every student feels welcome, confident, and supported. My goal is to build students up, ensuring they leave my classes with both knowledge and self-assurance.
As a teacher, I bring a wide array of subjects to life in my classes, ranging from creative writing and Swedish (my native language) to world religions, the Holocaust, and novel studies with a focus on folklore. Each subject reflects my passions and areas of expertise, offering students a rich and dynamic learning experience.
With a master’s degree in education and a double major in social and political science and world religions, my professional background equips me to guide students through diverse and complex topics. Having taught across various age groups in Sweden and now the USA, I also incorporate the principles of student democracy, encouraging students to take an active role in shaping their own learning journey.
On a personal note, I’ve always had a vivid imagination—perhaps a result of my Nordic upbringing. As a child in Sweden, I was fascinated yet terrified by the stories of fairies that pervade our folklore. Now, as an immigrant in the USA, I weave that sense of wonder into my own creative works, which have earned me awards for poetry and short stories.Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly1x per week
60 min
Completed by 238 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-8 learners per class
