Write for Fun: Fly High is a prompt-based writing course where students explore original writing outside of strict formats and heavy revision requirements. Students use Brave Writer® foundational approaches including freewriting and word play to write original narratives on topics of interest.
Students discover the joy and power of their writing voices by focusing on content exclusively. Feedback from the instructor focuses on the impact of the message on the reader rather than mechanical accuracy. This approach to gentle validation of writing content allows students to overcome writing resistance as they explore and play with language in a relaxed atmosphere.
Syllabus
Week One
Students explore characters (real or fictional) and summarize their fascinating qualities. Writers finish the week with an imaginary interview with one of their favorites.
Week Two
It’s time to don the travel gear of choice as students research and plan a visit to a destination of interest. Writing choices this week have the goal of enticing others to visit, too.
Week Three
This week is all about inventions. Students will take a look around the house with a new eye to finding inventions that matter to them. Then they’ll turn their creative brains to make up and sell a brand-new invention.
Common Core and Academic Standards Support
What follows is a word bank and set of skills associated with this class. Use them to craft your own learning narrative for use in year-end evaluations, charter school reports, or any other accountability source.
Word Bank
- Advertisement writing
- Character
- Creative writing
- Description
- Freewriting
- Informational writing
- Journalistic writing
- Keen observation
- Perspective
- Research
- Vivid detail
- Vocabulary development
- Writing voice
Core Skills
- Advertise a product
- Analyze character traits
- Create an original invention
- Engage in freewriting to move ideas to the page
- Investigate inventions in the home
- Keenly observe a character and develop vivid descriptive details
- Persuade others to visit a location
- Research travel facts
- Utilize distinct writer’s voice
- Write a press release
- Write to inform about a geographical location
- Write detailed, organized, structured original narratives
