Six Genre-Based Creative Writing First Sentence Story Prompts
This is a 6 lesson creative writing course with a new genre and a first sentence prompt each lesson.
Shilo Dawn
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(6)
What's included
6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be completing their writing assignments on their own time each lesson. The amount of time they spend on their stories will depend on the student's writing abilities as well as the length of the story. For students writing very short stories, they may only spend twenty or thirty minutes per lesson working on their stories. For others, they may want to spend more time writing their stories per lesson. I anticipate the average student will spend around 1-3 hours per lesson on their writing assignment taking into account time for editing and reading through their stories before submitting them.Class Experience
This class offers a fun opportunity for students to develop their creative writing skills. Each lesson, students will be given a first-sentence writing prompt as well as a genre. They should use this prompt as the first sentence in a story in that genre. Part of the fun of this creative writing class is that the genre and the sentence may not clearly match. This means that students may need to be creative to write their stories. I have a list of 100 first-sentence prompts that I have created, and I have randomly picked one to use each week. *Please note: While most of the first-sentence prompts are one sentence long, there are a few that are two sentences. Students may encounter these in the classroom. This is set-up as a 6-week class, but students are welcome to progress at their own pace. Each lesson, I will discuss the genre for that lesson. If your student is unfamiliar with the genre, they may also want to do some research on their own. They can share their thoughts or concerns about the genre with me. While there are no upper or lower word limits, I would suggest that students stick to about 2,000 words if they would like me to comment on their stories (shorter stories are also acceptable). They are welcome to share their completed stories with me if they would me to comment on them. If there are specific things areas of their story that the student would like me to comment on, they can include that when posting their story for me to read. This may include grammar, whether it fits with the genre, or other concerns. As of right now, the genres are as follows: *Lesson One: Historical Fiction *Lesson Two: Mystery *Lesson Three: Sci-Fi/Fantasy *Lesson Four: Sports *Lesson Five: Coming-of-Age *Lesson Six: Classroom Choice Students are welcome to write the stories that they want. If they want me to comment on their stories, they must be "PG." This means the stories should have limited or no swearing and no graphic violence or sexual content. When appropriate for the genre, students may include what I'll call "behind-the-scenes" violence. For example, if for the "mystery" genre the student decides to write a murder mystery, we will know that the person was murdered, but the writer should not include the graphic, gory details of the event. Students who decided to do this may want to research "cozy mysteries" if they are unfamiliar with the term. I will try to comment on all shared stories as soon as possible after the student has posted the story. If any student shares an excessively long story, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to adequately comment on that story. As long as the story is no more than 2,000 words, I will provide feedback on what the student has written. Any students who do not want feedback can either choose to not share their stories, or they can let me know that they do not want my feedback.
Learning Goals
This class provides an opportunity for future authors to develop their creative writing skills. Most students will be more familiar with certain genres. They may also be more comfortable writing in specific genres. By being encouraged to write outside of their comfort zone, students will develop stronger writing skills. They may also find that a previously unfamiliar genre can provide them with a fun writing opportunity.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Historical Fiction
For this lesson, I will include a little information about elements of a historical fiction story. I will include some examples, including some stories that students may not typically view as historical fiction.There will also be a beginning sentence, which may or may not typically go along with a historical fiction story. Lesson 2:
Mystery
For this lesson, I will include information about some of the elements of a mystery story. I will include examples, including some stories that students may not typically view as mystery. There will be a beginning sentence to get students started on their own mystery story. This sentence might not typically go along with a mystery story. Lesson 3:
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
For this lesson, I will include information about some of the elements of a science fiction or fantasy story. I will include examples of science fiction and fantasy stories. Then there will be a beginning sentence, which may or may not typically go along with a science fiction story. Lesson 4:
Sports
For this lesson, I will talk about some of the elements of a sports story. I will include examples of sports stories. Then there will be a beginning sentence to get students started on their sports story. Other Details
Supply List
Students should have a way to write their stories. A notebook and pen or other writing utensil will work if they plan to keep their stories to themselves. Because students are going to get the most of this class by sharing their stories, I would encourage them to write their stories using a computer, tablet, or other electronic device where they can easily upload their story to share with their peers as well as me.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2022
5.0
6reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in English from Central Michigan University
Bachelor's Degree from Brigham Young University
I have an MA in Creative Writing from Central Michigan University. I have experience reading and writing in a variety of genres. Recently, I have worked to expand my writing abilities by participating in writing challenges in genres that are less familiar to me. This has been a fun and enlightening writing experience. I think all writers should have the opportunity to expand their writing abilities by writing in areas where they have to come out of their comfort zone. Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$10
weekly or $60 for all content6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
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Ages: 10-18
