What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 1 - 2
There are so many fun reasons to write! In this ongoing class, every week we explore one way of writing together. We might write a story about a superhero, a letter from a pirate stranded on an island, make up a silly poem or perhaps share interesting facts about a favorite animal. We start with a mini-lesson using a fun writing example and brainstorm additional ideas as a group. Then learners write independently on the topic of their choice and I provide support as needed. We finish with an opportunity to share. The goal of this class is to get learners excited about putting their creative ideas down on paper! Learners may not complete their writing projects in class, but I will work hard to make sure everyone is off to a great start before class ends. Both enthusiastic and reluctant writers are welcome! This is an ongoing class, so each week is a stand-alone lesson. Learners are welcome to join for one week or continue as long as you like. New learners are welcome to join at any time! Every class includes: Mini-lesson with a fun writing example (see the topic list below) Group brainstorming Time to write independently Support for learners who get stuck Opportunities to share Weekly Topics: Week of January 9th: Creating characters Week of January 16th: A story plan (who, what, where) Week of January 23rd: Letter writing basics: letters to/from favorite story characters Week of January 30th: Short stories: using a picture prompt Week of February 6th: Meet the author Week of February 13th: Poetry - using a comparison to paint a picture with words ** No class week of February 20th ** Week of February 27th: Short stories - a character and a problem... Week of March 6th: Short stories: bringing a story to life with sounds (onomatopoeia) Week of March 13th: Writing a simple "how to" Week of March 20th: Story beginnings - many ways to start a story Week of March 27th: Short stories: expanding word choice Week of April 3rd: This week in the news... - writing about our own lives ** No class week of April 10th ** Week of April 17th: Poetry: observation poems Week of April 24th: Silly recipes Week of May 1st: Short stories: using a picture prompt Week of May 8th: Short Stories: what's the problem? - creating the plot for a short story Week of May 15th: Letter writing basics: "Fred's camping trip" PLEASE NOTE: This class will be taking a summer break, but I have other creative writing classes that are available June, July & August. Feel free to send me a note, to figure out which one would be the best fit for your learner. If your learner prefers to draw and is just starting to add a little writing to their drawings, you might want to start with my comic strip stories class: https://outschool.com/classes/comic-strip-stories-weekly-workshop-3dlkfdjc?usid=3CuwGyJY&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link Looking for a quick class to get started on short stories? Check out Story Sparks for Weekly Creative Writing: https://outschool.com/classes/story-sparks-for-weekly-creative-writing-v9QSLtfo?sectionUid=12bc1bd4-8933-4f26-abe5-a3029d3cc4fe&usid=3CuwGyJY&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link Please contact me with any questions. I hope to see your young writer in class soon!
Learning Goals
The overarching goal of this class is to spark children's excitement for using their current literacy skills in playful and meaningful ways both in class and afterward at home. I believe that learning to read and write is a process that develops gradually with support, time, and authentic opportunities to use their developing skills. The way each child engages with the activities in this class will depend on their stage of literacy development. The class is designed to support the child in their current stage of literacy development and to help them grow as young writers.
Other Details
Supply List
Paper (or a notebook) and something to write/draw with.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Portland State University
I have a Master's degree in early childhood and inclusive education with an emphasis on literacy. I have been an educator for over 20 years and am passionate about teaching literacy skills that support a lifelong love of reading and writing. I see all children as capable individuals who are motivated to learn when their interests are honored and they are encouraged to make their own discoveries.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly1x per week
40 min
Completed by 16 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-8
2-6 learners per class