What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursAssessment
No homework will be assigned, but students can submit their work after class for teacher review and feedback. They may also come to class with an already written short story to strengthen during our lesson. This is completely optional.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Imagine a world where humans no longer survive on Earth. Soldiers and civilians have been evacuated to build an existence within outer-space, surrounded by futuristic inventions and new alien races. Let's write about sci-fi together! In this one time class, learners ages 9-14 will be able to learn different creative writing skills to take their sci-fi characters and stories to the next level. I will provide students important tips to create believable characters and narratives to engage their audience and peers. We will begin class by introducing ourselves and telling the class what why we are interested in writing. Then we will discuss some examples of famous mythical media and what made them successful. We will discuss how to make our characters more realistic, the plot more interesting and how to avoid common mistakes when writing about this genre. There will be engaging slideshows to demonstrate each literary device. Learners are encouraged to take notes so that they can reference them when they are writing in their free time. I will engage the learners by asking their opinions, ideas and preferences throughout. I enjoy having a conversational flow to class and hope to invite that atmosphere into this session. We will motivate each other to think about the "who", "what", "why", "how" and "when" in our storylines in order to create a more realistic world. Students will be given 15-20 minutes in our class together to put their newly learned skills to the test. Students can bring an existing story or character that they want to improve (must be appropriate for the theme of the class) or start a completely new tale. I will provide engaging writing prompts for learners to work from or the learners can come up with their own prompt. After we finish our writing, I will encourage the class to share some of their work. Sharing is not required but highly encouraged. We will then offer positive feedback about what we liked in the story, as well as aspects that could use more fine tuning. I will also give the students an opportunity to workshop my characters and stories. This will be a very comfortable and low-pressure environment where young writers can feel safe sharing their ideas and interests. It will help them improve and make time for their hobby of writing. This is NOT a class focused on grammar; all the best writers start with a rough draft and edit later! This class is meant to help your learners find their imagination again and enjoy a fun environment with peers. All skill levels are welcomed in this class, but basic writing ability and general knowledge of literary terms like "plot", "climax", "characters", etc. will be beneficial. After class, students may submit their work to me via Outschool messenger. This is completely optional, but will allow your learner to be provided with individual and private feedback outside of the class. I will provide encouragement and fresh ideas. Original work and fan-fiction is also allowed in this class. All your student needs is a pencil, paper (or the ability to type on their computer) and a little bit of creativity! IMPORTANT EXTRAS FOR PARENTS: Class Refund requests: You may refer to Outschool's refund policy here. https://support.outschool.com/en/articles/16379-outschool-s-happiness-guarantee-and-refunds If a learner is consistently causing distractions or being disrespectful, I must use the mute button on that particular child. If they are being extreme and severely offensive/disrespectful to their classmates or teachers, I may remove the learner from the classroom. This is to protect the integrity and experience of our peers in class. I will reach out to the learner's parents after class to discuss the incident.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to improve their short-stories and novels based in a scientific world. We will create unique and believable characters and think critically about how to make them different than existing works in the media. We will discuss how to create an engaging beginning, an immersive world and exciting plot points.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We may use google docs in order to type our stories in a shared space in class. I can provide blank, public worksheets for the students to use OR they may use their own google docs account to share the story with the class via screen share.
If your learner would rather, they may simply write with a paper or pencil and read aloud/share photos of their work after class.
There will be frightening themes such as aliens, weapons and action in this particular class. Please ensure that your learner is emotionally able to handle these extreme themes and supervise them if you have concerns. Learners will be monitored and provided with prompts to encourage exciting and appropriate narratives.
If a learner is consistently causing distractions or being disrespectful, I must use the mute button on that particular child. If they are being extreme and severely offensive/disrespectful to their classmates or teachers, I may remove the learner from the classroom. This is to protect the integrity and experience of our peers in class. I will reach out to the learner's parents after class to discuss the incident.
Supply List
We may use google docs in order to type our stories in a shared space in class. I can provide blank, public worksheets for the students to use OR they may use their own google docs account to share the story with the class. If your learner would rather, they may simply write with a paper or pencil and read aloud/share photos of their work after class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from Western Kentucky University
I graduated with a bachelor's degree in creative writing and literature from Western Kentucky University. I am experienced in hosting and participating in creative-writing workshops and studied under many well-known, published professors at my university whose expertise was in the "horror" and "fantasy" genre. I am a former content creator for a video game and horror movie news website.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$13
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
1-6 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Tutoring
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