2023
Welcome
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Welcome to our creative writing resources! I’m glad you are here. Check back frequently for easy to use tips on all aspects of storytelling and writing. These are written to you - the parent - to encourage you as you then encourage your children to dive into creativity! Check out the categories to the right, and dig in! Or use our resource home page to find the right place to start.
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A Pirate's Guide... to discussing literature
// Filed in: How To | Start Here
Stories have always been an essential part of our lives, whether we are young or old. From bedtime stories to movies, we love to immerse ourselves in a good tale. As a student who loves literature or film (and will have to write papers about them!), it is crucial to understand the various elements of a story and how they come together to create a compelling narrative.
But why is it important for students to understand these elements of story? Not only will it help them in writing their own stories and papers, but it will also make them better readers and thinkers. Understanding how stories work, students will be able to analyze and discuss any book, movie, or piece of literature with more depth and insight.
Gaining a solid understanding of plot, character development, backstory, transformation, and other crucial story elements will better equip you to appreciate and analyze any work of literature or film that comes your way. One significant advantage of having this knowledge is the ability to critically evaluate and discuss a story with others. Rather than just memorizing definitions, A Pirate's Guide t' th' Grammar of Story takes students through progressive exercises that help them to truly understand and internalize these concepts.
Overall, understanding the various elements of a story is a valuable skill that will serve you well in all areas of life, not just in literature discussions. That said - we know that all students will have to read novels and short stories and write papers on them in middle school, high school, and beyond, so this preparation becomes essential in equipping them to understand and discuss any story with ease.
But why is it important for students to understand these elements of story? Not only will it help them in writing their own stories and papers, but it will also make them better readers and thinkers. Understanding how stories work, students will be able to analyze and discuss any book, movie, or piece of literature with more depth and insight.
Gaining a solid understanding of plot, character development, backstory, transformation, and other crucial story elements will better equip you to appreciate and analyze any work of literature or film that comes your way. One significant advantage of having this knowledge is the ability to critically evaluate and discuss a story with others. Rather than just memorizing definitions, A Pirate's Guide t' th' Grammar of Story takes students through progressive exercises that help them to truly understand and internalize these concepts.
Overall, understanding the various elements of a story is a valuable skill that will serve you well in all areas of life, not just in literature discussions. That said - we know that all students will have to read novels and short stories and write papers on them in middle school, high school, and beyond, so this preparation becomes essential in equipping them to understand and discuss any story with ease.
Making the Transition to Homeschooling
If you're making the transition from public school to homeschooling, you might be feeling overwhelmed. You're not alone! First of all, welcome! The homeschooling community is wonderful, and when you find your tribe, you'll have support, encouragement, and hopefully, playdates when you need them.
There's a lot that can be said about how to get started. As someone who has homeschooled for 16 years and graduated three students, I've tried many different methods, including Classical, Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Charter, Montessori, co-ops, and "let's just try this and see what happens." But no matter what method you choose, my advice is always the same: figure out what habits you want to establish for yourself and your child, and work on those before diving into the curriculum.
What strengths do you want to develop? What weaknesses do you want to minimize? What character issues do you want to address? Sometimes it's as simple as working on perseverance or establishing a morning routine. Other times, you may need to foster a love of learning or help your child undo negative habits from their previous schooling. By focusing on developing life skills in the beginning, you'll create a well-rounded and wonderful adult. Once those skills are strong, you can focus on the curriculum and achieve excellence in the subjects you choose.
As you begin and continue on your homeschooling journey, be encouraged! It can work, even when mistakes are made (and they will be). Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to tailor your child's education to their specific needs and strengths, including their creativity and imagination. Encouraging your child's creativity and imagination not only enhances their educational experience but also equips them with important skills for the real world.
To help with this, consider incorporating opportunities for your child to explore and develop their creativity and imagination, whether through art, music, or imaginative play. With your support, your child can thrive academically and creatively as they continue to grow and learn.
(and of course, here at A Pirate’s Guide, we think creativity is important - and our workbook is a great resource for building creativity, brainstorming ability, and thinking outside the box - all great life skills!)
There's a lot that can be said about how to get started. As someone who has homeschooled for 16 years and graduated three students, I've tried many different methods, including Classical, Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, Charter, Montessori, co-ops, and "let's just try this and see what happens." But no matter what method you choose, my advice is always the same: figure out what habits you want to establish for yourself and your child, and work on those before diving into the curriculum.
What strengths do you want to develop? What weaknesses do you want to minimize? What character issues do you want to address? Sometimes it's as simple as working on perseverance or establishing a morning routine. Other times, you may need to foster a love of learning or help your child undo negative habits from their previous schooling. By focusing on developing life skills in the beginning, you'll create a well-rounded and wonderful adult. Once those skills are strong, you can focus on the curriculum and achieve excellence in the subjects you choose.
As you begin and continue on your homeschooling journey, be encouraged! It can work, even when mistakes are made (and they will be). Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to tailor your child's education to their specific needs and strengths, including their creativity and imagination. Encouraging your child's creativity and imagination not only enhances their educational experience but also equips them with important skills for the real world.
To help with this, consider incorporating opportunities for your child to explore and develop their creativity and imagination, whether through art, music, or imaginative play. With your support, your child can thrive academically and creatively as they continue to grow and learn.
(and of course, here at A Pirate’s Guide, we think creativity is important - and our workbook is a great resource for building creativity, brainstorming ability, and thinking outside the box - all great life skills!)
Archives
Across the Learning Spectrum (12)
At Home Together (7)
Benefits of Creativity (5)
Emotions (2)
Engaging Our Kids (5)
How To (12)
Overheard (4)
Specific Elements (41)
Start Here (11)
Storytelling (6)
Teacher's Guide (1)
At Home Together (7)
Benefits of Creativity (5)
Emotions (2)
Engaging Our Kids (5)
How To (12)
Overheard (4)
Specific Elements (41)
Start Here (11)
Storytelling (6)
Teacher's Guide (1)
- Act of Villainy
- Backstory
- Beginning Middle and End
- Being Specific
- Brainstorming
- Character Arc
- Character Contradictions
- Character Desire
- Character Functions
- Character Values
- Characterizations
- Characters
- Connections
- Dispatcher
- Donor
- Gaps and Expectations
- Grammar of Story
- Helper
- Hero
- King
- Light and Dark
- Magical Agent
- Mindstorming
- Mystery
- Plot
- Princess
- Rules
- Setting
- Significance
- Story Engine
- Symbols
- Transformation
- Values
- Villain