Epic Quests: Exploring the Hero's Journey
Students explore the Hero’s Journey and create their own myth. This creative writing class builds storytelling skills with interactive lessons, collaboration, and feedback, helping young writers craft epic tales!
What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. includedLetter Grade
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 7
Intermediate Level
What will be taught? This class focuses on guiding students through the Hero’s Journey framework to create their own original myth. By following this classic storytelling structure, learners will craft compelling characters, develop a conflict, and build an exciting climax and resolution for their stories. Over six weeks, each session will cover a different stage of the Hero’s Journey, allowing students to work step-by-step toward creating a full, epic adventure. How do I teach? I will use a combination of direct instruction, visual aids, and interactive writing exercises to teach the class. Each week’s lesson will include slides, story examples, and activities like brainstorming and character design. I’ll provide personalized feedback during the writing activities and discussions to ensure each student is progressing in their creative journey. What is my teaching style? My teaching style is student-centered and collaborative. I focus on encouraging creativity, building confidence, and fostering a supportive environment. I actively engage students through group discussions, guided brainstorming, and individual support. I use storytelling as a tool to spark imagination and challenge students to think critically about the structure and elements of their stories. How much do students interact with me and other students? -Interaction with Me: Students will have plenty of opportunities to interact with me during discussions, group activities, and writing time. I will guide students through each stage of their story, answer questions, and offer feedback on their writing. -Peer Interaction: Students will interact with each other during sharing sessions where they present their work and give constructive feedback. These peer interactions help them develop communication skills and learn from each other’s creative approaches. Required Background Knowledge: No prior writing experience is required, though basic writing skills (sentence structure, grammar) will be helpful. This class is designed for students who are excited to write and create, whether they’re beginners or have some experience with storytelling. A love for imagination and adventure is all that’s needed! Class Pacing: The class is paced to allow each student to build on their story each week. While the focus is on creativity, I will ensure that students are consistently progressing by providing structured prompts and check-ins. Students will have time during each session to work on their writing, and homework is optional but encouraged to stay on track. This class is perfect for students who love stories and want to develop their creative writing skills. Through the Hero’s Journey, students will not only learn how to structure a narrative but also gain the confidence to express their ideas and share their unique adventures with others.
Learning Goals
Understanding Story Structure: Students will learn the Hero’s Journey framework and how to apply it to their own original myths. They will understand the key stages of storytelling, including the call to adventure, facing challenges, meeting mentors, and
Character Development: Students will develop the skills to create compelling and dynamic characters, including the hero, allies, and mentors. They will learn how to give characters depth through traits, motivations, and backstory.
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
The Call to Adventure
Goals: Introduce the Hero’s Journey framework and outline the hero and their world.
Activities:
- Discuss favorite heroes and what makes them memorable.
- Learn about “The Call to Adventure” with examples.
- Brainstorm hero traits, their ordinary world, and the event that begins their journey.
Homework: Write the opening scene introducing the hero and their world.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Facing Challenges
Goals: Develop conflict and obstacles that test the hero’s strengths and weaknesses.
Activities:
- Explore types of conflict (internal vs. external).
- Brainstorm challenges that fit the hero’s journey.
- Begin drafting a scene where the hero faces their first challenge.
Homework: Complete the challenge scene with added dialogue and description.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Meeting Allies and Mentors
Goals: Design a mentor or ally to support the hero.
Activities:
- Discuss the role of mentors and allies in stories (e.g., Gandalf, Hermione).
- Create a mentor or ally, considering their personality and backstory.
- Share character concepts and their role in the story.
Homework: Write a scene where the hero meets their mentor or ally.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Final Battle
Goals: Craft the story’s climax, focusing on tension and stakes.
Activities:
- Learn how to build tension and stakes in a story’s climax.
- Outline and begin writing the hero’s “final battle” or major test.
- Share ideas and receive peer feedback.
Homework: Complete the climax scene.
55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
A basic understanding of grammar and the ability to write simple sentences will help students keep up with the class content.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a licensed educator with a Master’s degree in Secondary English Education, and I have 3+ years of experience teaching both middle and high school students in the English Language Arts classroom. My teaching background includes creating and delivering lessons focused on literature, writing, and critical thinking. Over the years, I have developed a passion for helping students unlock their creativity through storytelling, as well as supporting them in refining their writing skills.
I have taught creative writing in both formal and informal settings, including a middle school creative writing class where students explored narrative structures, character development, and crafting their own stories. Additionally, I have designed writing workshops where students engaged in peer feedback and revision processes to enhance their writing. This experience has given me a strong foundation in guiding students through the Hero’s Journey framework, an approach I have successfully used with 6th-12th grade learners.
In addition to my classroom experience, I am passionate about student-centered learning, ensuring that each student’s unique voice is heard and nurtured. My teaching style encourages collaboration, exploration, and critical thinking, helping students feel confident in their writing abilities.
I also have a deep interest in storytelling—whether in literature, film, or other media—and I continuously explore ways to make these stories accessible and exciting for young writers. My goal is to create an engaging, supportive environment where students can freely experiment with their ideas and develop their storytelling skills.
Overall, I bring a blend of formal education, teaching experience, and personal passion for writing to this class, and I’m excited to help students create their own hero's journey and develop their skills as storytellers.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$14
weekly1x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
2-12 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Tutoring
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