This course is based on a series of themes, which will unify instruction over a period of several weeks.

Prerequisites

Age-appropriate English classes

Lessons include

Storytelling Through the Ages - a look at the history of storytelling, its purpose, varieties around the world, and through history from Native American dance, Egyptian hieroglyphs, and Asian Tanograms to Modern Movies. Embedded will be the foundation of what makes a good story and the qualities of a good storyteller. The students will try their hand at each of the various storytelling techniques. The goal would be a different technique each week, but there is flexibility to follow the interests of the students and to carry over into additional weeks.

Short & Not So Sweet Stories - short stories are a great way to learn the basics of writing, building characters and plot, while looking at various genres and experiencing various authors and styles. Short stories have inspired many modern films. Students will create their own short stories.

The Picture Tells the Story - a look at the importance of pictures and graphics to aid in the telling of the story. Students will investigate various types of picture storytelling including wordless picture books, children's picture books & Dr. Seuss stories, picture books that teach (written for older students), photographs that have made history, comic books, and graphic novels. Students will have the option of creating visual stories or using visual images to write their own stories.

Functional writing - mini units will cover important skills such as building your resume, college essays, writing a professional email, etc.

The amount and pace of content coverage will depend on the prior knowledge of students enrolled as well as class interest on various topics with a desire to dive deeper into specific content.

This is a secular class.

Schedule

Class is anticipated to meet 1:00 - 2:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The course is sandwiched between a middle school history class and a middle school science class.

The ability to attend class regularly will be important for continuity of information. Students unable to attend a class should expect additional work in order to be prepared. Please arrive promptly, prepared to hit the ground running.

Cost

Tuition is paid monthly, due on the first class of the month.

Attendance

We will take attendance, but only for our own internal accountability. Spaces are limited, so only sign up if you intend to attend both classes regularly, as you will be taking a slot that could have been occupied by somebody else.

Assignments and Grading

There will be homework to complete writing assignments. We can issue a formal grade for the class, which will be based on writing assignments and class participation. Alternately, parents are welcome to assign their own grade for their child based on our feedback, but this will not be on a Winston Hall Academy transcript.

Students will need to have access to a computer, internet and a Google account. If your student does not have an email account, we can provide one @winstonhall.org. Students should also have access to a webcam with the ability to meet online. It would not be the intended method, but can be a good alternative for when weather is poor or otherwise dictated by various circumstances.

Involvement by parents is key, but we will not expect parents to do any of the teaching. What we will expect from parents is this:

• Respond to emails, usually in the form of “Got it”
• Ensure your student(s) complete the homework writing assignments
• Get your student(s) to class on time
• Don't get mad if we run overtime. Feel free to come in and pull your student(s) out if you need to go, though
• Be responsive if we ask something and abide by the written policies of the school, which will be provided to you prior to registering

Involvement by your student is even more important. What we will expect from students is this:

• Be attentive in class
• Do your homework
• Ask questions

We highly encourage questions. We ask a lot of questions in our current classes. Many of the questions are seemingly unusual and lead us down unplanned paths, but they all educate. We don't tolerate completely frivolous questions, though.

New students may require an in-person interview before being accepted into the class. Students may be denied entry into the class at our sole discretion, for reasons which may include lack of maturity, lack of interest in writing or lack of tolerance of viewpoints with which they may not agree.

Class Materials

There are no additional materials required beyond a computer, printing ability, pen and typical classroom materials.