Reference Course

Getting to know you exercise where students put their thumbs up or down on statements.

Students close read a photo together to build observational skills.

Students write about a person, experience, or observation that they hope they never forget.

Students use objects in their home to inspire their writing.

Students discuss and write a story in six words.

Students create a concept from an observation.

Students discuss metaphor and simile.

Students discuss, what is a poem?

Students discuss how to workshop and expectations are set.

Students and teachers discuss what they hope to get from the course.

What is revisioning? How and why do we revise?

Opening Paragraphs of “Fascinated to Presume: In Defense of Fiction” by Zadie Smith + Discussion Questions

Students read and discuss “The Secret Goldfish” by David Means.

Students read and discuss an excerpt from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's The Thing Around Your Neck.

Students workshop each other's stories and poems.

Students workshop each other's work.

Students workshop their stories or poetry with the class.

Students workshop their stories and poems.

Students share and discuss their work.

Student's read Maggie Nelson's Bluets and attempt writing stanzas based on a color.

Writing prompt based on student observations.

Students write a bio for themselves, including what they love and what annoys them.