Wings of Fire Creative Writing

In this class, students will learn the basics of plot, character, description, and conflict-- but above all else have fun and play with words and writing as they each create their own 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦 short story. Writing within a familiar world is not only fun, but can be a great way to learn the basics of writing and critical reading in an established place that students are already enthusiastic about.

In our live class each week, I'll discuss the basics of writing using the 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦 series as an example-- like studying plot by discussing Tsunami's story, or character by thinking on Queen Scarlet. Each student will then apply this new knowledge to their own 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦 short story, which they will work on throughout the six week period. The short story can be about whatever they choose-- some students choose to write about a totally new tribe or continent, while others like to delve into untold backstories about existing characters. Students will post their story progress each week into our classroom at least twenty-four hours before the following class. That way, I'm able to give it a read and provide them some helpful feedback as they move forward!

It is helpful to have read at least the first two 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦 books (the audiobooks or graphic novels are fine, too!) before taking this class, but completing the series is not necessary; a "spoiler policy" will be discussed in the first class. I do my best to make sure this class is a great fit for students who are voracious fans of the series, as well as those who are just starting out with it!

Weekly Breakdown:

⭐Week one: Story structure
We'll go through quick introductions with one another and discuss our favorite 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦 characters and books. We'll then discuss the basics of story structure and the process of writing a great story! Students will come up with their story characters and the basic structure for homework.

⭐Week two: Detail and description
The teacher will give brief feedback to each student on their homework. We'll discuss how to get the "movie in your head" out of your head and onto the paper. Students will continue working on their stories for homework, with the goal of finishing the beginning of their story.

⭐Week three: Dialogue
The teacher will give brief feedback to each student on their homework. We'll discuss the mechanics of writing gripping dialogue. Students will continue working on their stories for homework, with the goal of getting about halfway through the middle of their story.

⭐Week four: Writer's block
The teacher will give brief feedback to each student on their homework. We'll talk about ways to overcome writer's block without getting frustrated. Students will continue working on their stories for homework, with the goal of finishing the middle of their story.

⭐Week five: Editing and revising
The teacher will give brief feedback to each student on their homework. We'll then discuss editing, and how to approach editing a creative writing piece. Students will finish the climax and end of their stories for homework!

⭐Week six: Finished story!
Final story review and discussion! The teacher will give everyone overall feedback on their story, and students will be asked to talk about their writing process over the course of the class.

While the class is structured with the goal of completing a story, some students may not finish entirely-- this is okay! The goal is for them to 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 and be excited about their creation.

Class Breakdown:

⭐5 minutes: Introductions, hellos

⭐20 minutes: I'll go to each student whose story was updated and ask them what was easy for them as a writer, and what they had a hard time with. I'll them give short, quick feedback. I only provide verbal feedback for this class, as I think it's important that students think of feedback as a conversation rather than a teacher marking errors! Students may not remember everything I say, and that's fine-- the goal isn't for them to modify their story to exactly fit what I suggest, but rather to consider it as they continue writing.

⭐25 minutes: Weekly lesson. I'll go over the specific lesson of the week in an engaging, interactive way, asking for student input and suggestions as we go.

𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦 is written by Tui T. Sutherland, illustrated by Joy Ang, and published by Scholastic.

Class time: 50 minutes per session/6 sessions total

After thousands of students, we've settled on a firm "camera-on-and-on-camera" policy for all of our classes. This is to ensure a safe and engaging learning environment for all involved. Unfortunately, we are not able to make exceptions to this policy. Please be sure your learner is prepared to have their camera ready to go at the beginning of class!