Year 9 English Lesson Plan: Introduction to Creative Writing

Duration

45 Minutes

Class Size

30 Students

New Zealand Curriculum Link

This lesson plan aligns with the English Learning Area at Level 4 of The New Zealand Curriculum. It specifically addresses the following achievement objectives under the "Processes and Strategies" strand: "Show an understanding of how to shape texts for different audiences and purposes" and "Develop and convey personal voice in writing."

For more detail: English in the New Zealand Curriculum

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the key elements of creative writing.
2. Engage in silent reading to appreciate different writing styles.
3. Begin exploring their unique creative writing style.

Resources Needed

• A variety of fiction books for silent reading.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Laptop/projector for presentation.
• Handouts with creative writing prompts and tips.

Lesson Outline

Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

• Teacher Activity:
  • Greet the class warmly as they settle down.
  • Introduce yourself as their new English teacher for the term. Discuss your background briefly and mention your enthusiasm for literature and creative writing.

Silent Reading (5 minutes)

• Student Activity:
  • Students will pick a fiction book from a selection provided and engage in silent reading. This is designed to settle the class and foster a focused environment.

Introduction to Creative Writing (10 minutes)

• Teacher Activity:
  • Explain what creative writing encompasses using a PowerPoint presentation. Discuss different genres within creative writing such as poetry, short stories, and drama.
  • Highlight the importance of imagination, originality, and voice in creative writing.
  • Provide examples of well-known New Zealand writers such as Margaret Mahy and Witi Ihimaera, linking to their famous works which can be found here: NZ Book Council

Class Discussion (5 minutes)

• Teacher and Student Activity:
  • Open a discussion about what students enjoyed about their silent reading. How did the author make their writing engaging?
  • Ask students if they have ever written any creative pieces and what they enjoyed about the process.

Creative Writing Exercise (15 minutes)

• Student Activity:
  • Distribute handouts that contain several creative writing prompts. Each student chooses one prompt to start drafting a short paragraph.
  • Encourage creativity and emphasise that this is an opportunity to express their unique style and voice.
  • Walk around to offer guidance and encouragement.

Sharing and Feedback (5 minutes)

• Student and Teacher Activity:
  • Invite volunteers to share their writing with the class.
  • Provide positive feedback and highlight good use of creativity and originality in their writing.

Conclusion and Homework (5 minutes)

• Teacher Activity:
  • Summarise the lesson and reiterate the key points covered about creative writing.
  • For homework, ask students to complete a short story or poem using their chosen prompt and bring it to the next class for peer review.

Additional Note: Ensure the learning environment respects all contributors and encourages a supportive and constructive critique culture.

This structured lesson plan serves as a starting point for a term focused on further stabilising and expanding students’ understanding and practice of creative writing, ensuring they learn to express themselves clearly and creatively.