Get Ready for Writing in High School
Overview:
Practice rigorous written analysis of The Gift of the Magi in this 6-week class. Includes weekly 60-minute Zoom call, engaging materials hosted on Google Classroom, and personal feedback.
Grades:
8
Capacity:
5 students
Tuition:
$175
Class Description: This course is designed for 8th graders as a rigorous introduction to writing at the high school level. Using the short story The Gift of the Magi, students will learn and write about story elements, literary devices, and point of view. They will write an original short story, including one or more literary devices and a consistent point of view. Finally, students will use a peer editing template to provide positive feedback to classmates. They will learn editing tips and make final revisions to their own short stories. *Prior to starting class, students should read the short story, The Gift of the Magi.
📙 Lesson 1: Story Elements
Short stories include the five story elements: setting, conflict, theme, character, and plot. We will discuss these elements as they relate to the story in a general way. Each element will be covered in depth in the following lessons.
– Writing assignment: Students will write an objective summary that discusses the main plot points and central theme of the story.
💬 Lesson 2: Characterization and Dialogue
We will discuss direct characterization vs indirect characterization, using examples from the short story. Students will learn how to properly punctuate and format dialogue in a story.
– Writing assignment: Students will describe the main characters in the story, using examples of both direct and indirect characterization. Students will use proper citation methods.
🤔 Lesson 3: Point of View
Point of view refers to the perspective of the narrator who tells the story. We will discuss the difference among first-person, second-person, or third-person (limited and omniscient) narrators. We will identify the point of view of the story.
– Writing assignment: Most of the story is told from Della’s point of view. Students will re-tell the story from Jim’s point of view. They will SHORTEN the story and adapt main points in their own personality and style.
🎁 Lesson 4: Literary Devices
The main literary devices used in The Gift of the Magi are irony, allusion, and symbolism. We will discuss these elements as they relate to the story and identify examples.
– Writing assignment: Students will write a literary analysis and provide evidence from the text to support their interpretation of the story’s symbolism and to illustrate examples of irony and allusion.
✍️ Lesson 5: Write Your Own Short Story
The best way to demonstrate understanding is to use new concepts and skills! Review the elements of a short story and identify the elements in a new literary piece.
– Writing assignment: Students will apply what they’ve learned and write their own original short story. They will include one or more literary devices and a clear point of view.
👏 Lesson 6: Share and Peer Edit
Students will present their short stories in class. Then we will use a sample short story (not from a classmate) and model the process of peer editing using a helpful template / checklist. We will also discuss editing tips.
– Writing assignment: Students will use the editing tips to make final revisions to their short story. Students will use the peer editing template to provide feedback on classmates’ short stories.
About
I have 25 years of writing and editing experience, and six years as a writing instructor.
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Contact me for registration information about The Writer’s Workshop for Kids.
Welcome to The Writer’s Workshop for Kids!
Learn new writing skills while having fun along the way!