Trimester #2

In this Semester we will be analyzing what makes a story and how it comes to life. Using smaller written assignments, students will be able to expand them and create or enhance a larger piece of writing. IN ORDER TO GET CREDIT FOR THIS CLASS you must turn in all assignments on time and must participate in class discussions and feedback sessions. This classroom is a safe space for not only in class discussions but for everyone’s writing as well, as a reminder we will be respectful of each other and of the work that we read in class. This class will be utilizing 2 major books; The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Steering the Craft by Ursula Leguin. All readings can be found under readings in Google Classroom. They are to be read prior to coming to class so that they can be discussed in class for that day. All assignments are to be submitted in Google Classroom and should be submitted before 9 am the following class day (unless stated otherwise).

If an extension is needed, students must contact the Teacher prior to the due date of that assignment to talk about arrangements for turning in assignments late. If the student hands in an assignment late, it is up to the teacher whether to accept the assignment for loss of points or not accept the assignment. If any student misses a class, they are to take responsibility in finding out what happened in the class by contacting the teacher (chantelf@school-one.org) or their fellow classmates. Attendance is important for this class as most work will be done and or started in the classroom. More than 3 unexcused absences will result in failure of grade. Any student that is late for class by 10-15 minutes will be marked Tardy; or every 3 tardies, it will be counted as 1 absence.

Weekly schedule

Week #1: 12/3 - 12/5

Introduction to creative writing

Homework: 1 page reflection on what Creative Writing means to you.

Week #2:  12/10 - 12/12

Elements of a story

• Due before 12/10

  • Read Chapter 1 of Steering the Craft (found in readings folder in classroom)

  • Will be discussed in class

  • Homework: Write a 2 page story outlining characters, setting, plot, conflict and theme (submit in classroom)

• Due before 9 am 12/12

  • 2 page story 

  • In class: Short story will be discussed in class and workshopped with peers

  • Homework: Write a character driven story (2-3 pages) Submit in classroom 

Week #3: 12/17 - 12/19

Dialogue Lesson

• Due before 9 am 12/17

  • Character Driven story 

• Homework: Revise Character driven story to enhance dialogue (due in classroom before 9 am 12/9)

• Due Before 9 am 12/19:

  • Enhanced dialogue for Character driven story

• Homework: Work on your story during Christmas break and be prepared to have at least 4 physical copies to be workshopped in class.

CHRISTMAS BREAK

Week #4: 1/7 - 1/9

Introduce Course book: The Little Prince

• Due before class 1/7

  • Big story to be reviewed in class small groups

  • Homework: 

    • Read Chapter 4 of Steering the Craft

    • Read Chapter 1-4 of The Little Prince

• Due Before class 1/9

  • Chapter 4 of Steering the Craft

  • Chapter 1-4 of The Little Prince

    • In class discussion of both books

  • In class: In class discussion about your longer piece for the end of the semester

  • Homework: Read Chapter 5-9 of The Little Prince (due before 9 am 1/14)

Week #5: 1/14 - 1/16

World and Scene Building

• Due before 9am in class 1/14

  • Chapter 5-9 of The Little Prince To be discussed in class

• Homework 1/14:

  • Read Chapter 10-14 of The Little Prince

• In class: Describing visuals and language 

• Homework 1/16:

  • Write a 2 page descriptive piece that focuses on setting and scenery (due 1/21)

  • Read chapter 6 of Steering the Craft

Week #6: 1/21 - 1/23

P.O.V and Pacing

• Before class 1/21 Read chapter 6 of Steering the Craft

  • In class discussion and activity

• Homework:

  •  Read Chapter 7 of Steering the Craft

  • Read Chapter 15-20 of The Little Prince

  • In class discussion and activity

Week #7: 1/28 - 1/30

Your Story Week

• In class discussion of  Chapter 7 of Steering the Craft and Chapter 15-20 of The Little Prince

• In class time to work on your own stories for revisions weeks 

• Makeup day for any missing work 

• Credit deadline 1/23

• Homework: Submit your story in classroom by Midnight 2/1 (Saturday)

Week #8: 2/4 - 2/6

Classroom Feedback

• Group #1 2/4

• Group #2 2/6

• Homework: Finish reading The Little Prince and write reflection essay (due 2/28)

Week #9: 2/11 - 2/13

Classroom Feedback

• Group #3 2/11

• Group #4 2/13

• Homework: Finish reading The Little Prince and write reflection essay (due 2/28)

Week 10: 2/ 18 - 2/20

Makeup and Revisions

• Homework: Finish reading The Little Prince and write reflection essay (due 2/28)

Week #11: 2/25 - 2/27

In class workshops and work time

Homework: Reflection essay (2-4 pages) on The Little Prince reading (due 2/28)

Week #12: 3/4

Last day of semester