Young Authors’ Lab

          Module 1: Narrative Fundamentals

Section 1: What Is a Narrative?
- Lesson 1: Understanding Story Elements
  Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1: Explore the basic parts of a narrative including characters, setting, conflict, and resolution.
- Lesson 2: Identifying Narrative Components
  Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: Learn to recognize and describe the specific components that make up a story.

Section 2: Exploring Story Structure
- Lesson 1: The Beginning, Middle, and End
  Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1: Understand the importance of the three-act structure in storytelling.
- Lesson 2: Plot and Conflict Basics
  Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2: Identify how conflict drives a narrative and what makes a plot engaging.

Section 3: Introduction to Character and Setting
- Lesson 1: Creating Memorable Characters
  Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1: Learn strategies for developing interesting and relatable characters.
- Lesson 2: Building a Vivid Setting
  Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2: Understand how to create a setting that enhances the narrative and supports the story.

Section 4: Generating Story Ideas
- Lesson 1: Brainstorming Techniques
  Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1: Discover fun activities to generate ideas and spark creativity.
- Lesson 2: Organizing Your Thoughts
  Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learn simple methods to structure and outline your story ideas effectively.

Section 5: Guided Writing Practice
- Lesson 1: Writing Your First Draft
  Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1: Engage in a guided session to put your ideas into a first draft.
- Lesson 2: Sharing and Reflecting on Initial Drafts
  Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2: Practice sharing your draft with peers and reflecting on early feedback.

Module 2: Story Drafting Activities

Section 1: Drafting Basics
- Lesson 1: Outlining a Story
  Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learn how to create a simple outline as the framework for your narrative.
- Lesson 2: Writing a Complete First Draft
  Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2: Focus on writing a full first draft without worrying about perfection.

Section 2: Deepening Character Development
- Lesson 1: Creating Detailed Character Profiles
  Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1: Develop profiles for your characters that include traits, backgrounds, and motivations.
- Lesson 2: Understanding Character Motivations and Actions
  Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2: Explore how characters’ choices drive the narrative forward.

Section 3: Developing the Plot
- Lesson 1: Sequencing Events
  Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1: Organize a series of events in a logical and exciting order.
- Lesson 2: Building Rising Action to the Climax
  Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2: Learn how to create tension and build towards a memorable climax.

Section 4: Enhancing the Setting with Detail
- Lesson 1: Using Descriptive Language
  Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1: Practice techniques for adding vivid details that bring settings to life.
- Lesson 2: Incorporating the Senses in Descriptions
  Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learn to engage the reader by describing sights, sounds, smells, and more.

Section 5: Achieving Smooth Writing Flow
- Lesson 1: Writing Coherent Paragraphs
  Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1: Study how to construct paragraphs that clearly convey your ideas.
- Lesson 2: Transitioning Between Ideas Seamlessly
  Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2: Practice using transitional words and phrases to link ideas.

Module 3: Peer Review and Feedback Process

Section 1: Introduction to Peer Review
- Lesson 1: The Value of Feedback
  Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1: Understand why peer feedback is an important part of the revision process.
- Lesson 2: Principles of Constructive Criticism
  Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2: Learn how to give and receive feedback in a helpful and respectful manner.

Section 2: Reviewing Your Peers’ Stories
- Lesson 1: Strategies for Reading Critically
  Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1: Learn to read a story carefully to identify its strengths and areas for improvement.
- Lesson 2: Recognizing Key Story Strengths
  Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2: Focus on identifying clear examples of strong narrative elements in peers’ work.

Section 3: Practicing Feedback Skills
- Lesson 1: Articulating Thoughtful Comments
  Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1: Practice developing clear and specific comments that guide revisions.
- Lesson 2: Suggesting Practical Improvements
  Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2: Learn how to offer suggestions that make sense and are easy to implement.

Section 4: Reflecting on Feedback Received
- Lesson 1: Evaluating Feedback Objectively
  Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1: Discover techniques to objectively consider the feedback on your own work.
- Lesson 2: Creating a Revision Plan Based on Feedback
  Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2: Develop a plan to revise your story using the insights gained.

Section 5: Collaborative Revision Workshops
- Lesson 1: Participating in Group Editing Sessions
  Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1: Engage in collaborative activities to refine your narrative with peers.
- Lesson 2: Reflecting on Group Discussions
  Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2: Practice reflecting on discussion insights to further refine your work.

Module 4: Editing and Revision Strategies

Section 1: Self-Revision Techniques
- Lesson 1: Approaches to Self-Editing
  Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learn how to self-assess your writing and plan revisions.
- Lesson 2: Identifying Common Errors and Overused Phrases
  Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2: Explore methods to spot mistakes and repetitive language in your draft.

Section 2: Refining Language and Style
- Lesson 1: Choosing the Right Words and Tone
  Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1: Understand how word choice affects style and how to adjust tone for clarity.
- Lesson 2: Polishing Sentence Structure
  Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2: Practice techniques for crafting sentences that flow smoothly and effectively.

Section 3: Ensuring Consistency in Your Narrative
- Lesson 1: Maintaining a Consistent Narrative Voice
  Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1: Learn how to keep your writing style and voice steady throughout your work.
- Lesson 2: Fact-Checking and Plot Continuity
  Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2: Focus on techniques to verify details and maintain logical consistency in your story.

Section 4: Integrating Peer Feedback in the Revision Process
- Lesson 1: Collaborative Editing Techniques
  Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1: Practice how to merge peer suggestions with your own ideas during revision.
- Lesson 2: Finalizing Changes Through Review
  Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2: Develop a systematic approach to implement revisions and make final edits.

Section 5: Strategies for Polishing Your Draft
- Lesson 1: Conducting a Final Revision Check
  Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1: Learn how to review your draft one last time to ensure all improvements are in place.
- Lesson 2: Proofreading and Final Touches
  Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2: Practice proofreading techniques to catch any lingering errors before finalizing your story.

Module 5: Reflecting and Finalizing Your Story

Section 1: Reflective Writing Techniques
- Lesson 1: Analyzing Your Writing Process
  Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1: Reflect on your own writing journey and the improvements you have made.
- Lesson 2: Writing Reflections on Revisions
  Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2: Practice writing about the changes made during revision and what you learned.

Section 2: Final Peer Review Round
- Lesson 1: Engaging in a Last Feedback Session
  Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1: Participate in a final round of peer review to gather last-minute insights.
- Lesson 2: Implementing Final Changes
  Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2: Use the final feedback to make the last adjustments to your story.

Section 3: Developing Presentation Skills
- Lesson 1: Preparing to Share Your Story Publicly
  Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1: Learn tips for organizing and presenting your narrative to an audience.
- Lesson 2: Oral Storytelling Techniques
  Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2: Practice effective oral communication to tell your story live.

Section 4: Celebrating Progress and Achievements
- Lesson 1: Organizing a Story Showcase
  Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1: Work on a presentation of your story for a group event or showcase.
- Lesson 2: Reflecting on Personal Growth
  Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2: Discuss and document the progress made throughout the course.

Section 5: Planning for Future Writing Success
- Lesson 1: Setting New Writing Goals
  Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1: Learn to create achievable goals for continuing your writing journey.
- Lesson 2: Cultivating Lifelong Writing Habits
  Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2: Explore strategies to keep writing regularly and improving over time.