Return to Unicorn Library: A FLEX Class for Creative Storytellers & Artists

In this flex class, learners use drawing and/or writing to create an original character and take part in an ongoing, collaborative storytelling process and creative drama adventure.   In order to be inclusive of all learners, my videos and written instructions offer a range of options for ways of participating and completing assignments.  (Examples of options: free-style drawing, graphic novel-style templates, hand-writing or typing the story with or without illustrations, audio or video recording of learner acting out or telling parts of the story or conveying ideas through a puppet show.) 

Our story starts with a group of friends (animals and magical creatures) traveling to Unicorn Library, located under the rainbow.  This "Return to Unicorn Library" class was created as a follow-up for learners who enjoyed the class "Little Mouse, the Dragon & the Fairies: A Creative Adventure at Unicorn Library."  Learners who haven't taken that class are also welcome and should not have any trouble following the story, which is not dependent on knowing anything about the first class.  It is possible to take either of these flex classes multiple times, as each story is custom designed around learner suggestions, and will therefore be different every time.

In our adventure, strange sounds, sights and smells are clues to a series of mysteries to be solved, and the unique strengths and interests of each character (and each learner in the class) are needed in order to solve the problems we encounter.  As they work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, the characters will discuss and practice a variety of friendship, communication and social skills. 

Structure:
The class is asynchronous (we are all working independently on our own schedule) and no live class meeting time is pre-scheduled or required, however I am open to scheduling a brief conferences via zoom by request for learners who are interested in receiving feedback in that manner.

Class instruction will occur through teacher videos, written instructions and suggestions posted in the classroom.  Learners will respond to prompts by commenting on posts or uploading text, audio or video files or photos of drawings and handwritten materials they wish to share.  

Video #1 is prerecorded, but all subsequent videos are custom-made for the specific learners in the section and will reflect suggestions made by learners.  There will be opportunities to engage in creative play and act out our adventure, and even have the option of making models of the setting or "where" of the story with building blocks, bricks or found objects.  

Schedule:
The classroom page posts listed below each include a teacher video and a written assignment/prompt.
Post #1:  "Introducing our Characters and Exploring The Land of Clouds," will be posted and available to learners and families upon signing up.
Post #2 "Something seems different around here..." will be posted three days after the start date of the section.
Post #3  "We are stronger when we work together," will be posted one week after the start date of the section.
Post #4  "A mysterious note," will be posted two weeks after the start date of the section.
Post #5  "Some good news," will be posted three weeks after the start date of the section.
Post #6 "One small mystery remains..."  will be posted three days before the end date of the section.
A final post will occur on the last scheduled day of the section for closure and in celebration of our work and adventures together.

(Please note: Specific dates for each post can be found on the classroom page for each individual section which you will have access to when you sign up for the class.)

Communication with the instructor:
Learners can chose to communicate with the instructor and with other learners by commenting on the classroom posts and/or uploading materials to the classroom posts.  To send private, direct messages to the instructor learners can use the teacher tab.  The instructor will try to reply and/or offer supportive feedback on the same day it is sent, but please understand that due to other demands on the instructor's time and the need for work/life balance, on occasion it may take up to 48 hours to receive feedback and replies.

If you have any questions about this class please feel free to message me through the Outschool messaging system.  I look forward to creative adventures with your learner sometime soon!  Thanks--  Meredith J. Berlin