Learn how to write fiction with animal characters with this one-week, four-lesson boot camp. You’ll come away with a new knowledge of storytelling, the elements of fiction, how to increase your creativity, and great writing skills—and it’s a lot of fun!

Instructor Access (optional grading support) is available for Unlimited Access or Single Access. 
See the sidebar to the left for signup information! 

How to get the most out of Writing Bootcamp: Creating Stories with Pets and Animals as the Heroes with Cherise Papa:

• First, read the course materials below before viewing the first recording.

• Then, have a notebook ready and available for while you watch the recording.

• After reviewing the recording and the PowerPoint, read the resources and readings for that week.

• Do the assignments for the class.

• Once the course is finished to the parent's satisfaction, fill out the Certificate of Completion for record keeping.

Total class meetings: 4

Duration of each class: 50 minutes

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: 5th to 8th grade

Suggested credit: One-third (1/3) of a semester's credit for Creative Writing

Instructor: Cherise Papa

Course Description:

Learn how to write stories about animal heroes and their adventures during this one-week workshop this summer! When you join this four-session course, you will learn about writing stories with animal characters, what’s inside a story, how to make a fun and engaging hero, how to create a world and setting for your story, and how to describe your characters and world using the five senses. You will learn the elements of storytelling, bringing a new creative way of thinking to all your writing and creativity. During each class, we will have a lesson followed by exercises to build your character and world—and practice excellent writing skills. This is a fun course that you’ll definitely enjoy!

Course outline:

Class 1: Story Writing with Animals—What’s inside a story; what is a hero; what is conflict; how do you make a wonderful story that people want to read.

Class 2: Characters—How do you write animal personalities in a character; how to include animal behavior into a character’s actions; and when pet characters are best friends with human characters.

Class 3: Worldbuilding & Setting—How to create a world full of animals that fit into a story.

Class 4: Description & Using the Five Senses—How to make your story come alive; how to include unique animal senses in writing.

Course materials: All materials are provided FREE by the instructor.

Homework: Students will practice writing with each of the ideas presented in the recording. Homework will begin during the recording as part of an exercise, with brainstorming and using the concepts discussed. After the recording, they may finish the assignment on their own.

Technical Help: If you have any technical trouble or questions about course content, please email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com.

©2023-2024 Homeschool Connections and Cherise Papa. All rights reserved. This course is designed by Cherise Papa.

• This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment (yes, the 7th commandment) and in violation of US and International copyright laws.

• You may print or download to local hard disk extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. This is not to be used for homeschool co-ops without express written permission from Homeschool Connections.