What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
4+ hours per week. Homework is required and will be assigned weekly, including homework following Week 4. All homework assignments utilize a checklist, so both students and parents know just what to expect. Please post completed homework to me the DAY BEFORE class, so we can discuss the assignments in class and I can provide feedback/encouragement.Assessment
Learners will be assessed using the checklist provided. No letter grades will be given.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Intermediate - Advanced Level
This class is reserved for students who have already taken one of the following classes from Mrs. Hardman: Writing About Medieval Times using IEW Curriculum, Writing About Ancient History using IEW Curriculum, or Writing About US History using IEW Curriculum. **Completion of Parts 1 AND 2 of the courses above (or their equivalent) is required. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.** This course will revisit story writing skills and checklists will be provided covering all dress-ups, decorations, and sentence openers previously learned in the courses listed above. The class will review style and structure of writing through short games/activities for reinforcement of stylistic techniques, and reflection on writing strategies on how to "write from the brain". All materials will be provided via PDF for outlining, writing concepts, and checklists. No book purchase is necessary.
Learning Goals
Former students will continue practice of writing fictional stories. We will utilize source texts, pictures, and free-writing to enhance and practice writing techniques.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Story Rewrite
Rewriting a story based on a common plot and focusing on figurative language
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Picture Prompt Story
Using picture prompts to write a story and focusing on similes and metaphors
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
3 Picture Prompt Story
Using 3 picture prompts to write a story and focusing on sentence openers
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Choice Picture Story
Using student chosen picture prompts and focusing on personification
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
There may be times for homework when students will be required to retell their outline verbally to an adult. I'd love for your support in lending them an ear for this assignment! Please contact me with any questions as we go through this process.
The following content will be discussed, which may be sensitive:
Week 1 we will be discussing the plot of overcoming a monster and the theme of heroes/good vs. evil.
*Note: This curriculum, along with all curriculum I teach on Outschool is secular.
Pre-Requisites
Students should have previous experience with IEW writing and the use of checklists to evaluate their writing for style and structure.
Supply List
Students will need access to a computer word processing system or Google Docs to complete assignments. Week 4 students will have the option to find and use their own picture prompts.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Idaho Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Chapman University
I am an IEW Registered Instructor and have taught several IEW-related courses over the past 12 years in person and on Outschool since 2016. I find that students are challenged, engaged, and learn to enjoy playing with their writing.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$65
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
3-6 learners per class