Creative Writing Workshop

Course Time

12:30–13:30

Room

205A

Grades

4 - 5

Teacher

Alison Humes

Course Description

An opportunity for enthusiastic young writers to practice their craft in a focused way. In class, we will investigate different literary genres, devices, and tropes, how to develop characters, dialogue, and plot, writing in different voices, and honing one’s own.

We will discuss descriptions of time and place, giving your plot an arc, foreshadowing, flashbacks, and suspense.

Activities & Exercises

Sample exercises include:

  • Writing a phone call
  • A dream or memory
  • An internal monologue
  • A scene
  • A summary

Projects & Learning Approach

Throughout the term, each student will choose one or more independent projects to work on from conception through completion. I will coach students on strengthening their writing mechanics, from organization to sentence structure, usage, grammar, and vocabulary. Students will be encouraged to share their work with one another.

The age of the student is less important than a serious interest. Everyone will be able to work at their own level.

Student Expectations

Students taking this class should be prepared to:

  • Work on their projects independently outside of class
  • Submit their work in advance of our Saturday meetings
  • Bring a paper copy to class