Writing Camp: Realistic Fiction

In this course, students will become familiar with the steps involved in the writing process through the Writer's Workshop model. As students become familiar with this process, they will write their own realistic fiction story. Students will be guided through essential questions, be given independent writing time to develop their stories, and practice having discussions and ask questions about their writing. 

This class will be structured as so: 
Week 1: Prewriting
*Students will answer the following essential questions: What is Realistic Fiction? Why do people write Realistic Fiction? How can writers ensure that they have the components of a Realistic Fiction story? How do writers get ideas for their stories?
*Students will begin to think about a topic, brainstorm, and plan their writing. 
*Students will complete a planning graphic organizer.

Week 2: Drafting
*Students will answer the following essential questions: How do writers plan their stories while keeping certain story elements in mind? How do writers draft their writing? From what point of view will the story be told (first or third person)?
*Students will begin putting their thoughts on paper. Students will use their lined paper and a pencil to begin structuring their writing. 
*Students will be given a Realistic Fiction writing checklist. 

Week 3: Revising 
*Students will answer the following essential questions: How do writers start their narratives to hook the reader? How do writers add detail to their writing (Show, Don't Tell)? How do writers use dialogue to give the reader greater insight to the character? How do writers end their stories?
*Students will begin reworking the organization and details of their story. 
*Students will complete a graphic organizer, which requires them to provide different examples on how they can "hook" the reader to their writing. 

Week 4: Editing
*Students will answer the following essential question: How do writers edit their work?
*Students will begin reviewing and correcting their spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. 
*Students will be given a self editing checklist to use during this week. 

Week 5: Evaluating
*Students will answer the following essential question: How do writers organize and layout the pages of their final copy? 
*Students will assess and reflect what has been written.

Week 6: Publishing/Author Celebration
*Students will answer the following essential question: How do writers celebrate their writing?
*Students will share their final writing with other students in the class. 
*Students will celebrate their writing.

All classes will include a brief introduction activity. Each class session will follow a Writer's Workshop model, which is a student-centered framework for teaching writing. Each week, the class will have a 10-15 mini-lesson on the concept, then students will spend about 25-30 minutes to work on their writing. The class will conclude with a 5-10 minute share portion where students will be able to share parts of their writing and/or ask any questions. 
Learners will get to collaborate with myself, as well as other students in the class. Student opportunity will be provided throughout the duration of this class. My teaching style allows my classes to be "student-driven" in order for my learners to explore and think about what he or she notices. Learners will be able to interact through slides and positive discussions.