This engaging writing multiday class aims to teach students about the key mechanics of writing a fun whale themed picture book in order to enhance the student's writing skills, vocabulary, spark creativity, along with learning about the magnificent humpback whale. We will meet twice a week for 3 weeks. The main goal of this creative writing class is for students to create and finish their own 12-page whale themed children's picture book using a kindness theme. Lastly, students will learn how to create a captivating cover and back cover for their books as well.

My teaching style is professional, flexible, patient, and respectful. My classroom resonates a kind and respectful climate.  I will use a power point presentation for each class as the main teaching vehicle along with holding engaging discussions about topics. Students will be able to interact through games, class discussions and team activities. 

There are no special writing requirements for this class. Students enjoying art, writing, and marine life is a great start. It is my hope that this class sparks creativity and helps students build their core writing skills so they may use these key literary principles learned in other classes as well. 

***Please find a detailed DESCRIPTION for each class that includes a scope and sequence of events along with learning objectives for each meeting session.

Class One:
Students will learn about how to use a story map with a strong focus on learning about the key story elements, point of view, and how to use them when developing their own picture books. We will focus on learning about the setting, introduction part, and choosing characters during this first meeting. In addition, we will watch a fun video through Khan Academy about the humpback whale in efforts to help students build their whale book characters. Students will be encouraged to complete their story map and write their first four sentences towards their books.
Theme of class will be kindness. 


Class Two: 
Students will continue to learn about the main story elements. Therefore, we will focus on developing fun plots and themes. 
We will watch a fun video on story elements through Khan Academy and play a game to test student's knowledge about the main story elements of a picture book and how to create fun artwork that captures the story. Lastly, we will continue to learn fun facts about the humpback whale's diet. Students will be encouraged to write another four sentences towards their book by the completion of week one along with beginning their artwork.
*Theme of second class will be sharing.

Class Three: 
Students will share what they have written so far on their books with the class. During this class, we will also learn about the importance of using correct grammar and punctuation. The main focus will be on utilizing concise sentence structures and how to develop descriptive language. Students will be encouraged to write an additional four sentences towards their books after class.
Theme of class will be thoughtfulness.

Class Four:
We will learn about creating terrific book covers and additional fun facts about humpback whale migration.  Students will learn to write their own book summaries for the back cover. We will review sample book summaries from my own picture book, Ocean Rescue. At this point in the class, students should have at sixteen sentences written towards their book and continue with the artwork for their books. Students should aim to finish their stories as they can always finish the art after the class is completed. 
Theme of class will be appreciation. 

Class Five:
During this class, we will conduct a fun review and play a game about the main story elements and material covered in the last 4 classes. We will also learn about creating a conflict and or challenge in the story and how to show resolution to the conflict. Then, we will learn how to create wonderful endings to our books. Lastly, students will learn additional fun facts about humpback whales and instructor will share her experience observing their behavior in the Pacific Ocean.
*Theme for class is respecting the ocean and marine life.

Class Six:
During the last class, each student will share their picture books with the class. In addition, Mrs. Halverson will share her new release, Ocean Rescue with the class along with teaching ten key lessons on enhancing one's writing skills. Lastly, we will play a team interactive game that focuses on the main story elements from each student's book.
Theme for class is helpfulness.