creative writing course syllabus high school

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Our 2020-21 Writing Curriculum for Middle and High School

A flexible, seven-unit program based on the real-world writing found in newspapers, from editorials and reviews to personal narratives and informational essays.

Update, Aug. 3, 2023: Find our 2023-24 writing curriculum here.

Our 2019-20 Writing Curriculum is one of the most popular new features we’ve ever run on this site, so, of course, we’re back with a 2020-21 version — one we hope is useful whether you’re teaching in person , online , indoors , outdoors , in a pod , as a homeschool , or in some hybrid of a few of these.

The curriculum detailed below is both a road map for teachers and an invitation to students. For teachers, it includes our writing prompts, mentor texts, contests and lesson plans, and organizes them all into seven distinct units. Each focuses on a different genre of writing that you can find not just in The Times but also in all kinds of real-world sources both in print and online.

But for students, our main goal is to show young people they have something valuable to say, and to give those voices a global audience. That’s always been a pillar of our site, but this year it is even more critical. The events of 2020 will define this generation, and many are living through them isolated from their ordinary communities, rituals and supports. Though a writing curriculum can hardly make up for that, we hope that it can at least offer teenagers a creative outlet for making sense of their experiences, and an enthusiastic audience for the results. Through the opportunities for publication woven throughout each unit, we want to encourage students to go beyond simply being media consumers to become creators and contributors themselves.

So have a look, and see if you can find a way to include any of these opportunities in your curriculum this year, whether to help students document their lives, tell stories, express opinions, investigate ideas, or analyze culture. We can’t wait to hear what your students have to say!

Each unit includes:

Writing prompts to help students try out related skills in a “low stakes” way.

We publish two writing prompts every school day, and we also have thematic collections of more than 1,000 prompts published in the past. Your students might consider responding to these prompts on our site and using our public forums as a kind of “rehearsal space” for practicing voice and technique.

Daily opportunities to practice writing for an authentic audience.

If a student submits a comment on our site, it will be read by Times editors, who approve each one before it gets published. Submitting a comment also gives students an audience of fellow teenagers from around the world who might read and respond to their work. Each week, we call out our favorite comments and honor dozens of students by name in our Thursday “ Current Events Conversation ” feature.

Guided practice with mentor texts .

Each unit we publish features guided practice lessons, written directly to students, that help them observe, understand and practice the kinds of “craft moves” that make different genres of writing sing. From how to “show not tell” in narratives to how to express critical opinions , quote or paraphrase experts or craft scripts for podcasts , we have used the work of both Times journalists and the teenage winners of our contests to show students techniques they can emulate.

“Annotated by the Author” commentaries from Times writers — and teenagers.

As part of our Mentor Texts series , we’ve been asking Times journalists from desks across the newsroom to annotate their articles to let students in on their writing, research and editing processes, and we’ll be adding more for each unit this year. Whether it’s Science writer Nicholas St. Fleur on tiny tyrannosaurs , Opinion writer Aisha Harris on the cultural canon , or The Times’s comics-industry reporter, George Gene Gustines, on comic books that celebrate pride , the idea is to demystify journalism for teenagers. This year, we’ll be inviting student winners of our contests to annotate their work as well.

A contest that can act as a culminating project .

Over the years we’ve heard from many teachers that our contests serve as final projects in their classes, and this curriculum came about in large part because we want to help teachers “plan backwards” to support those projects.

All contest entries are considered by experts, whether Times journalists, outside educators from partner organizations, or professional practitioners in a related field. Winning means being published on our site, and, perhaps, in the print edition of The New York Times.

Webinars and our new professional learning community (P.L.C.).

For each of the seven units in this curriculum, we host a webinar featuring Learning Network editors as well as teachers who use The Times in their classrooms. Our webinars introduce participants to our many resources and provide practical how-to’s on how to use our prompts, mentor texts and contests in the classroom.

New for this school year, we also invite teachers to join our P.L.C. on teaching writing with The Times , where educators can share resources, strategies and inspiration about teaching with these units.

Below are the seven units we will offer in the 2020-21 school year.

September-October

Unit 1: Documenting Teenage Lives in Extraordinary Times

This special unit acknowledges both the tumultuous events of 2020 and their outsized impact on young people — and invites teenagers to respond creatively. How can they add their voices to our understanding of what this historic year will mean for their generation?

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How to Teach Creative Writing to High School Students

Creative Writing was forced onto my schedule; I didn’t ask for it. But it ended up becoming my favorite class period of the day. While academic English courses can feel high-stakes and always short on time, Creative Writing can be a refreshingly relaxed elective class. In many districts with loose curriculums, Creative Writing is what you make of it. In this post, I outline six steps to show you how to teach creative writing to high school students.

Why Teach Creative Writing

Before we get into the how , let’s first address the why . Why bother teaching Creative Writing in the first place? Students’ basic skills are lower than ever; is now really the time to encourage them to break the rules?

If you want to get really deep into why you should teach Creative Writing, I have a whole post about it here.

But think about why you love reading. Is it because you were made to annotate or close read a bunch of classic novels? Probably not. You probably fell in love with reading while you were reading something that was fun. And because it was fun, you read more, and your skills as a reader grew.

The same principle applies to writing. If we can make it fun for our students, perhaps we can foster a love for it. And passion is what leads, eventually, to mastery.

Giving our students the opportunity to fall in love with writing is a gift that might help them grow in their academic writing later.

Teach Creative Writing to High School Students Step #1: Decide on Your Standards or Goals

Your school or district may have a mandated syllabus or curriculum. Mine did not. 

Whether you’re given student goals or have to create them, you must have an overall vision for what your Creative Writing class will accomplish. 

Is this a laid-back, engaging course designed to help students discover the fun in writing? Or is it a supplement to rigorous academics for college-bound high school students? 

If you know your school’s student population well, I encourage you to think about their needs. Some students just need to write more–more of anything, but lots more. Some students are high achieving and ready to write their first novels! If possible, design your course around the needs and interests of the general student population in your school or district. 

Regardless of how rigorous your Creative Writing course will be, deciding on these goals first will help you in backwards planning. 

Teach Creative Writing to High School Students Step #2: Choose Your Final Assessments and Big Projects

Before we can start planning our lessons, we have to decide what skills or knowledge our students will need. And to know what they need, we have to decide on their summative assessments.

Will your final assessment be a short story? A collection of poetry? Are you required to offer a final exam?

Once you know what students will need to do, you can make a list of the skill they’ll need. This list will become a list of lessons you’ll need to teach.

Fairy Tale Retelling Project

My Fairy Tale Retelling Project is a great Creative Writing assessment. For this project, students had to first choose a fairy tale. Then, they rewrote the story from the perspective of the villain.

This project works really well because students have structure. They can pick any fairy tale they want, but they can’t write about just anything.

Secondly, students already know the story, so they don’t have to worry about a beginning, middle, and end. The open-endedness of writing a story completely from scratch has paralyzed my students before. Structure allows students lots of creative freedom without the excuse of “I don’t know what to write.”

Author Study Project

If you’d like your Creative Writing class to help beginner writers have fun and just get some practice with fiction writing, a Fairy Tale Retelling Project would probably be perfect for your class.

Another project I’ve done with my students is an Author Study . In this project, students choose one author to study in-depth. Then, they attempt to replicate that author’s style in an original work.

If you’d like your class to also include lots of exposure to other writers or classic literature, then this might be a great assessment for your class.

Learn more about doing an author study in this step-by-step post.

Test or Final Exam

I also gave my students a final exam focused on literary terms.

This Literary Terms Test allowed me to test students on the academic knowledge they gained throughout class instead of their writing ability. This test also helped me fulfill my district’s requirement of having a final exam at the end of each course.

Once you’ve decided on your class’s major projects and assessments, you can begin designing the rest of your class.

Teach Creative Writing to High School Students Step #3: Backwards Plan

Now that you know what your students will need to do at the end of this class, you can list out everything you need to teach them in order for them to be successful.

For example, if you opt for an author study as a final project, you know what you will need to cover. You will need to teach students some literary terms so that they can describe an author’s style. You’ll need to show them how to analyze a poem.

During the course of your class, you’ll also want to expose students to a variety of authors and mentor texts. Students will need to practice basic writing techniques in order to replicate those of their chosen authors.

If you need some inspiration for what kinds of lessons to teach, check out this post on essential Creative Writing lessons.

Teach Creative Writing to High School Students Step #4: Decide on Your Class Structure

Once you’ve decided on the end goals for your Creative Writing class, you can use them to help create day-to-day plans. 

What will your class look like? Will it be full of lots of quiet and independent work time? Will it be full of frenetic energy with students working in collaborative groups? Are students writing in notebooks or on laptops?

Of course, a successful class will most likely include a mixture of all of the above. But it’s up to you to decide on your ratio. 

Again, I encourage you to think about your school’s population. If you’re on ninety-minute blocks, is it realistic for students to be quietly writing that whole time? If you have high-achieving students, might they benefit from working independently at home and then getting and giving peer feedback during class time?

Use your goals to help decide on a general class structure. 

Warm-ups for Creative Writing

You’ll need a consistent way to begin each class.

When I initially began teaching Creative Writing, I just wanted to provide my students with more time to write. We began every class period with free writing. I gave students a couple of prompts to choose from each day, and then we’d write for about ten minutes. 

( Those journal prompts are right here . Every day includes two prompts plus a third option of freewriting.)

Students were given the option to share part of their writing if they wanted to. Every couple of weeks I’d flip through their notebooks to make sure they were keeping up, but I only read the entries they starred for me in advance. 

Later, I wanted to add some rigor to my Creative Writing class and leverage more mentor texts. I created a Poem of the Week activity for each week of the course. 

This gave students the opportunity to study professional writing before using it as a mentor text for a new, original piece. 

(You can read more about using these Poem of the Week activities here.) 

As my goals for the class and my students change, so did the way we began class. 

How can you begin your class in a way that supports the end goals or teaches the desired standards? How often will peers work together?

Teach Creative Writing to High School Students Step #5: Focus on Engagement Strategies

Now you can actually start planning lessons and projects!

But as you do so, focus on creating engaging ones–especially if your class is meant to be a fun elective.

Need more tips? Check out this post full of Creative Writing teaching tips!

Use Mentor Texts and Lots of Examples

Have you ever tried putting a puzzle together without knowing what the image was going to look like? It would be pretty difficult! Similarly, students need lots of examples of strong writing to aspire to. 

Without clear models or mentor texts , students will happily turn in unread drafts. They’ll choose the first word that comes to their mind instead of searching for a better one. 

But if you surround students with great writing, highlight strong technique when discussing the writing of others, and challenge them to notice the details in their own writing, they’ll naturally become better at self-editing.

I don’t believe that you can provide students with too many mentor texts or examples of strong writing. As you teach Creative Writing, keep or take pictures of strong writing samples from students to use as examples later. 

Nearly all of my lessons and projects include an example along with instruction.

Model and Create with Your Students

You can even use your own writing as an example. When I had students free write to creative writing prompts, I always wrote with them. Sometimes I would then put my notebook under the document camera and model reading my own work.  

I would cross out words and replace them or underline phrases I thought were strong enough to keep. Model for students not just great writing, but the process of strengthening writing.

And then give them plenty of time to edit theirs. This is when having students engage in peer feedback is a game-changer. 

Without great writing to aspire to, however, students easily become lazy and turn in work that is “good enough” in their eyes. Don’t let them get lazy in their writing. Keep throwing greater and greater work in front of them and challenge them to push themselves. 

(This is another reason I love using Poem of the Week warm-ups –they expose students to a new writer every week!)

Set Clear Expectations

Creative writing causes a lot of students anxiety. There’s no “right” answer, so how will they know if they creatively wrote “correctly?”

Help them out by setting clear expectations. Offering a rubric for every project is great for this. If you can, give them specifics to include. “At least 500 words” or “three or more similes” are nice, concrete guidelines that students can follow.

Give Students Choice

Offering students choice always boosts engagement. It lets students take charge of their learning and pursue something that interests them.

For example, when I teach odes , students are given the opportunity to write about something they love.

With an author study , students can study a writer whose style and work they admire.

Teach Creative Writing to High School Students Step #6: Use Clear and Structured Expectations

While showing students excellent prose or perfect poetry should help inspire students, your writers will still need some hard parameters to follow. 

Academic writing is often easier for students than creative writing. Usually, academic writing follows a structure or certain formula. The rubric dictates exactly how many quotes need to be included or how long an essay needs to be. MLA or APA formats tell students how to punctuate quotes and citations. 

These rules don’t apply to creative writing. And while that’s exactly what makes creative writing awesome, it’s often overwhelming. 

So do your students a favor and give them some clear expectations (without, of course, entirely dictating what they need to write about).  

The project also includes a rubric, so young writers know what should be included in their stories.

Don’t give your students so much creative freedom that it paralyzes them! Your writers are still students; give them the same level of structure and organization that you would in any other class. 

Engage your students in more creative writing!

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Teach Creative Writing to High School Students Step #7: Give Students Choices

So how do you give students frameworks, requirements, and uphold high expectations without stifling their creativity?

Give students choices. You can write about A, B, or C, as long as you meet requirements 1, 2, and 3. 

Offering choices works with small one-day assignments or lessons as well as bigger, longer-term projects. 

The previously mentioned Fairy Tale Retelling Project is a great example of offering a narrow selection of choices that uphold expectations without dictating what students write. 

Another one of my favorite examples of offering students choices is my “Show. Don’t Tell” Mini-lesson . This lesson touches on everything students need to successfully learn creative writing. 

First I teach them the concept of showing vs. telling in writing through direct instruction. I show them lots of examples of expanding a “telling sentence” into a “showing paragraph.”

Then I model for students how I would write a paragraph that shows crucial information, rather than telling it. 

Lastly, I have students pick a strip of paper from a hat or a bag. Each strip of paper contains a “telling sentence” that they must then write as a “showing paragraph.” Students are limited by the sentences I provide, but they still have complete freedom over how they achieve that detailed paragraph. 

If you wanted to give students even more freedom, you could let them pick their sentences or trade with a peer rather than blindly choosing. 

Any time you can give students a choice, you give them permission to use their creativity and allow them to take some of the initiative in their own learning.

Teach Creative Writing to High School Students Step #8: Encourage Peer Collaboration and Feedback

We can tell students something a hundred times, but they won’t listen until a peer says the same thing. Us educators know the value of positive peer interaction, so don’t limit it in a creative writing class!

There are a ton of ways to implement peer interaction in a creative writing class. I often do this on the first day of class with a writing game. You’ve probably heard of it: everyone writes a sentence on a piece of paper, then everyone passes the paper and adds a sentence, and so on. 

I highly encourage you to use peer feedback throughout the class. I usually start having students share their work from day one with my free “I Am” Poem Lesson so that they can start getting used to having their work read by others immediately.

Make getting feedback so routine in your room that students don’t even question it.

It’s really tempting to let students get away without sharing their work. We don’t want to make shy or anxious students uncomfortable. I mean, what better way to completely ruin creative writing for a student than to make them feel embarrassed all the time, right?

But keep trying to encourage shy students to share. Even if that means you share it anonymously or read it aloud for them. 

I recommend including some kind of peer feedback with every writing assignment . Yes, even short practice assignments. This will work as a kind of “immersion therapy” for receiving feedback on more involved work.

After some time, you might find that your students even begin to share their work without your prompting! 

I like to organize the desks in my Creative Writing class so that students are in little groups. I’ve found that at least half of my classes will begin talking and sharing with one another in their little groups while working on projects. 

They’ll ask each other questions or to remind them of a word. They’ll read sentences aloud and ask if they sound right. Personally, I would much rather hear this kind of chatter in my class than have a dead silent room of boring writers!

However you decide to allow students to work together, be sure to provide the opportunity. Reading and getting feedback from peers could possibly teach students more about writing than any of your instruction (sorry!).

One of the truly great things about teaching creative writing to high school students is that there often isn’t a rigid curriculum. Of course, this is also sometimes one of the worst things about teaching creative writing to high school students!

You have total freedom over the assignments you give, the standards you teach, and how you organize and structure your classroom. After a few years of teaching Creative Writing, however, I’ve found that sticking to these six steps is a great way to have a successful semester.

If you’re excited about teaching your Creative Writing class, but are running low on prep time, check out my complete 9-week Creative Writing course ! Included are two different types of warm-ups, poetry analysis activities from well-known authors, mini-lesson, projects, and more!

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News & Calendar

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Creative Writing News

List of 13 news stories..

Dalton's Second Annual Poetry Festival Welcomes Award-Winning Poets

MS Students Virtually Ascend to Spelling Stardom

Scholastic Announces Dalton Award Winners in Art and Writing

Dalton Middle School Student Wins Scholastic Scopes Write-A-Story Contest

Students Meet Diverse Voices in Dalton Working Poets Project

Dalton 7th Grader Wins Scholastic Scope National Writing Competition

French Teacher Allison Albino Wins Prize at Poetry Contest

Congratulations to MS National Scholastic Scope Winners

Three Dalton Students Honored at New York Society Library

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Poet Gregory Pardlo Visits Dalton

Dalton MS & HS Students Awarded in NYC Scholastic Art & Writing Competition

Advanced Poetry Student Authors Share Their Writing

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Books for Writers

• Style: Toward Clarity and Grace The best guide to the mechanics, style and methodology of writing. One of the best poets I've ever met credits this book with teaching him how to write!
• The Art of Fiction The classic text! John Gardner provides a wonderful way of thinking about the art and practice of fiction writing.
• In the Palm of Your Hand A great introduction to poetry writing, with prompts, exercises and thoughtful discussion.

Writing Prompts

• Prompts for Writers A nicely done blog with prompts for writers. You can even add your own!
• Writer's Digest Prompts Some thoughtful prompts from Writer's Digest.
• Easy Street Prompts Great image-based prompts for writers!
• Creative Writing Prompts Roll the mouse over these prompts for a quick burst of inspiration.

Spring Programs

• New England Young Writers Conference Another spring offering. Spend a long May weekend at the Middlebury's Breadloaf (on which Bronxloaf is modeled!) in northern Vermont.

Summer Programs

• Bard College at Simon's Rock Young Writer's Workshop A three-week workshop on the beautiful Simon's Rock campus in the Berkshires.  Fantastic writing across all genres, great writing companions, incredible off-campus trips to plays and the Book Barn (a.k.a. the greatest bookstore ever.)  Molly W. went and had the best consecutive three weeks of her life.
• Berkeley Summer Creative Writing Program Intended primarily for undergraduates, the Berkeley program offers high school students a rigorous and challenging six-week experience. If you want to dive into the deep end of the pool, this might be for you!
• Bronx Loaf A spring course, Bronx Loaf offers a weekend length creative writing workshop just north of Dalton!
• Center for Creative Youth A five-week course of study including creative writing on the campus of Wesleyan University.
• Columbia Summer Writing Program Summer writing workshops for high school students available right here in NYC.
• Interlochen Arts Camp Or not so far West. Three week creative writing workshops among the lakes of northern Michigan.
• Idyllwild Arts Summer Writing Program Go West, young writer, go West. Two week residential workshops in the high desert of California.
• Iowa Young Writer's Studio Two week workshop at the University of Iowa, home to the world’s best-known MFA program. Offers fiction, poetry, and a creative writing focus that lets you write in multiple genres.
• Ithaca Young Writers Institute A two week workshop in early July, the Writers Institute combines creative and professional writing courses, with a focus on the business of writing that sets it apart from other programs.
• The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop Two week workshops at Kenyon College, which has a wonderful reputation for creative writing. Several Dalton Creative Writing Program alums are currently attending Kenyon!
• Juniper Institute for Young Writers A one week residency at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with craft sessions, workshops and readings.
• New York State Summer Young Writers Institute A one week workshop offered in June on the campus of Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY.
• Poets House Summer Intensive Workshop Poets House, right here in New York City, offers a marvelous range of opportunities, including this intensive one-week summer workshop for high school students.
• Putney School Summer Creative Writing Workshops Three week sessions (or a six week session, for the brave-hearted) studying creative writing in beautiful Putney, Vermont. Added bonus: on your way up Kimball Hill through Putney look to the right for the white house behind a line of stately locust trees, Mr. Hood’s childhood home.
• Pratt's Pre-College Summer Program An option for those who would like to do some summer study right here in NYC. Classes available at Pratt's Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses.
• Reynolds Young Writers Workshop An intensive 8 day workshop in Ohio. Offered every year in June. A good way to kick-start your summer of writing!
• Sarah Lawrence Summer Programs In Mr. Hood's Westchester town of Bronxville, Sarah Lawrence College offers summer programs that include creative writing options.
• Sewanee Young Writers' Conference Two week intensive creative writing workshops at Sewanee, The University of the South. No promises during the summer, but during the year, students and faculty at Sewanee wear academic robes to classes. A graduate of the program wrote Beasts of the Southern Wild!
• UVA Young Writers Workshop One of the first programs for high school students, the Young Writers Workshop takes place on the beautiful campus of the University of Virginia.
• Your Word: Teen Creative Writing Residency An intensive twelve day writing residency at the Atlantic Center for the Arts on the Florida coast. Mr. Hood has done a residency at ACA and loved the place!

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Creative Writing

This course provides a chance for students to explore the craft of writing – poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction – to discover what they want to say about themselves and their individual perspectives in and through written language. Students will discuss a variety of creative composition strategies, including figurative language, sound, imagery, voice, and style. They will read poems, personal essays, short stories, and essays on the craft of writing as inspiration for their own work in these genres.

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15 Creative Writing Programs for High School Students

By Eric Eng

With many creative writing programs available for high school students, choosing the right one can impact a student’s writing journey. These programs, from summer workshops at prestigious universities to online mentorships, offer immersive experiences in various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and dramatic writing. They are designed to improve writing abilities and inspire a deep love for storytelling and literature.

Through intensive workshops, one-on-one mentorships, and collaborative projects, students are guided by accomplished writers and educators committed to nurturing young talent. Whether set against the backdrop of a university campus, delivered through the digital realm, or nestled within the creative havens of art schools, each program offers a unique pathway for young writers to explore their potential and push the boundaries of their creativity.

1. Shared Worlds at Wofford College

• Location : Spartanburg, SC
• Cost : $2,600
• Eligibility : Rising 8th-12th grade students
• Important Dates : July 14th to 27th, 2024; Rolling application deadline.

Shared Worlds at Wofford College is a distinctive entry among creative writing programs for high school students, uniquely blending speculative fiction genres like science fiction, fantasy, and steampunk into an immersive two-week residential workshop.

Set in the picturesque campus of Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Shared Worlds encourages students from rising 8th through 12th grades to dive deep into the realms of their imagination, creating entire worlds and narratives under the guidance of renowned authors and instructors in the field of speculative fiction.

Running from July 14th to 27th, 2024 , with a rolling application deadline to accommodate interested young writers, the program is priced at $2,600, offering a comprehensive package that includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and an array of writing resources.

2. Bard College at Simon’s Rock Young Writers Workshop

• Location : Great Barrington, MA
• Cost : $3,500
• Eligibility : Not specified
• Important Dates : July 7th to 27th, 2024; Rolling application deadline.

The Bard College at Simon’s Rock Young Writers Workshop stands as a distinguished example among creative writing programs for high school students, offering a unique blend of academic rigor and creative freedom.

Set against Bard College’s intellectually stimulating environment in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, this workshop runs from July 7th to 27th, 2024. It is tailored for students with a passion for writing and a desire to deepen their craft. With a cost of $3,500 , the program adopts a methodology distinct from conventional writing workshops.

Inspired by the college’s Language and Thinking Workshop, it emphasizes informal, playful, and expressive writing exercises supported by a peer response system to refine and polish students’ works. Participants are immersed in a collegiate atmosphere, residing on campus and engaging in a daily schedule that fosters creativity and community.

3. Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops

• Location : Gambier, OH (Residential and Online)
• Cost : $2,575 (Residential), $995 (Online)
• Important Dates : Residential (Session 1: June 23rd to July 6th, 2024; Session 2: July 14th to 27th, 2024), Online (June 16th to 21st, 2024); Residential application deadline: March 1st, 2024, Online application deadline: April 15th, 2024.

The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops are a cornerstone among creative writing programs for high school students, offering both residential and online formats to accommodate a wide array of participants.

Located in the scenic town of Gambier, Ohio, at Kenyon College, these workshops provide an enriching environment that mirrors the collegiate literary community. The residential sessions, scheduled for two separate sessions from June 23rd to July 6th and July 14th to 27th, 2024, and an online session from June 16th to 21st, 2024, attract students nationwide who are eager to explore their creative talents.

With $2,575 for the residential program and $995 for the online workshop , participants are immersed in a vibrant atmosphere that champions the written word across multiple genres. This program distinguishes itself by fostering a supportive community where young writers are encouraged to discover new strengths, challenge their abilities, and engage with peers who share a deep passion for storytelling.

4. Yale Young Writers’ Workshop

• Location : Online
• Cost : $950
• Eligibility : Ages 16-18, rising high school juniors or seniors
• Important Dates : Application deadline: April 1, 2024.

The Yale Young Writers’ Workshop is a prominent fixture in the landscape of creative writing programs for high school students. It offers a robust platform for young writers aged 16 to 18 to hone their craft in an immersive online environment.

This workshop has a curriculum encompassing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of literary forms and techniques. Participants are capped at twelve per genre, a policy that guarantees personalized attention and maximizes each student’s opportunity for growth and feedback.

The program’s structure is thoughtfully designed, featuring daily craft talks from visiting writers, intensive afternoon workshops, and special sessions, including open mics, faculty, and visiting author readings, further enriching the participants’ experience.

The Yale Young Writers’ Workshop facilitates the development of significant writing skills and fosters a supportive community where aspiring writers can experiment, play, and evolve. With a cost of $950 , the program is accessible to a wide range of students, making it a key player in nurturing the next generation of literary talent.

5. Emerging Writers Institute by Education Unlimited

• Location : UC Berkeley, UCLA , and Online
• Cost : Varies (specific costs not provided)
• Eligibility : Grades 10-12
• Important Dates : Sessions range from June 10, 2024, to July 2024 (specific end dates not provided)​​.

The Emerging Writers Institute by Education Unlimited is a key player among creative writing programs for high school students, designed to cater to young writers in grades 10 through 12 who seek to develop their narrative and poetic abilities.

Offered in both in-person and online formats, the program takes place at prestigious locations such as UC Berkeley and UCLA . It provides a virtual option to accommodate students from anywhere. This flexibility ensures that more students can participate in a rigorous academic environment focused on enhancing their writing skills.

The program’s structure is meticulously crafted, featuring daily blocks dedicated to reading like a writer, exploring various genres, and developing a capstone piece that embodies the student’s growth and learning throughout the course.

With options to focus on short stories, poetry, or nonfiction, participants are encouraged to delve deep into their chosen genre, guided by experienced instructors who provide personalized feedback and foster a supportive workshop environment.

6. Juniper Institute for Young Writers at UMass Amherst

• Location : Amherst, MA (Residential and Online)
• Cost : Not specified
• Eligibility : Motivated high-school age students
• Important Dates : Residential program dates not specified; Online: August 5–9, 2024; Application deadline: March 7​.

The Juniper Institute for Young Writers at UMass Amherst distinguishes itself within the realm of creative writing programs for high school students through its dynamic and immersive approach to writing.

Set against the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s vibrant academic backdrop, this program offers residential and online opportunities, allowing students from various backgrounds to engage deeply with creative writing practices.

Participants are invited to explore their narrative and poetic talents through experimentation, creativity, and wild invention, guided by a dedicated team of instructors who are both accomplished writers and passionate educators.

The program runs in the summer and is designed to foster a supportive and collaborative environment where young writers can freely express themselves, receive constructive feedback, and develop their unique voices.

7. KWH Summer Workshop at University of Pennsylvania

• Location : Philadelphia, PA
• Cost : $2,750
• Important Dates : Not specified.

The KWH Summer Workshop at the University of Pennsylvania shines as a significant offering within the sphere of creative writing programs for high school students, providing an enriching environment for young writers to explore and develop their craft.

Hosted by the esteemed Kelly Writers House, this workshop is tailored to engage participants in personal essay writing while introducing them to various other literary forms through guest lectures and craft sessions.

The program’s structure fosters an intimate setting that promotes intensive learning and personal growth, as students are encouraged to critique one another’s work as part of the revision process.

Beyond the workshops, the program broadens the educational experience by incorporating practical sessions in digital recording and collaboration with Penn’s Institute of Contemporary Art, thereby offering a holistic approach to creative expression.

Priced at $2,750 , the workshop aims to cultivate writing skills and instill confidence in young writers by immersing them in a community of peers and mentors who share a passion for storytelling.

8. Creative Writing Academy at Georgetown University

• Location : Washington, D.C.

The Creative Writing Academy at Georgetown University is a standout among creative writing programs for high school students, offering an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the world of literary creation and narrative construction.

Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., the program leverages the city’s rich cultural scene to inspire and inform its curriculum. Students engage in an intensive exploration of literary history, technique, and the transformative power of narrative, learning how to develop their ideas into polished pieces.

The program emphasizes using great literature and art as sources of inspiration, encouraging students to draw upon diverse voices and styles to inform their writing. This approach fosters a dynamic learning environment where students refine their writing skills and expand their understanding of what it means to contribute to the literary world.

The Creative Writing Academy at Georgetown University not only equips young writers with the tools necessary for literary success but also offers a glimpse into the professional writing world, all within a supportive community of peers and mentors dedicated to fostering literary talent.

9. Smith College Precollege Programs Creative Writing Workshop

• Location : Northampton, MA
• Important Dates : Assessed on a rolling basis, applicants can submit their materials until May 2024.

The Smith College Precollege Programs Creative Writing Workshop represents a unique and innovative offering within the realm of creative writing programs for high school students, distinguished by its imaginative approach and commitment to fostering a vibrant community of young writers.

Set against Smith College’s prestigious campus backdrop, this workshop invites participants to immerse themselves in creative exploration and literary experimentation. Dubbed a “word coven,” the program emphasizes the magic and power of language, encouraging students to conjure their narratives through various exercises and collaborative projects.

From generating a plethora of story beginnings to engaging with visual, aural, and textual art, students are guided to discover and refine their writing processes. The workshop’s curriculum is designed to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling, urging participants to experiment with hybridized writing forms and to develop their rituals and practices that celebrate the art of writing.

This program equips students with the technical skills needed to craft compelling stories and poems and instills a deep appreciation for the creative process and the communal aspects of writing. By participating in the Smith College Precollege Programs Creative Writing Workshop, students join a supportive network of peers and mentors, all while developing their unique voice and vision as writers​.

10. NYU SPS High School Academy Creative Writing Program

• Location : New York, NY
• Eligibility : Completed grades 9, 10, or 11
• Important Dates : Sessions run from July 15 to August 9, 2024; International student deadline: March 15, 2024; Residential U.S. student deadline: May 17, 2024; Commuter U.S. student deadline: June 7, 2024​.

The NYU SPS High School Academy Creative Writing Program is a distinguished initiative among creative writing programs for high school students, designed to immerse participants in the intricacies of crafting narratives, building worlds, and developing authentic characters and dialogue.

Hosted by the prestigious New York University School of Professional Studies, this program offers an intensive week-long workshop that caters to students who have completed grades 9, 10, or 11 . It stands out for its commitment to refining students’ writing skills and providing them with a portfolio of peer-critiqued short stories, showcasing the practical application of the techniques learned during the workshop.

Sessions are scheduled across multiple weeks in July and August, allowing for flexibility in attendance. The program takes place in a dynamic and supportive environment where students from around the globe come together to share their passion for writing and creativity.

This setting fosters a rich exchange of ideas and simulates a real-world literary community, offering students a glimpse into the professional writing world. By the end of the program, participants walk away with enhanced writing abilities, a deeper understanding of narrative construction, and valuable feedback from their peers, all of which are essential tools for any aspiring writer.

11. Interlochen Arts Camp Creative Writing Program

• Location : Interlochen, MI
• Cost : $6,765
• Eligibility : High School (Grades 9-12)
• Important Dates : Session 1: June 23 to July 13, 2024; Session 2: July 14 to August 4, 2024; Application status: Accepting applications.

The Interlochen Arts Camp Creative Writing Program is a preeminent summer enrichment experience among creative writing programs for high school students, offering an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the literary arts within the inspiring environment of the Interlochen Center for the Arts.

This prestigious program, nestled in the scenic beauty of Northern Michigan, provides high school students in grades 9-12 with a three-week intensive that spans from late June to early August across two sessions.

With a tuition fee of $6,765 , participants are immersed in a curriculum that covers fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the literary world. Workshops focus on the fundamentals of narrative craft, encouraging students to experiment with voice, structure, character development, and dialogue while introducing them to contemporary techniques and genres.

By engaging in rigorous writing practices, receiving constructive feedback, and participating in a vibrant literary community, students leave the program with a deeper understanding of their craft, a portfolio of their work, and lasting connections with peers and mentors. The Interlochen Arts Camp Creative Writing Program is the leading choice for young writers seeking to challenge themselves and grow in a supportive, creatively charged atmosphere.

12. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio

• Location : Iowa City, IA
• Cost : Typically varies; scholarships may be available.
• Eligibility : High school students.
• Important Dates :  They stopped accepting application materials on February 4, 2024.

The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio stands as a formidable presence among creative writing programs for high school students, drawing upon the storied literary heritage of the University of Iowa, renowned for its Writers’ Workshop, the first creative writing degree program in the United States.

This program offers a two-week, immersive experience in Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature, where students from across the nation gather to study under the guidance of accomplished writers and educators.

The curriculum spans various genres, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, allowing students to delve deeply into their chosen field or explore new ones. Workshops emphasize the development of personal voice and style, while craft seminars examine the nuances of literary technique and theory. This nurturing environment encourages experimentation and growth, allowing students to produce work that reflects their evolving understanding of the craft.

Beyond the workshops and seminars, the program fosters community among participants, creating a network of young writers who support and inspire each other. The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio not only equips students with the skills necessary for artistic expression but also instills a profound appreciation for the literary arts, making it a pivotal experience for those looking to pursue writing professionally and personally.

13. Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program

• Cost : Free or low-cost; the program is known for being accessible.
• Eligibility : High school students globally.
• Important Dates : The application period is from March 1 to April 1, 2024.

The Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program is a highly acclaimed fixture among creative writing programs for high school students, leveraging the prestige and literary understanding of The Adroit Journal to offer a unique, immersive experience.

This free online program pairs talented young writers from around the globe with established poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers, facilitating a one-on-one mentorship that spans several weeks during the summer.

The focus is on fostering creative growth, refining technique, and exploring new dimensions of voice and style under the guidance of mentors who are accomplished in their fields and deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of literary talent.

Participants can engage in an intensive curriculum designed to challenge their assumptions about writing and push the boundaries of their creativity. Students are encouraged to develop a sophisticated understanding of literary craft through assignments, feedback, and discussions and produce work that reflects their perspectives and experiences.

14. Creative Writing: Poetry, Fiction and Nonfiction at Stanford University Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

• Location : The program is conducted by Stanford University, offering a rich academic environment for students to immerse themselves in creative writing.
• Cost : While the specific cost for this course was not listed in the provided sources, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes generally have varying tuition rates based on the program and length.
• Eligibility : The course is designed for students currently in grades 8-11 at the time of application, catering to a wide range of young writers seeking to refine their craft in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
• Important Dates : The course is offered in two sessions, with Session One running from June 17, 2024, to June 28, 2024, and Session Two from July 8, 2024, to July 19, 2024.

The Creative Writing: Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction course at Stanford University Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is a prime example of the enriching experiences of creative writing programs for high school students.

This course sets itself apart by providing a deep dive into the craft of writing across three major genres. It offers students from grades 8 through 11 a unique opportunity to explore and refine their writing skills in an intellectually stimulating environment.

Located at the prestigious Stanford University, the program runs in two sessions during the summer, allowing participants to engage with the published works of well-known authors and craft their pieces under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Students are encouraged to develop their imaginative, critical, and technical skills through reading, writing, and workshop discussions, fostering a supportive writing community that values creative exploration and personal expression.

The course’s structure, emphasizing the workshop model, ensures that each student receives personalized feedback and learns to critique peers’ work constructively, thereby cultivating a nuanced understanding of the writing process and the diverse forms it can take​.

15. Tisch School of the Arts Summer High School Program in Dramatic Writing

• Cost : Varies; scholarship opportunities may be available.
• Eligibility : High school sophomores and juniors.
• Important Dates : The summer 2024 application is closed.

The Tisch School of the Arts Summer High School Program in Dramatic Writing is an exceptional opportunity within the realm of creative writing programs for high school students, aiming to immerse them in the world of playwriting, screenwriting, and television writing.

Hosted by one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, this program offers high school sophomores and juniors a rigorous and engaging curriculum designed to unleash their creative potential and refine their writing skills.

Students can work closely with experienced instructors and professionals in the field, gaining insights into the craft of dramatic storytelling and the intricacies of character development, dialogue, and plot structure.

This intensive, hands-on program focuses on the technical aspects of writing. It encourages students to explore their voices and perspectives, challenging them to create original, compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

As we conclude this exploration of 15 creative writing programs for high school students, it’s evident that each offers a unique set of opportunities designed to ignite passion, foster talent, and open doors to endless possibilities in the literary world.

These programs equip students with the technical skills needed for storytelling and imbue them with the confidence to share their stories with the world. Beyond the craft of writing, students gain invaluable life experiences, friendships, and mentorships that extend far beyond the classroom or screen.

The journey through any of these programs can be transformative, laying the foundation for future endeavors in writing, education, and beyond. For high school students passionate about writing, the path to discovering their voice and honing their craft is rich with opportunities.

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Description

If you teach high school creative writing, this is the ULTIMATE curriculum for you! It contains everything you need to teach the course from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a complete creative writing curriculum, add this to your cart NOW!

Your students will enjoy the writing process with contemporary mentor texts, engaging brainstorming and practice activities, and step-by-step writing instructions to guide them from beginning to end. Detailed daily lesson plans, rubrics, and answer keys make this a low prep, low stress resource for you!

All of these activities have been successfully used in a high school classroom during my many years of teaching creative writing. This resource will provide you with 35 weeks of materials, so you can customize each unit to fit the needs of your students.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Semester calendar /pacing guide for easy planning
• Interest survey allows you to get to know students’ writing habits and preferences at the beginning of the course
• Bell ringers with 90 prompts for daily writing warm-ups
• Brainstorming unit provides 45 activities to avoid writer’s block all semester
• Fiction unit includes dozens of activities on short story elements, instruction in writing a full-length short story, flash fiction mini unit, & pick-a-path adventure story project
• Poetry unit uses modern, diverse poetry to teach 8 poetic devices, 7 poetic forms, & 50+ poetry prompts
• Course reflection lets students self-assess their growth & can be used with a semester-ending portfolio project or as a final exam
• Editable PowerPoint slides with definitions and examples of literary terms
• Student handouts with tips to write more effectively
• Mentor texts and discussion questions with answer keys
• Warm-ups, brainstorming, and practice activities to generate ideas for writing
• Detailed writing instruction sheets for students
• Single-point rubrics for easy assessment
• Detailed lesson plans & teacher tips
• Printable PDF and Google Slides versions 
• Due to copyright laws, copies of mentor texts are NOT included in this resource. Links to online versions are included for you to use with your students.
• The Google Slides versions contains text boxes for student responses. Due to copyright laws, the content is NOT editable for teachers.

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High Creative Writing

Number of credits, estimated completion time.

1 Semesters

Description

Whether you are new to creative writing or you have authored your own fabulous piece (or pieces), this course is designed to help you unlock your creativity as well as give you the tools to develop your storytelling abilities. As students, you will also have the opportunity to collaborate with your peers in our Writer's Cafe where you will work together to polish your portfolio pieces.

Follow the link below for the Department of Education description for this course:

https://www.cpalms.org/PreviewCourse/Preview/17761

Topics and Concepts

Module 1 - Writer’s Notebook

• Organizing your Writing Space
• Components of Language
• Descriptive Language
• Writing Poetry
• Portfolio Development

Module 2 - Foundations of Fiction

• Introduction to Characters
• Setting and Plot

Module 3 - Creating Dynamic Characters

• Foundation of Dynamic Characters
• Engaging your Reader
• Character Construction

Required Materials

• Disk space on your computer as well as external device to back up your files (flash drive, external hard drive, etc.)
• Word processing program (Microsoft Word or similar)
• Working speakers for course videos

Ready to start?

Courses subject to availability.

Pursuant to s. 1002.20, F.S.; A public school student whose parent makes written request to the school principal shall be exempted from the teaching of reproductive health or any disease, including HIV/AIDS, in accordance with the provisions of s. 1003.42(3). Learn more about the process and which courses contain subject matter where an exemption request can be made.

Creative Writing Unit for High School Students

My creative writing unit for high school students allows for adaptations and for fun! With plenty of creative writing activities, you’ll have flexibility. 

If you are looking for a creative writing unit, I have ideas for you. When I taught middle school, I sprinkled such activities throughout the school year. As a high school teacher, though, I taught an entire creative writing course. With no textbook and very little established activities, I largely worked from a blank slate.

Which. . . turned out well. I love teaching creative writing!

ELA Specific Classes

Older students often can choose electives for their ELA classes, and Creative Writing is a popular class. I’ve condensed my ideas into one post, so I organized the ideas by creative nonfiction and fiction writing and added pictures to organize this information for you.

EDIT: This post about my creative writing unit for high school writers has exploded and is about three times as long as a normal blog post. If you’d like to skip around to get inspiration for teaching creative writing, you can use the pictures and headings as guidance.

ANOTHER NOTE: I attempted to outline the days I spend on each topic, but several factors went into my estimates. First, each class differs in what they enjoy and what they dislike. If a class dislikes a specific topic, we will wrap it up and move on. If a class has fun with an assignment or needs more time to work, the days might vary.

What are the key elements of a creative writing unit?

Key elements of a creative writing unit include introducing different writing genres, teaching basic writing techniques, encouraging imagination and creativity, providing writing prompts and exercises, offering constructive feedback and revision opportunities, and fostering a supportive writing community.

How can we organize such activities?

Starting with creative nonfiction has worked for my classes, small pieces like paragraphs. I believe the success is because young writers can write what they know about. Then we can switch to fiction for the second quarter. Again, the days spent on each assignment varies, and I honestly do not stress about creative nonfiction being nine weeks and fiction being nine weeks.

All of the material listed below is in my newly updated Creative Writing Bundle . The pieces are sold separately, but that creative writing unit includes bonus material and a discount.

Ok, settle in! Here are my ideas about teaching creative writing with high school students.

First Week of School for a Creative Writing Unit

The first day of school , we complete activities that build awareness into the classroom environment about “creativity.” Do not shy away from setting a foundation of support and understanding as you engage with young writers. During my first creative writing classes, I neglected to spend time establishing expectations and community. The following semester, the time invested early paid off with engaged students later.

Those first days, we also discuss:

• Published vs. private writing. I tell writers they may share whatever they like with me and the class. As a community of writers, we will share with each other. Most of our writing will be public, but some will be private.
• A community of writers. Writing and sharing ideas requires maturity and acceptance. Not everyone will agree is largely my motto (about negotiables, not human rights), and I stress with students that they may read and provide feedback with topics in which they do not agree.
• Routines. Writers write. That sentence might sound silly, but some people believe that humans are born with a skill to write or they are not. Writing well takes practice. The practice can be short and unconnected to a larger product. I typically begin each week with a quick writing prompt , and we share our responses, which of course, builds that community of writers.

Whatever you are teaching—a creative writing unit or a creative writing class—spend some time establishing your expectations and goals with your students. Laying a foundation is never a waste of time! In fact, I believe so much in the power of the first week of a creative writing class that I have a blog post devoted to the concept.

Time: 2-3 days

First weeks: creative nonfiction

Creative nonfiction seems to be the genre of our time. Memoirs, essays, and hermit-crab essays flood bookstores and journals.

When students read captions on social media, profiles of their favorite artists, or long Threads, they are reading creative nonfiction. Not only should students be able to dissect this form of writing, but they should also be able to write in our society’s preferred genre.

Below, I’ve outlined creative nonfiction activities that work with teenagers.

Nonfiction Narrative Writing

Writing narratives (and meeting those standards) are trickier with older students. As a teacher, I struggle: Students will often tell me deep, meaningful, and personal parts of their lives, and I am supposed to grade those writings!

When students write a narrative , I address this situation immediately. Share with writers that their narrative ideas are strong (I believe that to be the truth!), and that in no way are we grading their ideas. Rather, we want their excellent narratives to be communicated in the best light; therefore, we will provide guidance about the structures of narrative writing.

The topic for a nonfiction narrative varies. Often, students write about themselves as learners or as community members. Framing students in a positive way allows them to explore their strengths in life and to build confidence as writers.

Time: 7-9 days

Object Essay

An object essay might sound like a “blah” type of assignment, but the simplicity allows students to push past their normal experiences. An object essay is simple, so they can experiment with their writing.

What object? I have assigned this essay several ways. For instance, I have brought in a very plain object (like a rock) and had students explain it. I like this approach because students can work together to discover the best descriptions.

Another way, my preferred way, is to allow students to choose the object. Students write about a coffee cup, water bottle, car keys, or bus pass. When students choose, the essays are richer with meaning.

Neither approach disappoints me, though! With a plain object, students must stretch themselves to be creative. Judge what your class needs and get students writing!

Time: 3-4 days

How-to Paper

No, not a “how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich” paper. A fun and meaningful how-to paper can encourage classes as they see themselves as experts.

What I like about a how-to paper is students get to be the expert in their paper. Finding a used vehicle to buy? Shopping for a formal event? Saving money? Cleaning a closet? Selling at consignment stores? Each writer has an area in which they shine, and a how-to paper allows them to share their knowledge with others. They write about “behind the scenes” or little known secrets.

Of all the creative writing activities, I assign the how-to paper early. It builds confidence in young writers.

Time: 5 days

Sell this Apple

Why an apple? When I wanted students to creatively sell something, I searched for something they could all have in common but sell in different ways. I wanted classes to have one object but to witness the multiple approaches for advertising. Apples (which I could also afford to bring to class) fit nicely.

What do students sell when they “sell an apple”?

• Dips for apples.
• Apples for preschool snacks.
• Charcuterie apple boards.
• Apple crisp.
• Red and green apple rainbows.

Basically, students can create a marketing plan for multiple age groups and other demographics. For instance, they can write a blog post about safety in cutting pieces for young children (and complete some research in the process). They can then “promote” a local apple orchard or fruit stand.

Another advertisement is an apple pie recipe for a Thanksgiving brochure for a supermarket.

When I gave students something simple, like an apple, they ran with the idea. Then, we can share our ideas for selling apples.

A profile is difficult to write, so this assignment is normally my last assignment of the quarter. Before we switch to writing fiction, we apply all our concepts learned to writing a profile.

Profiles are more than summaries of the person. Writers must take an angle and articulate the person’s traits utilizing Showing vs. Telling. Of all creative writing assignments, the profile, might be the most difficult. I place it in the middle of the semester so that writers understand our goals in class but are not tired from the end of the semester.

Time: 10-12 days

Final weeks: fiction

Fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, romance: Students consume a variety of fiction via books, movies, and shows. Fictional creative writing activities invite young writers into worlds they already consume.

Below, I’ve outlined some that work with teenagers.

Alternative Point-of-View

Grab some googly eyes or some construction paper and send students loose. (A few guidelines help. Should students remove the googly eyes from the principal’s office door?) Have them adhere the eyes to an inanimate object to make a “being” who learns a lesson. They should snap a picture and write a quick story about the learned lesson.

What type of lesson? Perhaps an apple with a bruise learns that it still has value and is loved with blemishes. Maybe a fire extinguisher realizes that its purpose is important even if it isn’t fancy.

Honestly, the creativity with the googly eyes adhered to inanimate objects is so simple, but it always is my favorite event of the semester. I officially call it the “ alternative point-of-view ” activity, but “googly eyes” is how my writers remember it.

Time: 2 days

Create a Superhero with a Template

A superhero does not need to wear a cape or fancy shoes. Rather, in this creative writing activity, students build a superhero from a normal individual. When I created the activity, I envisioned students writing about a librarian or volunteer, but students often write about a grandparent (adorable).

Since students enjoy graphic novels, I wanted students to experience making a graphic novel. The colorful sheets allow students to add their ideas and words to pages that fit their messages.

After students create a comic book, they will also write a brief marketing campaign for a target audience. Learning about who would buy their graphic novel typically leads them to parents and librarians which should lead students to discover the importance of reading. The advertising campaign additionally serves as a reflective component for the initial activity.

Product Review

Product reviews and question/answer sections are a genre all their own. SO! Have students write reviews and questions/answers for goofy products . Students will find a product and write several reviews and questions/answers.

This quick activity lends itself to extension activities. Once, a teacher emailed me and said her school bought some of the goofy products for a sort of “sharing” day with the school. Since students have access to pictures of the item, you can make a “catalog” for the class out of a Canva presentation and share it with them and your colleagues.

Here are a few examples:

• Banana slicer .
• Horse head .
• Wolf shirt.

Aside from the alternative point-of-view activity, the product reviews remain my personal favorite part of a creative writing unit. Writers find random products and write goofy workups that they share with the class.

Time: 3 days

Character Creation

Creating a well-rounded and interesting character requires prep work. The brainstorming part of the writing process, the pre-writing? We spend lots of time in that area as we create fleshed out characters.

I like to start with a multiple-choice activity. We begin my imagining the main character. Next, students take a “quiz” as the character. How does the character eat? What sort of movies does the character enjoy? hate? After the multiple-choice activity, they can derive what those pieces explain about their characters. Finally, they can begin to brainstorm how those pieces will develop in their story.

Flash Fiction

Flash fiction is a simple, short story. Writers might cheer when they hear I expect a 300-word story, but often, they discover it is a challenging assignment from class. A large part of a creative writing unit is giving students a variety of lengths so they can practice their skills under different circumstances.

Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is a popular genre, and classes are familiar with many popular historical fiction books. I find it helpful to have several books displayed to inspire students. Additionally, I read from the books to demonstrate dialogue, pacing, theme, and more.

Since my historical fiction activity takes at least two weeks to accomplish, we work on that tough standard for narrative writing. To that end, these activities target the hardest components:

• Pacing within a narrative.
• Developing a theme .
• Building imagery .
• Creating external conflicts in a story.
• Establishing a setting .

First, I used pictures to inspire students, to get them brainstorming. Second, I created those activities to solve a problem that all writers (no matter the age!) have: Telling vs. Showing. I found that my writers would add dialogue that was heavy on explanation, too “world building” for their narrative. The story sounded forced, so I took a step back with them and introduced mini-activities for practicing those skills.

Third, the above creative writing activities can EASILY be assignments independently for short and fun assignments. I teach them with historical fiction because that activity is at the end of the semester when my expectations are higher, and because students enjoy writing historical fiction so they are invested.

But! You can easily add them to another narrative activity.

Time: 10-12 days 

A clean tabloid! Tabloids are largely replaced by online social sharing creators, so they are fun to review with students. Students might not be familiar with tabloids at the grocery store checkout, but they are familiar with catchy headlines. They will be completely ready to write a tabloid !

To ensure a clean tabloid, I ask students to write about a children’s show, something scandalous happening from a cartoon. The results are hysterical.

Time: 4 days

Children’s Book

I have two introductory activities for the children’s book. One, students answer questions about a mentor text (another children’s book). Two, students evaluate the language of a specific book to start them in their brainstorming.

My students write their children’s book as a final activity in class as it requires all the elements of creative writing. When a school requires me to give a final exam, students write a reflection piece on their children’s books. If you are looking for a finale for your creative writing unit, a children’s book is a satisfying ending as students have a memorable piece.

Time 10-12 weeks

Final note on creative writing activities and bundle

I intended for this post to inspire you and give you ideas for teaching either a creative writing unit or a creative writing class in ELA. My first time through teaching creative writing, I worried that my lessons would flop and that students would not find their groove with me. I found success, but with modifications, I formed a cohesive semester.

The first time through, I did not frontload information and expectations. (Spending time at the start of class is my biggest message! Please establish groundwork with students!) I also did not provide concrete enough guidelines so students understood the differences between the assignments. After a few semesters, I developed my creative writing unit . With a variety of activities and an appropriate amount of structure, I found success, and I hope you do too.

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Fun Creative Writing Activities for Co-op or Micro-school

• Pinterest 1

By request: Fun creative writing activities for co-op or micro-school.

So many co-ops and micro-schools love using 7Sisters no-busywork writing curriculum! We have had some requests from the high schoolers’ teachers on activities for the poetry and short-story writing units in their ELA courses .

Here are some activities that we have used in our homeschool co-op and umbrella school classes. (BTW- Don’t forget 7Sisters offers co-op and school discounts .)

Choose any or all of these ideas.

Create a syllabus for the course

7Sisters offers free sample syllabi for many of our ELA Bundles but don’t be stuck on the way WE do syllabi. Click here for a simple how-to on writing your own syllabus for your course. Or for teens who get excited and want a full year/full credit of poetry, here’s a syllabus for a poetry credit to walk them through the process.

Start each lesson with interest-building

This is probably the most important thing you will do to win your homeschool high schoolers’ attention. Show them a video (or several videos) of famous people reading poems or short stories.

Here are some we have shared:

YouTube is a wealth of resources. Here are a few ideas.

American Poetry

• S.M. Lockridge’s famous sermon-poem: Sunday’s Coming
• A Tiny Poem to the World by Kid President
• The Common Cold by Ogden Nash
• To My Dear and Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet
• The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost read by Alan Bates
• Hope is a Thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson
• 21st Century Native American Poet Layli Long Soldier’s Resolution 6

British Poetry

• If by Rudyard Kipling
• Yeat’s Best Poems
• Sonnet 18 Shakespeare

International Poetry

• Korean poetry
• Japanese Haiku

Short Stories:

Family Narrative:

• Tell them funny stories from my childhood and share clips of famous storytellers telling a short story about their lives.
• Read them short stories, such as stories from Patrick McManus’ Never Sniff a Gift Fish.

Tall tales:

• Tall Tale (movie)
• Here’s an ancient Disney Pecos Bill 
• Read several tall tales to the teens.

Myth-Fantasy:

• The Lord of the Rings movies
• The Hobbit movie
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe movie

Each week share an inspirational quote about at the beginning of class each week

Here are a few from Brainy Quote:

• When it comes to understanding others, we rarely tax our imaginations. -Lawrence Hill
• Poetry is the truth in Sunday clothes. -Joseph Roux
• Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power. -Paul Engle
• Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and dreams. They are journeys you can make to the far side of the universe and still be back in time for dinner. -Neil Gaiman
• Start with short stories. After all, if you were taking up rock climbing. you wouldn’t start with Mt. Everest. So if you’re starting fantasy, you don’t start with a nine-book series.- George R.R. Martin

Read a poem in person each week

Choose a favorite poem to read as a group, you read or a student reads.

Build vocabulary with a word wall

Create a word wall. Have students bring an interesting word that they have found this week and write it on a group poster board. Then have each student share their word and what it means. Over the unit they will have enriched their vocabulary in a fun way.

Break the class into teams, assign a noun, and see how many of each examples of poetic sound language (carrying on a theme of alliteration or rhyme) that they can come up with to go along with our noun.

We use a timer and give them 60 seconds. (A good way to do this is have the kids look up the Noun Generator at randomlists.com and choose a noun from a generated list.)

For instance, they might generate the word “wealth”.

• Then the team might come up with these rhymes:
• stealth (not too many rhymes for that word…)

Next they might find these words that alliterate with wealth (and have something to do with wealth):

• wishing (for)
• wallowing (in)

Then practice writing skills together

This helps teens gain confidence in their ability to write creatively!

Group writing each week

Introduce each topic and then help the class work together to write a poem or tiny story of that style  (you lead the activity). Allow this to be fun, silly and no-fail.

Team writing each week.

Break into teams. Have them write a quick, fun version of the topic then share with the group.

Share successes by sharing their creative writing assignments

This is powerful! Students might feel nervous at first, but then they love it.

Sharing their poem or short story

Each week have students share their homework poem with the group. With short stories, students will share their completed story at the end of the unit.

This sharing can be done by passing around. You can attach a blank sheet of paper to the poem or short story. Have students write something encouraging about their peer’s project.

Remember to keep the atmosphere relaxed! By the end of the unit, the teens have had a blast and have discovered that they LIKE short story writing!

You will enjoy using 7Sisters’ Writing Curriculum in your co-op!

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Vicki Tillman

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