I know I throw around the word favorite all the time. But this is the truth: teaching creative writing lessons is my favorite.
I have taught creative writing enrichment for summer school students. I have taught creative writing in various homeschool settings and co-ops. I have taught big students and little students. And I love it.
Since I love to share homeschool co-op class ideas, I have compiled the creative writing lessons from a co-op class that I taught.
First, please remember that any teacher can use these creative writing lessons. You don’t need to be teaching homeschoolers. You can be a classroom teacher or a homeschool teacher at home with one student. You can even be a librarian who needs a fun program series.
Second, I used these creative writing lesson plans with upper elementary students (with maybe a few 7th graders thrown in). However, you can adapt and use them for older students or younger students!
The first lesson focuses on cliché and metaphor. It prompts students to consider how words matter.
The second lesson teaches students about sensory details: why they are important and how to include them in their writing. Students will begin using sensory details to evoke smells and sounds and sights.
The third lesson introduces showing vs. telling. Students learn how to recognize authors who utilize showing, and students are able to articulate the difference between showing and telling.
The fourth lesson teaches students how to capture images. We use examples of poetry and prose to discuss this important writing skill.
The fifth lesson introduces the story elements of character and conflict.
Note: You may choose to split this lesson into two lessons since it covers two big elements. I only had nine weeks with my students, so I had to jam character and conflict together.
The sixth lesson introduces the students to point of view and perspective. We have fun reading poems and using pictures to write descriptions from different points of view.
The seventh lesson puts everything we’ve learned together. I read the students some fractured fairy tales, and we watch some, too. Students then use the prewriting activities and their imaginations to begin drafting their own fractured fairy tales.
The eighth lesson focuses on revision. After a mini-lesson, students partner up for peer editing.
For our final class day, students bring revised work, and I host coffee shop readings. This is a memorable experience for students (and their teacher).
Since posting these creative writing lessons, I have had lots of questions. I decided to compile them here in case you have the same question.
Q: What are copywork quotes?
A: Copywork quotes are simply great quotes that students copy as part of their homework assignments. You can use any quotes about writing. I’ve included my favorites throughout the printable packs.
Q: Can I use this with a younger or older student?
A: Absolutely! Just adapt it to meet the needs of your student.
Q: Can I use this for my library’s programming or my homeschool co-op class?
A: Yes! I just ask that it not be used for profit.
Do you have any questions about teaching creative writing? What’s your biggest hang-up when it comes to teaching creative writing? I’d love to hear from you and help you solve the issue.
Hi Theresa, As long as you are not profitting from using them, they are yours to use! Enjoy! Wish I could be there to help facilitate all those young writers!
