Story Builders: My First Writing Class

Course Summary

In this beginner-friendly writing class, students will learn how stories are built using character, setting, problem, and solution. Through discussion, hands-on building or drawing, and simple writing prompts, students will begin creating their first complete story. By the end of the class, each student will have developed their own story idea from beginning to end.

Course Description

In Story Builders: My First Writing Class, students will learn how authors build stories step by step. Over three weeks, students will explore the basic parts of a story: character, setting, problem, and solution. Each class focuses on one key piece of story creation, helping young writers build confidence while learning how stories work. Students will begin by creating a setting and character, imagining where their story takes place and who the story is about. In the following class, students will develop a problem that gives the story excitement and purpose. In the final class, students will create a solution and complete their first story idea. Each week includes discussion, creative thinking, and a hands-on activity where students build or draw parts of their story using simple materials such as paper, crayons, building bricks, or building toys. This class is designed to make writing feel fun and achievable for beginning writers. By the end of the course, students will have created their first complete story concept while practicing creativity, storytelling, and early writing skills. Each class includes three parts: Lesson Students will learn about one part of story writing, such as character, setting, problem, or solution, through discussion and simple examples. Writing Time Students will work on their story using guided prompts provided by the teacher. Build / Draw Students will build or draw part of their story, such as the setting or a scene from the story, using simple materials.

Syllabus

Week 1 — Building the Story World Focus: Character and Setting Students will learn that every story begins with a character and a place where the story happens. Using a simple example story, students will identify the character and setting and discuss how authors create story worlds. Hands-On Activity: Students will draw or build their story setting using their materials. Writing Activity: Students will begin their story by describing: • Who their character is • Where their story takes place Week 2 — The Problem Focus: What makes a story exciting Students will learn that stories become interesting when something goes wrong or a challenge appears. Through discussion and examples, students will explore how problems help move a story forward. Hands-On Activity: Students will build or draw their character from the story. Writing Activity: Students will write or complete a prompt describing the problem in their story. Week 3 — Solving the Problem Focus: Story endings and solutions Students will learn how stories are completed when the character finds a way to solve the problem. We will discuss different ways characters can overcome challenges. Hands-On Activity: Students will update their drawing or build to show how the problem is solved. Writing Activity: Students will complete their story plan by writing the solution and ending. Final Outcome By the end of the course, students will have created: • a character • a setting • a problem • a solution Together, these elements form their first complete story idea.

Supplies

Students should bring: • Printed class handouts (provided by the teacher) • Pencil • Crayons, colored pencils, or markers Optional materials for the hands-on activity each week: • building blocks • Small building toys Students will use these materials to design or build the setting for their story and complete their writing pages.