Creative Writing Through Literature Courses

Description

It makes sense, doesn't it? That a person who has a knack for composing interesting and suspenseful fiction could translate that ability into step-by-step composition and literature lessons that are easy to follow and encouraging to complete. Using one of her own books as either a foundational part of the study or a suggested resource, Carol Kinsey takes her students by the hand and teaches them skill by skill. Through instruction coupled with short exercises and writing assignments, she covers the fundamentals of creative, descriptive, literary, non-fiction, and report writing. Incorporating vocabulary studies and literary analysis, she heightens both the appreciation and understanding of literature. Lastly, with a grasp of human nature defined by a biblical and Christian worldview, daily and weekly assignments become a catalyst for deepening one's relationship with Jesus.

Currently there are two courses Creative Writing for 7th (and above) and Adventures in Non-Fiction for 9th (and above). The 28 Chapters with three Lessons each are grouped into Units for both courses. Course components include a Course Book and books (one that is specifically required and three others chosen from a suggested reading list). The Course Book (reproducible for families) is written directly to the student but assumes teacher-student oversight and interaction. Introductory information is brief but Lessons are detailed and focused. A weekly schedule assumes completion of three Lessons each week with the extra two days being used for writing and reading assignments. Each Lesson includes a vocabulary segment, a writing and/or literature instructive sequence, and a writing assignment. As part of the course, students are expected to compile a Vocabulary/Spelling Notebook, a Creative Writing Notebook, and a Journal. Unit tests with answer keys are provided. Grading rubrics for writing assignments are provided.  Misconceptions is a related book/writing study that is similar in structure and expectations but is ashorter four-week study. ~ Janice

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.