V5 Creative writing period 3

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

V5 Creative writing period 3

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

                                   "The Last Leaf"

In the heart of autumn, as leaves whispered their final goodbye to the branches, one leaf refused to fall. Clinging to the highest tree, it shimmered in the pale sunlight, its edges curling like the fingers of an old storyteller. It wasn’t just a leaf—it was a promise, a memory, a symbol of resilience.

Opening lines and why this opening works:

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Why this opening works:

• The use of letters creates an intimate connection between Charlie and the reader. The direct and personal nature of the letters immediately makes you feel connected to his world.

• Charlie’s uncertainty and vulnerability are evident in the way he introduces himself. He is trying to understand himself and articulate his feelings, which is very relatable for many teenagers who struggle with similar questions and emotions.

• The tone is honest and vulnerable, and the reader immediately feels Charlie’s desires and insecurities, making it easier to empathize with him.

Text Analysis 

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

This passage focuses on vivid imagery, capturing a moment in time while conveying a mood of reflection and anticipation. It's a good example of how to use sensory details (sight, smell, sound) and atmosphere to evoke emotion in the reader.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Creative Writing --> ex 3 discuss in class 28 January

Lesson 2: Descriptive Writing

Objective:

Students will learn how to create vivid descriptions using sensory details and figurative language.

3. Writing Exercise 1: Write a sentence that evokes an emotion without directly naming it 

Examples:

The lights in the hallway flickered, as if waiting for someone to come home.

The worn-out shoes by the door seemed to have been waiting for footsteps that never came.

The old letters, yellowed and torn, scattered across the table as if they had been waiting for years to be touched again.

The rain tapped gently against the window, each drop a quiet reminder of a conversation left unfinished.

Lesson 2: Descriptive Writing

Objective:

Students will learn how to create vivid descriptions using sensory details and figurative language.

3Prompt 1: Describe a rainy day without using the word "rain."

The sky was a dull gray blanket, heavy and unyielding. Puddles formed in the cracks of the sidewalk, reflecting the soft, persistent drip from above. The air smelled fresh and damp, the world hushed, as if everything were holding its breath. People moved quickly, huddled under umbrellas, their footsteps splashing softly in rhythm with the soft patter against the earth.

Prompt 2: Describe an old box as if it were a treasure.

The box creaked as it opened, revealing the delicate layers of time it had stored within. Its weathered surface, worn smooth by years of touch, held secrets whispered by the past. Each corner, slightly frayed, told a story of journeys long forgotten. Inside, the faint scent of aged paper mingled with memories, and the faint rustle of forgotten treasures stirred the air. It wasn’t just a box—it was a keeper of moments, a relic of history, waiting to be uncovered once more.

Lesson 2: Descriptive Writing

Objective:

Students will learn how to create vivid descriptions using sensory details and figurative language.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

Descriptive sentence: The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in streaks of amber and crimson.

--> What makes this description effective?

2. Sensory Map (10 minutes):

Task: Choose a place (e.g., a beach, market, or school corridor).

Write what you see, hear, smell, touch, and taste

 in 1–2 words for each sense.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

This description is effective because it uses vivid imagery and sensory details to create a clear and evocative picture. The phrase "dipped below the horizon" gives a sense of motion, while "painting the sky in streaks of amber and crimson" uses colour to evoke a warm, dramatic atmosphere. The choice of words like "amber" and "crimson" adds depth and richness, appealing to the reader’s sense of sight and creating a specific mood, which helps bring the scene to life.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Examples:

Place: A forest

• See: Tall trees, dappled sunlight

• Hear: Birds chirping, leaves rustling

• Smell: Pine, damp earth

• Touch: Rough bark, soft moss

• Taste: Fresh air, wild berries

Place: School corridor

• See: Lockers, bulletin boards

• Hear: Footsteps, chatter

• Smell: Cleaners, paper, sweat

• Touch: Cold lockers, smooth tiles

• Taste: Gum, the metallic air

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

3. Figurative Language Practice (5 - 10 minutes):

Task: Transform simple sentences into more vivid ones:

Examples:

The sky is blue → The sky stretched wide and endless, a brilliant canvas of sapphire.

The wind is cold → The wind bit at my skin, sharp and unforgiving like an icy whisper.

The room is quiet → The room was still, the silence thick, as if the walls were holding their breath.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

4. Writing Exercise (10 minutes):

Task: Describe your bedroom without using the words "bedroom," "bed," or "window."

Examples:

The room is calm, with soft light coming from the corner. A large, comfy surface is in the middle, covered with pillows and blankets. Shelves on the walls hold books and small keepsakes. The air smells of lavender, making it feel peaceful. It’s a place to relax and unwind.

The room feels like a quiet retreat, with soft light spilling across the floor from the corner. A large, plush surface sits in the center, inviting rest with its cozy covers and pillows scattered about. The walls are lined with shelves, holding books, trinkets, and memories from years past. The air carries the faint scent of lavender, a calming presence in the space. It’s a place where time slows down, and everything feels just right for a peaceful escape.

Lesson 3/4: Narrative Writing

Objective:

Students will learn to structure a story with a beginning, middle, and end, and practice building suspense.

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

1. Introduction 

Discuss the elements of a story: Introduction → Conflict → Climax → Resolution

Example: Tell a short story in three sentences and discuss the structure.

 

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

the elements of a story: 

Introduction → Conflict → Climax → Resolution.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

Example: Tell a short story in three sentences and discuss the structure:

1. Sarah was late for her job interview and sprinted through the rain, hoping she wasn’t too late.

2. Just as she reached the building, she slipped on a puddle and dropped her resume into a muddy stream.

3. Frustrated, she retrieved the resume, but when she walked into the interview room, the hiring manager smiled and said, “We’ve been looking for someone with your determination.”

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

The story follows the classic structure, with the tension building towards the climax and resolving with a positive outcome. 

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

2. Opening Sentences (5 minutes)

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

3. Plot Twist (10 minutes): Twists to throw the reader into confusion and intrigue, urging them to keep reading to understand the mystery.

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

2. A Person Opening a Mysterious Box:

Plot Twist:

As Liam carefully opened the dusty, old box he found in the attic, he expected to find family heirlooms or trinkets long forgotten. But inside, instead of jewelry or keepsakes, there was only a small, weathered envelope. Inside the envelope was a single photograph—a picture of Liam himself, taken in the exact room he was standing in, but the photograph was dated 30 years before he was even born. The back of the photo had a single sentence written in shaky handwriting: “You’re next.”

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

4. Write a short story (max. 150 words) with a strong opening and an unexpected twist.

It was the first time in years that Emily felt calm as she stood in front of the old, crumbling house. The place where her childhood nightmares began. Her parents had always warned her not to go inside, but now she was here to confront the truth. With trembling hands, she pushed open the door.

The inside was just as she remembered—dusty, cold, and covered in shadows. She walked through the rooms, every creak of the floorboards sending chills down her spine. Finally, she reached the basement door. It had been locked her entire life, but today, it was ajar.

As she descended the stairs, she heard a soft voice. "Emily, why did you leave me here?"

She turned around, heart pounding. But there, in the corner of the basement, stood her own reflection in the mirror—dressed in the same clothes she had worn as a child.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Lesson 5: Revision and Feedback

Objective:

Students will learn the importance of revising their work and applying feedback to improve their texts.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

1. Introduction:

Discuss why revising is important. 

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Revising is important because it helps clarify your message, improves sentence structure, and makes your writing more engaging and effective. It allows you to refine your ideas, remove any confusion, and communicate your points clearly.

Before Revision:

She was walking quickly because she had to go to the store because she forgot to buy milk.

After Revision:

She hurried to the store after realizing she had forgotten to buy milk.

Explanation:

In the revised version, the sentence is more concise and clear. The repetition of "because" is removed, and the idea is communicated more smoothly. The revised sentence maintains the original meaning but with better flow, making it easier to read and understand.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Lesson 6: Mock Test and Self-Evaluation

Objective:

Students will apply their skills in a mock test and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will be introduced to creative writing and learn techniques used in crafting creative texts.

What does creative writing mean to you?

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

1. Mock Test (20-25 minutes):

Tasks:

1. Write a short description (50 words).

2. Begin a short story (100 words).

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

Tips for Writing Success:

- Plan your story: brainstorm ideas and create an outline.

- Focus on showing rather than telling (use imagery and sensory details).

- End with a strong conclusion or twist.

- Edit and Proofread: check your spelling, grammar, punctuation, coherence, and paragraph structure.

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.

Common Personification Verbs:

- Whisper

- Laugh

- Smile

- Dance

- Sigh

- Sing  

- Cry

- Argue 

Introduction to Creative Writing

1. A Quiet Afternoon in the Park:

Plot Twist:

As Emma sat on the bench, enjoying the calm of the park, she noticed a figure across the pond, staring directly at her. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence, but then the figure slowly raised its hand and waved. She waved back instinctively. The figure’s smile faded, and they lowered their hand, then suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed with a message: "Do not trust anyone in the park today." The message was from an unknown number, but the sender's profile picture was of her—as a child, standing in that very park.