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Wednesdays

11:50am -12:50pm

Teacher: Katy Chamberlain

katychamberlain7@gmail.com 

Monthly Tuition: $45

One time Class supply fee: $20

Enrollment limit 18

  This Creative Writing class is designed to inspire  students to express themselves through the written word. Over the course of our time together, students will explore various forms of writing, including short stories, poetry, essays, and more, while also focusing on creativity, storytelling techniques, and self-expression. Through guided exercises, group discussions, and peer reviews, students will learn how to develop their ideas, organize their thoughts, and refine their writing skills.

Whether they are new to writing or looking to strengthen their skills, this class provides a fun and supportive environment for students to grow as writers. By the end of the year, students will have built a portfolio of their creative works and will be more confident in their ability to share their ideas with others.

  By the end of this class, students will:

• Discover and experiment with different writing styles and genres (fiction, poetry, personal essays, etc.).
   
• Develop their voices as writers through creative exercises and prompts.
   
• Understand and apply writing techniques such as plot structure, character development, dialogue, and description.
   
• Participate in peer review sessions to give and receive constructive feedback.
   
• Build a portfolio of writing that showcases their progress and creativity.
   
• Develop confidence in self-expression, both in writing and in group discussions.

Each class will typically follow this format:

Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes)
 

• Short writing exercises or quick creative prompts to get students thinking and writing.
   
• Group brainstorming activities to inspire ideas and creativity.
   

Skill Focus or Lesson (5 minutes)
 

• Focus on a specific writing skill (e.g., writing strong openings, developing characters, using descriptive language).
   
• Mini-lessons on writing techniques and strategies.
   

Writing Time (25 minutes)
 

• Students will spend time working on individual writing assignments or exercises.
   
• Guidance provided during this time to support each student’s ideas and development.
   

Peer Review & Group Sharing (10 minutes)
 

• Students will share their work with a partner or in small groups for feedback.
   
• Peer review will encourage students to provide constructive comments and reflections.
   

Wrap-Up & Reflection (15 minutes)
 

• Class discussion on the writing process, challenges faced, and successes achieved.
   
• Brief reflection or journaling on the day’s lesson or writing experience.
   

Weeks 1-4: Introduction to Creative Writing

• What is creative writing? Exploring genres and styles
   
• Freewriting exercises to unlock creativity
   
• Setting writing goals and building a writing routine
   
• Crafting strong characters and character-driven stories
   

Weeks 5-8: Fiction Writing Fundamentals

• Structure of a story: Beginning, middle, and end
   
• Writing compelling plot twists and conflict
   
• Developing characters and setting
   
• Writing short stories with a focus on conflict and resolution
   

Weeks 9-12: Writing Poetry

• Introduction to different types of poetry (acrostic, haiku, free verse)
   
• Exploring rhyme, rhythm, and meter in poetry
   
• Writing poetry based on emotions, experiences, or imagery
   
• Sharing poems and discussing poetic devices
   

Weeks 13-16: Descriptive Writing & Imagery

• Using the senses to create vivid descriptions
   
• Show, don’t tell: Writing with imagery and details
   
• Writing a descriptive scene (setting, characters, emotions)
   
• Peer feedback and editing to refine descriptive skills
   

Weeks 17-20: Writing Personal Narratives & Essays

• Telling your own story: Writing personal narratives
   
• Organizing ideas for an essay (introduction, body, conclusion)
   
• Writing essays on topics such as personal growth, challenges, or experiences
   
• Peer review of narrative writing
   

Weeks 21-24: Dialogue & Voice

• Writing realistic dialogue and capturing character voices
   
• Creating tension and conflict through conversation
   
• Writing scenes with strong dialogue
   
• Group exercises to practice writing dialogue-driven stories
   

Weeks 25-28: Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction

• Elements of fantasy and science fiction writing
   
• Creating unique worlds, systems, and characters
   
• Writing a short piece of fantasy or sci-fi fiction
   
• Developing settings and fantastical elements
   

Weeks 29-32: Writing in Response to Prompts & Inspiration

• Using prompts to spark creativity and overcome writer’s block
   
• Writing from different perspectives and viewpoints
   
• Writing based on images, quotes, or other art forms
   
• Class discussion and sharing of prompt-based works
   

Weeks 33-36: Final Projects & Reflection

• Students work on final writing projects (short stories, poems, or essays)
   
• Peer feedback and revisions
   
• Final portfolio creation and reflection on growth as writers
   
• Sharing of final projects with the class
   

Thursdays

3:10-4:10pm (3-5)

or

4:15-5:15pm (6-12)

Teacher: Katy Chamberlain

katychamberlain7@gmail.com 

Monthly Tuition: $45

One time Class supply fee: $50 (this fee will help pay for a pianist)

Enrollment limit 18 per session

The Young Voices Ensemble Youth Choir is an exciting, inclusive class where students of all backgrounds and skill levels can come together to explore the power of music and community. This choir will sing a wide range of songs, including both religious and contemporary pieces, offering something for everyone while encouraging vocal growth and harmony. Throughout the year, students will participate in special performances, including the annual  Nativity at the Festival of Trees, as well as both the Fall and Spring Showcases for Alliance. These events will give students the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience, showcasing their hard work and dedication.

In this class, students will develop essential choir skills, including pitch accuracy, harmony, breath control, and stage presence. The choir will work on building vocal technique, teamwork, and the joy of making music together. Whether they are seasoned singers or new to choir, all students will benefit from a positive, encouraging environment that fosters creativity, confidence, and community spirit. Students will also have the chance to work on vocal arrangements and express themselves through music while being part of a unified group that works toward shared musical goals.

 Over the year, students will:

• Learn Vocal Technique: Develop skills such as pitch, tone, harmony, and breath control.
   
• Explore a Variety of Songs: Sing both religious and contemporary pieces, allowing students to experience different styles of music.
   
• Performance Opportunities: Participate in the City Nativity at the Festival of Trees and perform at the Fall and Spring Showcases for the school.
   
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Build strong bonds with fellow choir members and develop a sense of unity through group singing.
   
• Gain Confidence: Perform in front of audiences, building self-esteem and public speaking skills.
   

This class provides a wonderful opportunity for students to learn the art of choral singing, make lasting memories, feel the love of God by sharing their talents, and contribute to their community through music.