Creative Writing: Discover Your Inner Story (Leo 11:00 AM) 9-12 (8th grade with instructor approval) $200*

*This is not a co-op eligible class.

Year long ($50 enrollment fee), 2nd semester IS a prerequisite to 1st semester and a student CANNOT jump in mid-year

Join us for an engaging and inspiring creative writing class designed for high school students who want to flex their creative muscles!

This weekly class will help students develop their storytelling skills, explore different writing styles, and build confidence in their unique voices. Through guided exercises, constructive feedback, occasional circle reads, and discussions on storytelling techniques, students will create compelling characters, immersive settings, and gripping plots. Focus will be on fiction prose with some poetry thrown in for good measure. A completed portfolio with revised writing will be required to pass the class.

Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate

This class is designed for students who are new to creative writing or have some experience but want to refine their skills. We will cover fundamental storytelling techniques while also encouraging creative exploration.

Grading Scale:

Since creative writing is subjective, grading will be based on effort, improvement, and engagement rather than rigid correctness.

A (90-100%) – Exceptional effort, strong creativity, clear improvement over time, thoughtful engagement in discussions and peer feedback.

B (80-89%) – Good effort, solid creativity, some growth, and consistent participation.

C (70-79%) – Adequate effort but may need more focus on development and revision. Some participation.

D (60-69%) – Minimal effort, little revision or improvement, inconsistent participation.

F (Below 60%) – Lack of effort, incomplete work, little to no participation.

Instructor: Holli Hattery (260) 415-4743 hollihattery@gmail.com

Instructor’s other classes can be viewed at lifehs.net/category/holli-hattery

Required Materials: 3 ring binder, writing journal or notebook specifically for this class as it will be turned in periodically, writing utensil, an open mind and a willingness to try something new and be able to share creative work out loud with classmates.

Books/Learning material: To be determined

This class will require a significant amount of writing in class as well as outside of class. There will also be reading that needs to be done outside of class, but not as time consuming. There will be some strict deadlines due to the limited class sessions we have, but I am not unreasonable and understand that flexibility may be needed in certain instances. A computer and the ability to print will also be required.

I am willing to work with parents on the class fee. Additionally, I will be teaching a Literature class and will offer discounts for students who take both classes.

This class counts as HS credit.

Leo Methodist Church 13527 Leo Rd, Leo, IN 46765 Directions

* If a student has special needs, please contact the teacher to discuss any accommodations that might be made.

** All classes require online family registration and enrollment. Year-long classes carry a $50 yearly enrollment fee. This enrolls your student in the class for the entire year. There is no need to re-enroll for 2nd semester. The cost listed in the title of the class is per semester and is due no later than the first day of each semester in an envelope labeled with your student's name & the class name with cash or a check made out to the teacher. Registration and Enrollment Fees are non-refundable.