Words Alive
Egyptian mummies. Roman gladiators. Medieval knights. Joan of Arc.
Using stories from ancient and medieval history as a backdrop, discover how to bring your written words alive to create magic and wonder in fictional writing, as well as clearly written non-fiction prose.
In this class, you’ll learn how to break down writing into simple steps and then build it up – with both fiction and non-fiction. With LOTS of games and activities, you’ll gently explore writing mechanics like spelling and grammar. You’ll also dive deep into historical-fiction stories with lively book discussions that focus on characters, themes, and basic literary techniques.
The goal of the class is that at the end of the school year you will know that you can write and that, in fact, you can write well!
Time 12:30 - 2:30 | Ages 12-13 | Level Apprentice |
Mentors Kristin Savage | Tuition $35 Winter Semester |
Class Schedule
Prerequisites
Students will be required to type their weekly writing assignments. Start practicing your typing skills! If at first you need help from someone to help you type your assignments, that is ok.
Materials Required
Pencil
Homework
Students will have a writing assignment each week. The assignments must be typed. Some will be single paragraphs. Others will be 1-2 page fictional stories, response papers, or short essays. Three historical fiction books will be read fall semester, and 4 historical fiction books will be read winter semester.
Notes
Attending class will prepare you to complete your writing assignment homework so don't be nervous about having a weekly writing assignment. We also play lots of games in class!
About half of the books are NOT on audible. If you can find an audiobook elsewhere feel free to use it.
Books Students Provide
Title: Across the Ages: A Timeline Book
Required: yes (full year)
Own or share with sibling? Everyone needs their own copy
Notes: This book is published by ASA and used in all of the history classes. If you already have a copy from Foundations last year, you do NOT need to purchase another copy. If you do not already own a copy, you MUST purchase one during registration. It will be under the Fee section in the ASAP registration system.
Title: The Golden Goblet
Required: Yes - Fall
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: Black Ships Before Troy
Required: Yes - Fall
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: The Thieves of Ostia (The Roman Mysteries)
Required: Yes - Fall
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: Anna of Byzantium
Required: Yes - Winter
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: One Thousand and One Arabian Nights
Required: Yes - Winter
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: The Arabian Nights - Tales of Wonder and Magnificience
Required: Yes - Winter
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village (The hardcover book is bigger and in color if that is more helpful for readers than the smaller black and white paperback. Also, the audiobook for this book is really fun and a great option.)
Required: Yes - Winter
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: The Second Mrs. Gioconda
Required: Yes - Winter
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon