Writer’s Lab

    $356.19

    “Writer’s Lab is a super fun course for anyone who wants to write, but doesn’t have ideas, or if you have an idea that you want to foster and let grow into something amazing! It’s a class where your imagination is the only limit, and the written word is your magic wand. Prof. Lisa always makes the webinars interesting and fun, and the lesson activities (such as writing prompts or side prompts) always get your head swirling with ideas and creativity! I would recommend this class to anyone who loves to write, or to anyone who wishes to improve their skills with a pen!” ~ Student Noah A.

    Enrollment

    Available

    Step 1: Register Your Student

    Step 2: Enroll Your Registered Student

    Keyboard and flasks for the Writer's Lab course at Athena's Advanced Academy
    InstructorProf. Lisa Billa
    Content LevelsGrades 6-7 • Middle School
    Grades 7-8 • Junior High
    Grades 9-10 • Lower High School
    Course Length16 weeks
    Live Webinars Held OnTuesdays, 2:00 - 2:50 PM Pacific - 8/13/24 - 12/13/24

    This workshop is for writers of all ages who want to read and write short prose and poetry in an interactive environment. Each week we will read a published work, read each other’s work, and write together. This is a workshop-intensive class, with very few assignments outside of workshop attendance. Students work at their own pace and their own level. The collaborative approach works well for beginning writers as well as skilled writers.

    Why interactive writing?

    “Writer’s block” often results from students thinking that the words they write are “set in stone.” We write best when we are fluid writers, and there’s no better way to become more fluid than to produce writing on a regular basis and treat it as a creative, collaborative discipline.

    Is this environment more suited to reluctant writers or avid ones? What level is this course?

    All of our creative writing courses work by drawing on the strengths of all levels of writers, from very beginning writers to advanced. Students need to be able to type fluently in order to take part in these courses. Very reluctant writers will find WriteNOW Workshop the best environment to start in, whereas Writer’s Lab will offer a more consistent community for writers who enjoy writing and want to seek out kindred spirits. The course integrates students of all skill levels.

    Note to parents:
    • This semester-long course can be repeated as often as a student would like.
    • This class is discussion based. Only students who are ready to use the microphone in an online class should enroll.
    • This course requires use of multiple tabs in a browser, so students need to attend on a computer with a keyboard. Attendance on a tablet is not recommended.

    “I’m excited to meet you in a relaxed, positive, and supportive place to write! I love how the Writer’s Lab method focuses on the fun of creative writing. I can’t wait to share inspiration and imagination, and to see the ideas you come up with!” ~Prof. Lisa

    What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:

    • Students are expected to post writing on our forums and offer supportive comments on other students’ work.

    What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:

    • Curated resources, including websites & videos, are provided to excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter.

    What to expect during the weekly webinar:

    • Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
    • The webinar forms the core of this course and students should plan to attend every week if possible.
    • Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) in online class discussions.
    • This class is discussion based. Only students who are ready to use the microphone in an online class should enroll.
    • This course requires use of multiple tabs in a browser, so students need to attend on a computer with a keyboard. Attendance on a tablet is not recommended.

    Before taking this course, students should be able to: 

    • Read at a solid 7th-grade level or above.
    • Type fluently.
    • Be comfortable sharing unpolished, raw writing.
    • Be prepared for an active, participatory environment.

    Students should be willing to:

    • Be prepared for the webinar.
    • Actively participate (via the microphone and chat) in the class discussion.
    • Verbally participate in webinar discussions – this class is discussion-based.
    • Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.
    • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.

    Required books & materials:

    • Writing craft book—please consult the classroom for this semester’s required text.
    • Selected fiction, nonfiction, and poetry to be shared during webinars.