Writing with Confidence: Exploring Narrative and Descriptive Writing

Days: Thursdays

Time: 1:00-1:45

Location: Pathfinders Learning Lab (217 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA)

Course Overview

This 14-week course is designed to help students in grades 6-8 improve their skills in narrative and descriptive writing. Through engaging activities, students will explore how to craft compelling stories and vivid descriptions. Each session focuses on specific writing techniques, encouraging creativity, building confidence, and enhancing students' ability to express ideas effectively.

Course Objectives

Understand the elements of narrative and descriptive writing.
Develop skills in brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing.
Enhance sensory detail, imagery, and character development.
Foster creativity and personal expression through storytelling.
Encourage peer feedback and collaboration to refine writing.

Materials Needed

Notebooks or writing journals
Pens, pencils, and colored markers

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction to Writing & Exploring Narrative and Descriptive Writing
Objective: Understand the importance of storytelling and description and explore the basic elements of narrative and descriptive writing.

Week 2: Generating Ideas and Outlining Stories
Objective: Develop brainstorming and outlining skills for narrative writing.

Week 3: Crafting Engaging Beginnings
Objective: Learn to write strong openings that capture the reader’s attention.

Week 4: Developing Characters
Objective: Create well-rounded characters with depth and personality.

Week 5: Building the Setting
Objective: Use sensory details to craft vivid and immersive settings.

Week 6: Writing Effective Dialogue
Objective: Practice writing dialogue that advances the story and reveals character traits.

Week 7: Plot Development
Objective: Learn to structure narratives with clear beginnings, middles, and endings.

Week 8: Exploring Descriptive Writing
Objective: Focus on creating rich, detailed descriptions using sensory language.

Week 9: Using Figurative Language
Objective: Enhance writing with similes, metaphors, and other figurative language.

Week 10: Adding Tension and Conflict
Objective: Understand how to incorporate tension and conflict to create engaging stories.

Week 11: Writing a Complete Narrative
Objective: Plan, draft, and write a complete narrative story.

Week 12: Revising the Narrative
Objective: Revise and refine the narrative story for clarity and impact.

Week 13: Polishing Descriptive Pieces
Objective: Edit and refine descriptive paragraphs for vividness and coherence.

Week 14: Sharing Stories and Celebrating Creativity
Objective: Develop skills in presenting written work and celebrate the students’ progress

(Note: Schedule subject to change.)