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Writing Skills 13-16

Unlock your child's creativity! Join our 12-week Creative Writing Skills for 13-16-year-olds. Enroll now!
Amy Maruska, M.Ed
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(226)
Popular
Class

What's included

12 live meetings
9 in-class hours
Homework
Daily journaling Editing Challenge Activity Each Week

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10
Course Description:
Welcome to the Creative Writing Skills! This 12-week online course is designed to inspire and nurture the young writers' imagination, creativity, and writing skills. Through a combination of engaging lessons, fun activities, and supportive feedback, students will explore various forms of creative writing, build confidence in their writing abilities, and develop a love for storytelling.

Week 1: Introduction to Creative Writing
- Understanding the creative writing process
- Setting personal writing goals
- Icebreaker activities to get to know fellow writers

Week 2: The Art of Storytelling
- Elements of a great story
- Plot development and story structure
- Brainstorming story ideas

Week 3: Character Development
- Creating relatable and interesting characters
- Character profiles and backstories
- Character dialogues and interactions

Week 4: Descriptive Writing
- Painting vivid pictures with words
- Sensory details and figurative language
- Show, don't tell: Describing settings and emotions

Week 5: Dialogue and Voice
- Writing authentic dialogue
- Different character voices and perspectives
- Using dialogue to advance the plot

Week 6: Genre Exploration
- Exploring different writing genres (mystery, fantasy, adventure, etc.)
- Choosing a genre for a short story project

Week 7: Short Story Writing
- Crafting a short story from start to finish
- Editing and revising techniques
- Sharing and peer feedback

Week 8: Poetry
- Introduction to poetry
- Rhyme, rhythm, and poetic devices
- Writing and analyzing poems

Week 9: Non-Fiction Writing
- Exploring non-fiction formats (e.g., essays, articles, personal narratives)
- Research and fact-checking skills
- Writing an informative essay

Week 10: Creative Writing Prompts
- Overcoming writer's block with creative prompts
- Group writing exercises
- Free writing and journaling

Week 11: Editing and Revising
- Self-editing techniques
- Proofreading and grammar basics
- Peer editing and feedback

Week 12: Publishing and Sharing
- Preparing a final piece for publication
- Creating a digital or printed portfolio
- Sharing and celebrating each other's work

Throughout the course, students will engage in discussions, participate in group activities, and receive constructive feedback on their writing. By the end of the 12 weeks, they will have developed a strong foundation in creative writing and be well on their way to becoming confident and imaginative young writers.
Learning Goals
1. Develop a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling.
2. Understand the fundamental elements of storytelling, including plot, characters, setting, and dialogue.
3. Create compelling and relatable characters with well-developed backstories.
4. Use descriptive language to vividly describe settings and emotions.
5. Craft authentic dialogue and distinctive character voices.
6. Explore and experiment with different writing genres.
7. Write a complete short story, incorporating all elements learned.
8. Understand the basics of poetry and write poems using poetic devices.
9. Master the art of non-fiction writing, including essays and articles.
10. Use creative writing prompts to overcome writer's block and enhance creativity.
11. Learn self-editing, proofreading, and peer feedback techniques.
12. Compile a portfolio of their best work for sharing and publication.

These goals are designed to help students build a strong foundation in creative writing and develop essential writing skills, nurturing their creativity and self-expression.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Materials Needed:
- Notebook and pens or a computer for writing
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2020
4.9
226reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Minnesota Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Concordia University
Hello! My name is Amy.
I am so happy to see that you are interested in my class.
Let me tell you a bit about me:

I am so excited about online learning and teaching. My passions encompass education, communications, and technology! Of course, you can read all about me in my Teacher Profile, but here is a little to get you started: 
_____________________________
 👩🏻‍🎓My Educational Background and Expertise👩🏻‍🎓
💫 Licensed teacher in the State of Minnesota
💫 Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood (specialized in Birth to Grade 3) & Elementary Education (K-6)
💫 Masters in Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a minor in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)
💫 Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning
💫Graduate Level: Information and Communication Technology
_____________________________

🌎 Work & Life Experience 🌎

19 Years of Classroom Experience
🔸11 years in Early Childhood Settings (Prek & Kindergarten)
🔸8 years in Public Education (Kindergarten & 6th Grade)
🔸Afterschool Engineering Club Teacher
🔸Owner and Director of STEAM Summer Enrichment Program for Elementary Aged Students 
🔸Credentialed Online Teacher since 2011
🔸Completed over 5,000 one-to-one ESL Online Classes
🔸TESOL
🔸Child Care Director Credential
🔸Approved Trainer for Adult Education Topics since 2013
🔸4 Years & Counting Homeschooling Mom

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$240

for 12 classes
1x per week, 12 weeks
45 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 13-16
3-12 learners per class

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