** ATTENTION PARENTS ** 
Students who wish to enroll in this course are advised to first complete "Intro to Creative Writing." By taking the initial course, aspiring creative writers will become acquainted with Mr. L's expectations. Additionally, it will help establish a rapport and lay the essential foundation upon which to build in this creative writing journey.

In this 12-session course, students will write in every class, exploring different writing techniques and styles. Writing skills will be developed through pre-writing, editing, re-writing, and critiquing. Young writers will also examine various styles of writing by first reading folktales, fairytales, and riddles to name a few. They will follow these up with sensory description activities, writing their own folktales, riddles, a choose your own adventure activity, and more. Goals will be met through a variety of reading, writing, and speaking activities. Goals will be met through a variety of reading, writing, and speaking activities. Additionally, student writers must be willing to share their work; that is, they must be willing to read aloud and share their ideas with the larger group. Young writers will be asked to critique their own work and the work of others in a positive and gentle manner. Writers can expect to discover a lot about themselves and, as part of the class community, learn a great deal about each other through writing and sharing.  A close examination of language will come from exploring how our writing works and what it does when employing various creative methods.

EXPECTATIONS
  • This is an effort-based class: effort, attendance, and engagement will help attendees to grow as a writer.
  • Participation is extremely important. This includes completing all activities, forming thoughtful responses and opinions, and speaking up in class. Student writers are encouraged to hold and express confident opinions, but in a respectful manner at all times. All comments and feedback must be constructive.
  • Attendees will be successful in this class if they are willing to participate, try new things, comment on works and writings, and accept feedback.
  • Teacher and young writers will often work on their writing together.  This means students will need to become accustomed to writing legibly and having other students read their assignments.  Some assignments will need to be typed. 

TO SUCCEED AS A WRITER
  • Trust in and respect yourself and each other
  • Attend class with curiosity and inquisitiveness
  • Come prepared to engage in critical inquiry, analysis, and introspection
  • Actively participate; don’t wait for the teacher to call on you (passive learning)
  • Take risks, make messes, experiment, push yourself 
  • Be intentionally present (physically, mentally, spiritually, and creatively)
  • Login to class on time and meet all deadlines
  • Pay attention to detail and grammar
  • Practice often, create many drafts, and put in the effort
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BASIC COURSE OUTLINE  

Session 01: Word Jazz Word Collage
Session 01 home assignment: word collage activity

Session 02: Painting with Words through Sensational Wordplay
Session 02 home assignment: sensory descriptions activity

Session 03: Through the Lens: Snapshots of Imagination
Session 03 home assignment: picture-perfect exercise

Session 04: Folklore Fun: A Journey Through Time and Tradition
Session 04 home assignment: cultural folktales activity

Session 05: Once Upon a Remix: Fairy Tales with a Twist 
Session 05 home assignment: fairy tale remix activity

Session 06: Whiskers, Wings, and Wild Tales
Session 06 home assignment: animal adventures activity

Session 07: Character Crossovers: Where Personalities Collide
Session 07 home assignment: character mash-up activity

Session 08: Dreamscape Architecting: Forging Fantastical Realms
Session 08 home assignment: imaginary world-building activity

Session 09: Destiny's Pen: Paving Paths to Your Own Tale
Session 09 home assignment: choose your own adventure activity

Session 10: Seeking Junior Jetsetters for Word-Crafted Travel Adventures
Session 10 home assignment: travel brochure activity activity

Session 11: Ink-Spills and Thrills: Crafting Headlines that Grab and Gasp
Session 11 home assignment: newspaper headlines activity

Session 12: Puzzling Prose: A Riddle Me This Activity for Curious Minds