Learning Streams

Please contact us to register for this class and see if we are a good fit for your family. Payment plans are available.

Creative Writing & Art Journaling:

Unleash your inner artist and storyteller in this unique project-based ELA and art class for teens aged 13 and up! This course offers a unique fusion of creative writing and visual art, providing a powerful outlet for self-expression, imagination, and personal reflection. Whether students dream of writing the next great novel, crafting compelling stories, or simply finding new ways to express thoughts and feelings, this class will provide the tools and inspiration!

We believe that creativity flourishes through exploration and personal connection. Instead of traditional lectures, students engage in a series of exciting projects that combine the written word with visual elements. We'll explore various writing genres and art techniques, guiding students to discover their unique voice and style. Art journals will become a dynamic space where words and images intertwine, serving as a sketchbook, a diary, a canvas for experimentation, and a treasure trove of ideas.

What to Expect During This Yearlong Course:

• Dual Focus: Develop skills in both creative writing (fiction, poetry, memoir, etc.) and mixed-media art journaling (collage, drawing, painting, lettering).
• Project-Based Learning: Engage in exciting, multi-week projects that culminate in tangible creative works.
• Sharing & Feedback: A supportive and encouraging environment for sharing your work (optional), receiving constructive feedback, and learning from your peers.
• Age-Appropriate Reading Assignments: We will draw inspiration from a diverse range of authors and artists, exploring excerpts, short stories, poems, and visual works that demonstrate different creative approaches. Please note: All readings will be carefully selected to be age-appropriate and to inspire creative thought rather than containing mature themes.

Projects Completed During This Course:

• Character Deep Dive: Develop a compelling character through written backstories, visual mood boards, and journal entries from their perspective.
• World-Building & Visuals: Invent a unique fictional world, outlining its history, geography, and culture through written descriptions and accompanying maps, sketches, or collages in your journal.
• Poetry in Motion: Explore various poetic forms and use art journaling techniques to visually interpret your poems or create visual prompts for new verses.
• Memory & Metaphor: Transform personal memories or reflections into short creative non-fiction pieces, supported by evocative imagery and symbolic art.
• Creative Prompts & Exercises: Weekly prompts spark imagination and introduce new writing and art techniques.

Homework:

• At-Home Reading: Students are expected to read and prepare for class ahead of time and will have approximately 2 hours of reading per week of short stories, poems, or excerpts to analyze for craft and inspiration to complete their in studio projects effectively.
• Project Development: Dedicated time outside of class to work on ongoing creative projects, including research, drafting, illustrating, and refining.
• Material Gathering: Finding or creating visual elements (photos, magazine clippings, found objects) for your art journal as needed.

Learning Outcomes:

• Generate creative ideas and develop them into original written and visual works.
• Experiment with various creative writing genres and art journaling techniques.
• Express complex thoughts and emotions through artistic and literary means.
• Develop a consistent creative practice and build a personal portfolio of work.
• Give and receive constructive feedback in a supportive community.
• Cultivate self-awareness, imagination, and problem-solving skills through creative exploration.

Grading: there will be no grades for this class but full class participation is expected!