Course Objectives

 

This course challenges upper elementary students to engage deeply with literature, connect personal values to larger themes, and grow as persuasive and narrative writers.

Students will:

• Express opinions and support them with text-based reasoning

• Practice writing from multiple perspectives

• Reflect on how setting and community impact story development

• Produce a well-developed fictional narrative by the end of the course

 

Weekly Class Structure

 

Each class balances literature discussion with writing development. Students will explore poetry, point of view, and persuasive expression in a supportive and collaborative environment. Weekly structure includes:

• Guided poetry reading & class discussion
  Analyze form, emotion, and voice in verse narratives

• Writing workshop
  Focus on persuasive letters, narrative detail, and character voice

• Perspective & setting exploration
  Learn how place, time, and identity influence storytelling

• Optional home reflections
  Encourage deeper thinking between sessions

 

Final Project & Wrap-Up (Week 8)

 

In the final week, students will complete and present a multi-paragraph fictional narrative inspired by their school experiences or imagination. Students will:

• Write a well-structured short story using techniques from class

• Present their work informally to peers

• Develop confidence in sharing original writing

Parents will receive:

• A personalized progress summary

• Student highlights in literary analysis and writing growth

• A Certificate of Completion

• Optional suggestions for future writing enrichment