$15.00
This ongoing class is designed as a weekly club for students to create short stories from a multitude of different genres. The aim of the class is to foster a love of writing and give students a community to share their ideas with. Each week will involve a new genre and writing prompts for students to explore. Classes begin by looking at a genre and discussing it as a group. We will then spend around fifteen minutes looking at examples of stories written with that genre. For example when looking at science-fiction we would look at examples such as Star Wars or The Martian. I try to give examples from films, books, television and plays. A typical split is normally 25minutes of discussion and then 55 minutes of writing. The way I teach writing is using the five act structure. Students are given around 6-8 minutes per act and I inform them what would typically be written here. For example Act 1 is the introduction, I tell students to introduce a character, a setting, and a problem to their story. After each act students share what they have so far. I do not force students of course but it's very often that shy students get caught up in the fun and want to share anyway! My classes are very interactive with students really encouraged to give ideas and feedback as much as possible. Open questions will be asked throughout class with students able to talk if they feel comfortable enough. No previous experience is required, only a passion for stories and something to write with! I will provide guidance for students to help them and give them the confidence to complete their short tale by the end of class. The genre for the week shall be posted in the classroom section for each class. I look forward to meeting you!
The aim of these classes is for students to develop their story writing skills alongside a community of other young writers. At the end of each class the student will have an understanding of the genre and have a short story of their own to tell you!
I have an MA in Writing for Performance and have taught writing and storytelling to children for over three years. I also have credits from script editing and writing with the BBC on radio dramas.
I offer the opportunity for students to send me work from outside of class. This can be because they did not want to share it during the class or they may have added some as homework. I freely give feedback on this work with a note of improvements they could make (with an emphasis on positivity though)!
Something to write with such as a pencil/notepad or a computer to write with.
1 hour 20 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 1 - 2 hours per week outside of class.
Guidance is dependant on the genre of the week. A week focusing on horror may be triggering to some children so parents are advised to note if the genre is not appropriate for their child.
