FLEX: ロール アンド ライト - 子供向けのクリエイティブ ライティング クラス

Need help wrangling those wild, creative story ideas? We all have stories to tell. Sadly, sometimes they're just a jumble of loose ends running around like crazy in our heads and they never make it to the paper! In this flexible-schedule class, we will learn to wrestle and tame our creativity, and get the stories down. 

In each class we will review the classic elements of a story (character, setting, goal, conflict, and resolution for example). Using a number cube, students will randomly generate story elements with which to weave their own excellent short stories in just 20 minutes. 

Each week, students will watch a short video in which I will walk students through a mini-lesson on a specific area of focus. I will provide examples and exercises related to the weekly area of focus. In a separate video, I will introduce the topic for the story. The topics are listed at the end of this description. Some stories might take place in unusual settings, and some may involve whacky characters. Students will roll their own number cube to randomly generate a combination of story elements such as a main character, setting, goal, conflict, and resolution. Students are welcome to tweak the suggestions given. 

The videos are created by the teacher. Some are housed on YouTube and shared in the Outschool Classroom, and students are limited to viewing only the videos uploaded for this class through the classroom. Others are housed on Canva, and only the video assigned can be viewed with the link. When possible, videos are shared directly in the classroom.

Learners are encouraged to try to write their complete first draft of a short story in 20 minutes, though they can take more time if needed. Learners will upload their stories via video or word file, and I will provide using the "praise and polish" guideline, that is, finding a strength and something to improve in each story. Students will be encouraged to respond to each other's stories as well. I will also provide specific feedback prompts.

Although there will be no face-to-face meetings, interaction among participants is encouraged in the classroom. I give feedback to all participation.

About my style: I run an interactive classroom as much as possible. Students are encouraged to share ideas and offer polite suggestions. I strive to treat each student with respect and I value every contribution. Even with 30-plus years in education under my belt, I remain inspired by the creativity and wonder of each child I teach. These short story classes never disappoint.

Week 1: Abracadabra! Writer Your Own Magical Tale! (focus on dialogue)
Week 2: Special Delivery! Write Your Own Stork Tale! (focus on sensory details)
Week 3: Under the Sea! Write Your Own Ocean Tale! (focus on rich vocabulary)
Week 4: It's a Jungle Out There! Write Your Own Rainforest Story! (include an idiom)