Ms. Schmitz
Creative Writing 2015-2016
By the end of each unit, students will be able to…
Writer’s Toolbox/Introductory Unit (worksheets and short written pieces)
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Create meaningful metaphors and similes.
Use details to appeal to all five senses.
Demonstrate the difference between abstract and concrete writing.
Nonfiction Unit (“I Believe” essay and another nonfiction essay)
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Analyze published work for successful authors’ techniques.
Provide constructive feedback to other writers.
Select an effective way to begin a story.
Connect personal experiences to a broad audience through theme.
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Use sensory details (showing rather than telling).
Revise language (precise nouns and verbs, figurative language, active language) for 2nd drafts.
Fiction Unit (two short story outlines and one complete short story)
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Analyze published work for successful authors’ techniques.
Provide constructive feedback to other writers.
Structure an engaging plot using one of three dramatic through-lines, including a
conflict, a catalyst, and a resolution.
Properly format dialogue.
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Use effective dialogue tags.
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Write dialogue that adheres to the two purposes of dialogue.
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Determine the most effective point of view for your story.
Select an effective way to begin a story.
Use foreshadowing.
Move in and out of a flashback smoothly.
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Develop at least two round characters.
Create characters who want something and for whom something is at stake.
Continue to use sensory details (showing rather than telling).
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Continue to revise language (precise nouns and verbs, figurative language, active
language) for 2nd drafts.
Poetry Unit (a minimum of four poems)
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Analyze published work for successful authors’ techniques.
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Provide constructive feedback to other writers about their
poems.
Use figurative language that is appropriate to my poem’s
content.
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Use stanzas purposefully to enhance my poem.
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Use purposeful line breaks to enhance my poem.
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Select words based on their euphony or cacophony to
contribute to the overall feeling I wanted my poem to convey.
Use alliteration or assonance purposefully to have a specific
effect on the reader.
Use a variety of sensory details to show the reader what I
mean.
Evoke a specific emotion with my poem.
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Portray part of the human experience in a new way through
my poem.
Choose words with the most fitting connotation to enhance
my poem.
Apply a rhyme scheme to my poem if I choose to use one.
Publishing Unit (worksheets, cover letter, and mock (or real) submission)
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Identify opportunities for involvement in the creative writing community.
Understand the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing with an agent.
Find publication opportunities appropriate for your work.
Write a cover letter to accompany a writing submission.