Our Literary and Media Arts curriculum is divided into two broad areas of instruction: Creative Writing and Journalism.
Creative Writing
The creative writing courses will instruct and encourage students to write short works of fiction, drama, and poetry, as well as creative non-fiction narratives. Students will explore creativity, writings styles, and original voice through writing prompt activities and exemplar literature study. Students will build a supportive community of writers and write several works for their personal writing portfolios. Our student authors will present their writings in a school-wide literary magazine, through various online publication opportunities, and at live readings throughout the school year.
Journalism
Media Arts is the study of journalism divided into two main areas of instruction, newswriting and production. Students will develop an understanding of the function and role of the media, learn the basics of newswriting, editing and layout, and produce the school newspaper, Arts OutLoud, and the literary arts magazine, YouthInk using their InDesign and Photoshop instruction. Students will also write, produce, and perform in podcasts and videocasts.
Curriculum
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade students meet once every six days for a 90-minute class to learn basic creative writing and journalism vocabulary and skills. The course encourages students to explore their approaches to writing and expand their creativity through imaginative prompts and games. Grade five Literary and Media Arts students also collaborate with the Fifth Grade Showcase and read their works at author presentations at the school.
Sixth & Seventh Grade
As a result of successfully completing creative writing coursework, students will improve their self-expression and original voice, and develop a greater understanding of genre-specific writing techniques. Students will compile their writing samples in a portfolio and publish their work in online youth publications. Students will read and model exemplary literature to further their understanding of the writing craft. Students will also understand the basics of media writing and contribute to the school newspaper, podcasts and videocasts.
Eighth Grade
Students have two classes a day in creative writing/journalism and one class a day in media design and production. We cover the following topics:
Fifth grade students meet once every six days for a 90-minute class to learn basic creative writing and journalism vocabulary and skills. The course encourages students to explore their approaches to writing and expand their creativity through imaginative prompts and games. Grade five Literary and Media Arts students also collaborate with the Fifth Grade Showcase and read their works at author presentations at the school.
Sixth & Seventh Grade
As a result of successfully completing creative writing coursework, students will improve their self-expression and original voice, and develop a greater understanding of genre-specific writing techniques. Students will compile their writing samples in a portfolio and publish their work in online youth publications. Students will read and model exemplary literature to further their understanding of the writing craft. Students will also understand the basics of media writing and contribute to the school newspaper, podcasts and videocasts.
Eighth Grade
Students have two classes a day in creative writing/journalism and one class a day in media design and production. We cover the following topics:
- Audition Preparation/Portfolio Building: Students prepare writing from various genres to include in their high school audition portfolios and practice timed writing for the audition essay.
- Exemplary Literature Study: Students read and discuss classic literature such as House on Mango Street and Fahrenheit 451 as models of good writing to apply to their own writing.
- Creative Writing: Students complete units on short stories, novels, poetry, drama, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction.
- Journalism: Students study journalism ethics, case law, writing and editing for publications and broadcast.
- Media Arts: Students learn basics of InDesign, Photoshop and audio production.
2024-25 Literary Media Supply List
Click on the link below for supply lists for both Primary and Secondary Literary Media Arts students.
2024-25 Literary Media Supply List
2024-25 Literary Media Supply List
Showcase Opportunities
We hold two Author's Cafes each year, in the fall & spring. Our Author’s Café is a family-oriented performance opportunity for student writer’s in grades 5-8 to present their writing in a creative, supportive atmosphere. While audience members enjoy refreshments, students present workshop productions of their plays, screenings of their podcasts and films, and live readings of their poetry and creative nonfiction.
Literary Media students also have the opportunity to share original works at various school events throughout the year, including our Open Mic Nights.
Literary Media students also have the opportunity to share original works at various school events throughout the year, including our Open Mic Nights.
Literary Media Faculty