Middle School Creative Writing 1

Middle School Creative Writing 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, flash fiction, and a novel 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 (3-5 pages), and narrative poetry to grow as creative writers.

In addition to receiving instructor feedback, students will have the opportunity to receive feedback from one another. At the end of the semester, students will select pieces of writing for a class literary journal to be published in PDF format.

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 larger writing project
• Grammar exercises (quizzes) that help students to add clarity to writing
• Freewriting and journaling exercises
• Vocabulary discussion questions
• Discussion boards
• Comprehension 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 [email protected] to apply before registering.

Prerequisite

Students should have a basic understanding of English grammar. Students in 7th-8th grades do not need to apply. 6th grade students must 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 [email protected]. 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.