In Creative Writing for Middle Schoolers, young teen learners will discover new ways to flex their creative muscles. The course will cover  prose writing, poetry, playwriting, and more—all at a level appropriate for younger teens. Beyond these exercises, learners will walk step-by-step with the instructor through story development. Learners will practice steps and strategies for finding inspiration, creating characters, developing setting, establishing conflict, and understanding theme. By reading excerpts of pieces from contemporary and historically significant writers, learners will also spread their literary horizons. Learners will also add a number of writing exercises to their tool belts, such as journaling, which will help students organize their thoughts and craft vivid descriptions that can be used in academic classes and on personal essays. Additionally, the course will review English mechanics and grammar in order to make learners' writing the best it can be.

Each class will involve a discussion-based review of the previous week's homework, the introduction and practice of a new writing skill, and time to workshop new ideas as a team. Learners are encouraged to share their writing and build friendships within the course. However, if some learners are more hesitant to participate in our group discussions and workshops, accommodations can be made to include them in a more comfortable way. Classes are always conducted in a laid-back, conversation-based manner. The instructor will utilize slides, examples from the public and the instructor's personal work, and--most importantly--group discussions. The classes will include:

Week 1: Introductions, Finding Inspiration, and Writing Monologues
Week 2: Writers As Readers
Week 3: A Quick Review of English Basics
Week 4: Creating Characters & Settings
Week 5: Conflict & Theme
Week 6: Short Stories
Week 7: Poetry
Week 8: Wrap-Up & Review

Creative Writing for Middle Schoolers promises to take a unique, involved, and low-stakes approach to writing. This doesn't mean self-expression isn't important, but taking the weight and expectations of academic writing off learners allows them to explore their creativity in a more honest way. That's the ultimate goal: expressing self-truth through creation. Young people today face serious challenges that other generations didn't, and developing tools for appropriate expression is vital.