I'm starting something new here at SmallWorld. I've mentioned before that creative writing is one of those areas in which parents struggle teaching. I love teaching creative writing. I often teach this class at our support group's weekly enrichment classes, and I love most of all getting students in my class who come with this caveat from mom: "He hates writing. He doesn't want to be in this class." Almost without fail (I can think of only a couple of kids who were immune to my charms), that I-hate-writing kid becomes hooked.
So I'm going to be sharing here (hopefully on a weekly basis) some exercises for teaching creative writing at home for all ages. I said all ages. Yep, that is one of the key factors here. You, the parent, must also participate. Writers need to share, and a workshop format works best. Trust me.
The assignments will be given each week, and for the first few weeks, it's probably best to follow in order. Join in anytime, but be sure to look on the sidebar for consecutive lessons.
So here we go with Assignment #1:
Buy a writing journal for each person. You really should make this an exciting event. Let your kids pick out a special spiral-bound notebook, an actual hardback journal, or let them make their own. One easy way to personalize a journal is to buy a composition notebook like the one in the photo and decorate the front and back with scrapbooking paper, photos, magazine cut-outs, etc. You can use Modge Podge or just a gluestick. Don't forget to make yourself a journal, too.
That's it! Next week, we'll start finding words to put in the journal.
Click here for Assignment #2: Introduction to Creative Writing, Featuring Good Words
Click here for Assignment #3: Using Powerful Words to Create More Interesting Writing
Click here for Assignment #4: Similes
Click here for Assignment #5: Metaphors and Strong Verbs
Click here for Assignment #6: Alliteration and Spring Flower (or Fall Leaves) Poem
Got something to share? We love to read what your students have written! Please share their writing here at the Share Your Writing space, or leave a comment and link back to a post on your blog.
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21 comments:
I'm so excited that you're doing this! We're joining the virtual class!
I'm in! I just have to purchase about 20 of these for all my students, but I'm sure whatever you're doing for homeschool will work for my classroom...
I think it's *fabulous* that you're doing this.
I love those little, sewn notebooks like the one in the picture. They're a whole 92 cents at Wal-Mart. I keep a stack of them on the shelf so they'll be there when we need one.
Yeah, I this is wonderful.. My 8 year old would so enjoy your class. Now he can take it on-line.
Oh, fun! My kids are in a monthly writing workshop - one loves it, one hates it - I'll stop in here too.
We have a huge number of comp books from the back to school sales and my girl and I are always looking for an excuse to decorate one!
We're in! I've been struggling with this area of our homeschool also. It sounds great!
What a neat idea. I think we'll play along. :-)
I am really looking forward to this!
How cool! I'm going to join & at least my 12 year old will be too - although he doesn't know it yet. LOL
yeah! i've been looking for ideas for writing. my boys avoid it like the plague. they, literally, start hyperventilating when i mention "paragraph". HELP!!!
OH, my daughter however, LOVES to write and even does it in cursive:).
i'm SO glad you're doing this!!
ok ... count us in!
journals, check!
We're going to give this a spin! I think it will be fun!
We're in! My ds is definately a reluctant writer, but then what boy isn't at his age? It's great that you're doing this!
Okay we're in.
Sounds interesting! I have bookmarked your page and will check again.
Very excited about this... My 12 year old some will be doing this with me. I think both of us will learn quite a bit. :)
Val
Love, love, love this idea! I may file it away to begin in the fall (or not!), but we'll definitely be joining in at some point.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! My 7 year old and I are going to love writing when she starts 3rd grade in August.
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