The goal of this language arts class is to enhance the student's writing skills and creativity. Learners will develop their own short storybook entailing eight to twelve pages. Each page will have two to four sentences along with art illustrations using standard printing or notebook paper. Lastly, students will create their own book covers, summaries, and back covers. 

There are no requirements to take this class. Students that enjoy art, horses, writing seem to succeed with this literary project. 

***Please find a detailed overview and scope for each week along with key learning topics:

I. Week One: Students will learn about main story element, point of view, and how to use them in developing a great picture book. We will focus on learning about the setting, introduction part, and choosing characters for the first week.  Instructor will share sample of different horse breeds to give students ideas for their specific characters as well. Students will list their main story elements along with start writing four to eight sentences.  Students will also complete their story map this week. 
*Theme of the first week will be celebrating kindness along with learning about "Draft Horses."

II. Week Two: Students will learn about the importance of using correct grammar and punctuation when writing their picture books along with learning how to develop a great plots and themes for their picture books. In addition, students will learn how artwork for picture books carries 50% of the story along with the importance making of a terrific and eye-catching cover. Therefore, students will also begin working on their illustration drawings for each page and continue to work on their stories. Students will complete an additional four to six sentences in their story notebooks. Students can also begin working on their cover art. This will be one art drawing on one page that summarizes the story.  (Students can use markers, colored pencils and crayons to complete their cover artwork and interior illustrations/drawings. Students may use fun things such as glitter to make their covers shine and sparkle.) 
*Theme of second week will be celebrating sharing along with learning about "Sport Horses."

III. Week Three: We will learn about creating a conflict in the story and how to show resolution to the conflict. Then, we will learn how to create wonderful endings to our books. In addition, we will learn how to write a summary for the picture book.  During the third week, students will be completing their stories with an additional four to six sentences, artwork, and summaries for the back cover.  Lastly, students will be sharing their books with the class on the last day. 
Theme of the third week will be thoughtfulness and teamwork. We will also learn about ponies and horses helping mankind today.

*Students may also use plain printing paper to make their final draft for the artwork and printing of neat text. The story will be set up like a picture book with the words underneath the artwork. In the beginning, students will be encouraged to write their rough draft in a spiral notebook before proceeding to plain white printing paper. The artwork will also go on the plain letterhead paper with nicely printed text below the art when the student's story is ready.

Please note that I offer a flexible learning environment with three goals set for each class. I foster a classroom of respect and kindness. I will use a power point presentation for each class as the main teaching vehicle along with collaborative discussions held at each class.  My style is engaging and interactive. Lastly, I will also encourage students to share their favorite picture books, storybooks and chapter books during each class.