Recommended age 8+
Humans are natural storytellers. Whether recounting yesterday's experience or crafting a fantastic fiction, we entertain and educate one another with stories.
In this course, students will hone their listening and storytelling skills. They will learn to construct a tale that keeps the reader's interest and excites the senses. They will practice crafting a story that is immersive and natural, and they will produce a final narrative assignment for critique and assessment.
Modules
Assessment
Information
Modules
Storytelling and story hearing (2 hours)
During the first module of this course, students will exercise their abilities to tell a story and recount events. They will recognize how comfortable and natural is the storytelling experience, They will also practice listening to stories and become attuned to the cadence, elements and structure of an enjoyable story.
Narrative structure (3 hours)
Narrative stories follow a familiar, recognizable and natural path.
In the second module students will learn and analyze this narrative arc through readings and discussion. They will also learn to apply this knowledge to their own creative efforts.
Story mapping and early drafts (3 hours)
In the third module of this course, students will decide on a tale to tell. They will learn to map out a simple story. They will determine the sequence of events, characters, problem and solution, and how to build to climax.
By the end of this module students will have developed the skill to produce a quick, rough summary of the story they wish to tell and not be intimidated by a blank sheet of paper (or blank screen).
Pacing, revision and final drafts (4 hours)
Finally, students will begin to shape their story. They will learn about pacing and how to mold the story to create drama and not hang or stagnate. They will finesse their earlier story draft to add details and map the pacing. They will also begin the process of editing for the technical and grammatical architecture of the story.
The course will conclude with an analysis and critique of the student’s final full composition effort.
Assessment
To review, practice and establish the lesson material, students may expect a short homework exercises following each session. The instructor will determine if these assignments contribute to a final course score, or if they are discretionary.
Students in the Narrative Writing Course should expect two assignments which will exercise and demonstrate what they have learned, incorporated and mastered. These assignments will be subject to evaluation and critique, and will contribute significantly to the student’s final assessment.
Information
Because specialized streams have their own discreet curriculum and are not tied to school calendars, students may be enrolled and begin their studies at any time during the year.
Course duration will vary dependent on number of scheduled classes per week. The Narrative Writing course has been developed to take 12 hours and may be completed as quickly or slowly as the student decides. However, it is recommended that a one-hour class per week is planned.
Textbooks, workbooks, handouts and physical assignments will be provided by the instructor.
All other supplies or class-related costs will be borne by the student. The instructor will be able to provide an approximate expense expectation prior to the start of the course.
Lesson formats may vary dependent on the material being covered, but in general will include:
- A warm-up period
- Directed learning time
- Collaborative learning time
- Integration, assessment and review
- Homework assignment