[This is an abbreviated version of my five-day lesson plan for this residency. This program adapts well to different age groups and various lengths — from a one-hour overview to a full week residency — to meet your curriculum and budget needs. See Programs & Services for more information.]

 

 

 

Character: The Foundation of Narrative

Five-day lesson plan outline

 

During this residency, each student will create one or two characters and then write a story about those characters. Handouts, class discussion, and feedback will guide students. Teachers’ participation is essential. Each teacher should create his/her own characters and story and share them, as the students will.

 

*****

Day 1

· Example of author’s character creation process.

· Class works together to create a complex, original character.

· Students start work on individual original characters.

· Where do story ideas come from?

· Homework: Finish character webs or autobiographies, think about plot ideas.

 

Day 2

· Read and discuss character sketches.

· Brainstorm plot possibilities.

· Students start writing stories.

· Homework: Revise stories, working character into dialogue and action.

 

Day 3

· Improv. Explore dialogue, body language.

· Story structure.

· Analyze example from “The Watsons Go to Birmingham.”

· Homework: Finish first drafts of stories.

 

Day 4

· Revision.

· Students read stories, begin learning to critique.

· Homework: Revise stories. Turn in a copy to receive individual written feedback.

 

Day 5

· Discuss revision problems and victories.

· Students read stories, constructively critique each other’s stories.

· Questions, review.

· If students are interested – How to become an author.

 

The Goals

· Students have a new enthusiasm for writing.

· They gain an appreciation for the thought process behind the fiction they read. Most have never realized that what makes a novel work, more than anything else, is the presence of irresistible characters.

· They are able to listen carefully and offer each other helpful suggestions, so the class can continue workshopping stories.