Creative Writing Workshop

Michael Gooch

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Creative Writing Workshop

Develop creative writing skills

In this lesson, students will enhance their creative writing skills by crafting short stories or poems. They will engage in brainstorming, drafting, and peer review activities to help them develop their ideas and improve their writing. This workshop will help students express their creativity and improve their writing abilities.

Audience

Achievers (ages 9-10)

Time

45 mins

Approach

Develop creative writing skills

Materials

Paper, Pens, Brainstorming Worksheet, Drafting Worksheet, and Peer Review Guidelines

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Welcome the students and explain the objective of the lesson.
Discuss the importance of creative writing and how it helps in enhancing imagination and expression.
Briefly outline the activities that will take place during the workshop.

Step 2

Brainstorming

10 mins

Distribute the Brainstorming Worksheets.
Ask students to think about different ideas for their stories or poems.
Encourage them to write down their thoughts, keywords, or phrases that come to mind.
Walk around the room and provide guidance and encouragement.

Step 3

Drafting

15 mins

Hand out the Drafting Worksheets.
Instruct students to choose one idea from their brainstorming session and start writing a short story or poem.
Remind them that this is just a draft, and it doesn't have to be perfect.
Offer assistance and support as needed.

Step 4

Peer Review

10 mins

Pair up students and provide Peer Review Guidelines.
Instruct each student to read their draft to their partner.
Ask partners to provide constructive feedback using the Peer Review Guidelines.
Encourage positive and supportive feedback.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Gather the students and ask them to share their experiences with the group.
Discuss what they enjoyed about the workshop and what they found challenging.
Encourage them to continue practicing creative writing at home.
Thank everyone for their participation and share any upcoming writing activities or contests.

Worksheet

Brainstorming Worksheet

This worksheet will help students brainstorm ideas for their short stories or poems.

Write down at least three ideas for your story or poem:

Think about things you enjoy or find interesting.

Choose one idea and write down related keywords or phrases:

Include characters, settings, or emotions.

Worksheet

Drafting Worksheet

This worksheet will help students start drafting their short stories or poems based on their brainstorming ideas.

Begin writing your short story or poem:

Use the ideas and keywords from your brainstorming session.

Discussion

Peer Review Guidelines

These guidelines will help students provide constructive feedback on their partner's drafts.

What did you like about your partner's story/poem?

Encourage positive feedback that highlights strengths.

Is there anything that could be improved?

Provide gentle suggestions for improvement without being critical.

What was your favorite part of the story/poem and why?

Explain why this part stood out and what made it special.