Overview of Topics:
Session One: Essays - How to Follow a Rubric
What is the assignment? What are the rules (rubric)? Who is the assignment for and which class? What are the expectations? This session is all about fulfilling the rules of the assignment while continuing to be inventive and authentic.
Session Two: Journalism - On Being Accurate and Interesting
What happened? How do you know it is accurate? What is the protocol for having reliable sources? What form gets the reader interested in starting and what keeps them reading? In this session we balance accuracy and the psychology of attracting the reader.
Session Three: History - The Science of Research
What historical period interests you? How many sources is enough? What is the most responsible way to tell a story that has multiple points of view? How to navigate the reality that “winners tell the tale”. In this session we look into the research process and how to assess sources and their bias.
Session Four: Biographies - The Art of the Interview
How do you tell someone else’s story? What would they want you to know and what does the reader want to know? How can you tell an accurate story and be respectful of the subject? In this session we explore interviewing skills and balancing the agenda of the characters with the needs of your readers.
Session Five: Memoirs - Telling your Story
What is the truth of one’s own story? Does it have to be accurate? Where are feelings and points of view? In this session we explore vulnerability and personal expression while still being truthful.
Session Six: Publishing - Take one Project and get it Published
There are so many ways to be published now. Blogs, podcasts, newspapers, online magazines, competitions, and of course, books (physical and digital). In this session we help students figure out the best route for publishing and the steps they can take to make it happen.
Learn More!
David and Meredith describe our
"Writing What’s True Curriculum" below:
How will Writing by Heart help children?
- The lessons will help children discover their innate talents and strengths as writers.
- Our creative approach will help to encourage "reluctant" writers.
- The course work will help children learn not only more about how to write and tell, but also how to listen.
- We teach about self-trust while discovering the power of honesty and authenticity.
- We teach how to find strength in service and humility. We write for others.
- We learn to value our "mistakes" and challenges in our work, and spin them into gold.
Our Writing by Heart Curriculum offers:
- Our writing courses are designed for students Grades 3-8 and homeschool families with children ages 9-14 years old.
- There is an Orientation video, plus six recorded video lessons.
- All writers receive a “Base Camp” assignment, which is a short writing practice. Also offered are “Adventurers" assignments, which are designed to deepen the work and develop a draft.
- Convenience of being able to view and work with the curriculum at your own pace.·
Featured Products
You may also like these!
FAQ
CAN MY CHILD DO THE COURSE COMPLETELY ON HER OWN?
Your child/student can watch the videos and complete the practice worksheets & projects on her own, however we recommend parent overview of the child's participation in the course. Some of the exercises ask the child to be introspective and self-aware in ways that may be new to them. Children may want or need parent-engagement in this process. Lastly, there will be practice worksheets to print and supplies to gather, which may necessitate parent support.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT FOR THIS COURSE?
There is a video for each lesson, each at about 20 minutes long. There is one practice assignment with each lesson, which we estimate could take anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on how thorough your child wishes to be. There are also “Adventurer” exercises that are more comprehensive and could take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE ABLE TO READ & WRITE TO PARTICIPATE?
Yes. As writing is a capacity that stems from the ability to read and digest language, we do ask that your children are able to read with some facility and know the basics of letter and sentence formation. David and Meredith will be encouraging and guiding content, but are not positioned to thoroughly edit grammatical, spelling and mechanical errors. We will be asking the children to work within their personal capacities there, or receive guidance from another adult to support them if needed. The worksheets are created with learning differences in mind, and David and Meredith will gladly work with all types of learners.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
Curriculum Purchases: Because of the immediate accessibility to our curriculum courses, we do not offer refunds. However, we would never want you to unhappy with any of your purchases, so please contact Meredith if you have any questions or requests.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Email us at [email protected] any time, and we will be happy to help