Course Description
This year-long course combines the Middle School Creative Writing with Literature 1 (first semester) and Middle School Creative Writing with Literature 2 (second semester) courses. After completing this course, students will have the opportunity to submit some of their work to Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. This course contains a literature track making it suitable as a complete middle school English course. Students may register for the full-year course or each semester separately.
Middle School Creative Writing with Literature 1 will introduce students to the power of language through creative texts and assignments. Creative writing helps us to see—to see ourselves, other people, the world us, and beyond. We will study short stories, poetry, and two novels to gain inspiration and grow as creative thinkers. Students will learn the elements of fiction and literary techniques that they will apply to their own writing as they take readers on a journey of seeing. In a supportive and interactive environment, students will write, revise, edit, and publish flash fiction, a short story, and narrative poetry to grow as creative writers.
Middle School Creative Writing with Literature 2 will help students to dive deep into creative writing and develop voice in their own pieces. Students will also strengthen creative thinking and analysis. We will study short stories, poetry, a novella, and a novel to gain inspiration. Students will review the elements of fiction and analyze literary techniques that they will apply to their own writing. In a supportive and interactive environment, students will write, revise, edit, and publish a fairytale, a short story, and a collection of poetry.
In addition to receiving instructor feedback, students will have the opportunity to receive feedback from one another. Throughout the year, students will be able to submit their writing to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards as well as to the Aim Academy Newsletter.
We will meet weekly to discuss creative texts and student work. Students will find the following elements in Canvas:
- A weekly writing prompt or part of a larger writing project
- Freewriting and journaling exercises
- Discussion boards to practice analysis, literary techniques, and vocabulary
- Comprehension and grammar quizzes
- Videos to watch
Who should enroll?
This course is for students in 7th-8th grades who want to grow in their appreciation of language, develop creative thinking, and write creative pieces. If you have a 6th grade student interested in this course, please email me at dkelly@aimacademy.online to apply before registering.
Technology Requirements
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Headset and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
- A word processor and the ability to convert Pages documents (if using a Mac) to Word documents or PDFs
Evaluation and Feedback
Students will receive feedback on the first draft and final draft of major writing projects, and the writing project rubrics will show them how their work will be evaluated. Brainstorming exercises are graded for completion. Discussion boards and writing prompts are graded according to simple rubrics. Grammar and comprehension quizzes are automatically graded in Canvas.
Communication
Parents are welcome to email me with any questions they have about the course at dkelly@aimacademy.online. Students will receive a welcome email and syllabus with important course information before the semester begins. I appreciate questions from students, and I respond to emails within 24-48 hours. Students will also receive guidance from me in Announcements throughout the semester.
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