Welcome to Creative Writing

If you have a spiral you can dedicate to this class, get

it out and write Creative Writing and your name on
the cover. If not, take out 2-3 blank sheets of paper.

Ms. Guarascio
kguarascio@rrps.net

Course Description:
Writing is a way to externalize ideas and feelings.
The ability to write well creates a well rounded
individual who can organize and express to others
his or her thoughts and ideas. This classs goal is
to introduce you on how to write creatively within
different structures, to learn to enjoy the process
of writing, and to find your own voice and writing
style.

Philosophy:
In order to be a good writer,
you must also be a good
reader.
Not only will you be creating
creative pieces, but you will
also be absorbing the works of
others, including your peers
and professionals.

Philosophy:
Practice makes perfect.
Okay, there is no such thing as perfect, BUT the
more you practice something the better you
become. If you practice the piano everyday, you will
become a better player. The same is true for
writing. The more you write (and read), the better
you will become. You will not only become a better
creative writer, but these skills will transfer to your
English class, your Research papers, and your love
letters.

A Writer Writes
I assume because you have registered for a
Creative Writing class you consider yourself a
writer or would like to become a writer.
I also assume (regardless of ability), you like
to write, want to become better at it, and
want to write more often.
We will write everyday. You will have
freedom in your writing. You will be
encouraged to share your creations.

If you took this class expecting an easy A, think again.

There is a lot of writing required in this class, along with
editing/revision, critiquing, reading and finalizing of
drafts. If you are already a dedicated writer, you may
already be used to spending hours pouring over a page
and refining your writing. If not, you will have some
adjusting to do.

Grading
How does one grade creative work?
With a rubric which focuses on craft, proper mechanics,
attention to detail, and fulfillment of assignment, not
content.

What does that mean?

It means your grade will reflect your writing competency as
oppose to whether I like your story/poem.

So Ill get a better grade if you like my writing?

No. You may write a wonderful story/poem which I enjoy but
has so many typos or inconsistencies it will score poorly. Or
you may write a story I abhor but since you fulfilled the
requirements, you will score well.

Course Structure:
We will complete three units over the course of the
semester long class focusing on a different aspect of
writing.
Poetry Including form poems, free verse,
performance poetry, to culminate in the creation of a
poetry portfolio
Fiction Different writing prompts and analysis to
culminate in the creation of a completed short story.
Creative Non-fiction (aka Memoir) Different writing
prompts and analysis to culminate in the creation of a
personal reflective essay.

Supplies:
A Spiral Notebook
Think of what kind of writer you are to get the
appropriate size
Spirals are used for daily warm ups, notes, and
writing activities and will be periodically left in class
to be checked

A File Folder to be left in class

A good USB to save your work (SAVE
EVERYTHING)
Loose leaf paper and writing utensils

Schedule
Each day has a repeating structure.
The lesson starts with a free-write exercise, then
we will begin the project/lesson of the day.
Each unit has a similar structure.
We begin with various writing activities which will
lead to group workshops and final drafts. Each
unit is concluded with a Creative Writing
Sharing/Party day, and a mini break before the
next unit begins.

Free Writes
A free write is when a person writes in response to a prompt
continuously. It is important to write for the whole time. It is
not important to continue to stay on the prompt or worry
about grammar or spelling.
Along with each daily free write you will be given a daily
vocabulary word which you must use in your free write.
The whole idea is to move the pen and see where you end
up. Free writes will be completed in your spiral.
Every class will begin with ten minutes of free writing. The
top of each page should have the date of the Free Write.
Your goal is to write for the entire time, filling at least one
page.

Classroom Rules:
Students are expected to participate in daily
assignments and activities, to be productive
and task oriented, and to behave
responsibly, respectively, and maturely.

Be impeccable with your word

Dont take anything personally
Dont make assumptions
Always do your best

Food and Drink

Students are allowed to have drinks with a twist

cap.
Unless there are special circumstances, food
will not be allowed in the classroom
If you make a mess, clean it up!

Fire drill
In case of a fire drill, students will meet at the

fourth light pole down the main aisle. Check in or

you will be given a referral for ditching.
Students who do not return promptly to the room
will also be referred as ditching.

Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER
In an attempt to expose students to a wide
variety of writing styles and materials, there
will be some material that may be deemed
edgy and contain words or images that are
not generally used in an educational setting.
If at any time you feel uncomfortable with
the information, please come and talk to me
about it or leave the room.
My intention is never to offend a student but
to merely show different types of writing.

DISCLAIMER cont.
With that being said, also know that I do not
censor any creativity.
If your main character really needs to use
profanity to get his point across, he may. Just
attempt to make it necessary and not
gratuitous.
Feel free to write on themes that are edgy
or different that the academic norm.

Additional Information
Ms. Guarascio sponsors The Cleveland Poetry

Community on Fridays from 2:40 -3:30. First

meeting is September 6th.
I use School Fusion. You should too.
Please go over this information with your

parent/guardian and have them sign the paper

in your spiral.
These notes should be the first pages of your
spiral notebook. If you do not have a spiral
today, please staple them to the inside cover
when a spiral is acquired.

And now, a little activity:

Power Animals: A power animal is an animal which represent
a person's connection to life, their qualities of character, and
their power.
On the bottom of your sheet of paper, please write your name
(or the name you would like to be called) and beside it write
down your power animal. Beside your power animal, write
why this animal is your power animal (in a complete
sentence).
Example: Ben Kangaroo
My power animal is a kangaroo because I am unusual and
energetic; I also have really big feet.

Lets get writing!

To correspond with our first writing assignment, you will begin
a free write to introduce yourself. Your free write will center
around your name. Title your page: Free Write Todays Date
Think about what your name means (literary or figuratively).
What does your name remind you of?
If you were named something else, what would it be?
Think of the names of other people you know- what do their
names remind you of? Would you rather have their names?
If you could change your name what would it be and why?

Aim for a full page of writing. The more you write now, the
more material you will have for your first assignment. Finish
later if we run out of time.