In this ongoing class, we will learn about creative writing and art in a fun and interactive way. Using Animal Crossing as inspiration, we will draw and write stories about our own characters, neighbors and islands. The teacher will also play the game in class, providing tips and tricks for fellow players. We'll build our islands together, learning vital English skills along the way. 

Each week we will cover a different topic related to creative writing. We will learn about characters, setting, tone, plot, sentence structure, audience, revision, peer review and more. Classes will also include input on grammar, vocabulary and spelling.

Although the core academic focus is creative writing, we will also practice our art skills. We’ll learn how to draw everything from characters to fruits and trees to homes and more. We’ll also read from various Animal Crossing comics and learn how to create our own!

The goal of this class is to use the learner's passion for video games and art to teach them about creative writing. I want students to have fun while expressing themselves. Students are not required to own a Nintendo Switch.

The structure of class will be similar each week. We will start with a drawing exercise to gear up for class. Then, we’ll dive into a mini lecture about creative writing, followed by a class discussion. From there, we will go back and forth between live game play and the lesson, using the game to help us learn about creative writing and art. 

Every class will end with either a writing task or a drawing challenge. The writing task is designed to give learners consistent practice and get them familiar with writing standards. The drawing challenge is for learners to practice their artistic skills and be creative. There will be time to work during class, but learners may have to finish their assignments outside of class. Learners can share their completed work with me for detailed feedback and advice on next steps. 

Each class will use a variety of teaching methods to engage every type of learner. Classes will include quizzes, games, worksheets and more. Learners will be challenged to question what they know and draw connections between the game and the real world.


🌼 What is taught in this course? 🌼

Week beginning 30/9/24: What makes a story…a story? + How to draw your house
Week beginning 7/10/24: Characters in stories + How to draw your character
Week beginning 14/10/24: All about settings + How to draw a map
Week beginning 21/10/24: Planning your story + How to draw Isabel
Week beginning 28/10/24: The SWBS method + How to draw trees in different seasons
Week beginning 4/11/24: Writing a journey + How to draw an island character
Week beginning 11/11/24: Different types of fiction + How to draw tools 
Week beginning 18/11/24: How to write great villains + How to draw Tom Nook
Week beginning 25/11/24: 'Zoom in and slow down' method + How to draw an action scene
Week beginning 2/12/24: Strong paragraphs + How to draw Blathers
Week beginning 9/12/24: How to write suspense + How to draw the museum 
Week beginning 16/12/24: Creating a three-dimensional characters + How to draw a comic
Week beginning 23/12/24: Scene vs. exposition + How to draw an island character
Week beginning 30/12/24: Writing with our 5 senses + How to draw flowers
Week beginning 6/1/25: How to write exciting dialogue + How to draw the Able Sisters
Week beginning 13/1/25: Experimenting with point of view + How to design your island
Week beginning 20/1/25: Different types of conflict + How to draw fish, bugs and critters
Week beginning 27/1/25: All about tone + How to draw plants
Week beginning 3/2/25: How to critique someone's writing + How to draw Hyrule fashion
Week beginning 10/2/25: Characterization + How to draw Tulin
Week beginning 17/2/25: Story elements + How to design your own armor set

Further topics to be added.


🌼 About my Qualifications 🌼
I have been an English teacher and tutor for more than 7 years. I have two degrees in English and writing, and have spent 3 years as a children's librarian where I developed literacy programs for young learners. If you'd like to learn more about me and my qualifications, please feel free to visit my profile. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have!

Let’s get learning!