Story in a Day: Writing a Collaborative Narrative!
In this fun one-time course, we'll build a story together using the narrative arc: we'll set the scene, plan our characters, introduce conflicts and have our characters take action in a climax, and resolve our story in a satisfying way.
Susan Ehrenclou
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(72)
What's included
1 live meeting
1 in-class hoursClass Experience
We'll learn all about a narrative arc as we write a story together! This is a unique format similar to a community teaching circle because learners will take turns telling parts of the story as the teacher types, and by the end of the class, we'll have a collaboratively written tale that's ready for learners to print and illustrate, if they'd like. We'll use descriptive words to establish the setting: the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the story, including establishing point of view and present or past tense. Then we'll introduce conflicts for our characters in the rising action, make sure our characters make a decision or have a drastic change at the climax, and settle down for a satisfyingly ending. Learners will receive a copy of our story at the end of the class so they can illustrate and/or change any of the parts to their liking. They'll also receive the blank version of our narrative arc planning sheet to write unlimited stories of their own! There is no prior experience necessary for this class: we'll talk as we write about things writers think about on a sentence-level. This is an updated version of the previous "Spooky Story in a Day" Halloween-themed and "Festive Story in a Day" Holiday-themed class.
Learning Goals
Students will understand the key elements of a narrative arc (beginning/setting, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution), what questions readers ask at the beginning of stories, how we can replace boring words with more descriptive choices, and how they can establish point of view and present/past tense. They'll also gain the experience of watching someone write their ideas into a story, which is helpful as they think about launching their own writing projects!
Other Details
Supply List
Learners might want a pencil and paper on hand to write down ideas for our story, but we'll be doing the typing together on the shared Zoom screen. If learners decide to illustrate this after the class, they may want a printer and coloring materials ready.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2020
4.9
72reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have an MFA in Creative Writing and am a certified teacher (MEd) who has taught learners from elementary school through college. I've earned teaching awards for my teaching approach that encourages all levels of writers.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
60 min
Completed by 18 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-5 learners per class
