How to Write a Novel
This class offers lessons to prepare and support your budding author as they write a novel of their own! We will learn about the elements of fiction, character work, setting creation, dialogue, and plot as we prepare to craft our stories.
AJ Crocker
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(45)
What's included
9 live meetings
8 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Students will not need to complete homework outside of class, though they may choose to continue developing their novel in their free time.Class Experience
This class will guide upper elementary and middle school learners through the process of planning and drafting a novel - from designing a plot, to building a fantasy world, from writing dialogue to creating engaging characters. For sevral weeks, students will be invited to participate in "writing sprints", where we spend part of the class getting our plot and characters written down. In the end students should have a first draft of their novel to share, and will be ready to move through to the next steps of the writing process should they want to.
Learning Goals
Students will write at least one story containing a variety of elements of literature
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum9 Lessons
over 9 WeeksLesson 1:
What is a Novel, Anyway?
Understand basic characteristics of a novel and understand how it may differ from other forms of fiction. Write and deliver a brief oral advertisement, including details about important events and characters, for a novel or favorite work of fiction 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Great Book, Gross Book
Distinguish novels from other common forms of literature. Participate in an organized oral discussion about stories they have read, identifying important details from each story and literary elements or techniques they liked/disliked. Identify which of those good techniques they want to use in their novels, and which of those ineffective techniques they want to avoid using in their novels. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Creating Main Characters
Write for a short time frame in response to a writing prompt asking them to describe themselves. Identify the main character in a novel and determine what that character is like by his or her actions. Create a main character as a class and then on their own. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Creating Supporting Characters
Write for a short time frame in response to a writing prompt about friends. Identify supporting characters in a work of fiction and determine what they are like by their words and actions. Create a supporting character as a class and then for their own novels. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jXSUcXK6eGxALbnZmURE1RNm47mhhwvtOc94WOzwiU8/edit
https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/
Joined April, 2023
4.9
45reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University
Ms. AJ is an 8 year teacher with 5 years of experience in 5th grade. She has taught 5th grade math for 4 years.
Elementary Ed Certification
7-12 Social Studies Certification
Masters in Teaching & Learning
Masters in International Education
She has had over 30 students complete NaNoWriMo in her time as a teacherReviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week, 9 weeks
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
4-18 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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