Creative Writing

Semester Long Course

Unit Title

Unit 1: Foundations of the Creative Process

Unit 2: Fiction and Narrative Craft

Unit 3: Poetry, Argument, and Expressive Forms

Unit 4: Drama, Revision, and Portfolio

Time

3–4 Weeks

4–5 Weeks

3–4 Weeks

Time: 4–5 weeks

Understandings

Creative writing is a recursive process involving prewriting, drafting, and rethinking content.

Writers establish a unique voice by choosing specific topics and forms to develop fluency.

Establishing a regular practice of independent and collaborative writing is essential for growth.

Effective writing requires mastery of the conventions of usage and mechanics of written English.

Fictional writing and short stories are defined by specific characteristics, such as plot structure and character development.

Concrete images, sensory observations, and figurative language enhance the meaning of a literary text.

The choice of point of view (first, third, etc.) fundamentally changes how a story is communicated.

Coherence and logical progression are maintained through effective sequencing and transitions.

Poetry utilizes word choice, sentence structure, and repetition to create a specific tone or mood.

Analyzing published poems serves as a model for using literary devices and figurative language.

Versatility is developed by writing expressive, informative, and persuasive literary texts.

Rhetorical devices are used to elaborate on ideas and deepen the impact of the writing.

Dramatic writing focuses on dialogue and specific formatting to distinguish it from other written forms.

Peer and self-assessment are critical tools for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a piece.

Refining and polishing selected pieces is

the final step in preparing work for a general or specific audience.

A writer’s growth is measured by reviewing an accumulated body of work to set future goals

TEKS Focus

Priority TEKS: 2A, 2B, 2E, 2G, 5

Priority TEKS: 1B, 1C, 1D, 1G, 2D

Priority TEKS: 1A, 1F, 2C, 4A

Priority TEKS: 1B, 2F, 4B, 4C

Ongoing TEKS

3A, 3B, 3C (conventions and mechanics), 2B, 2E (drafting, revising and organizing)