Words Alive: History-Based Writing
Egyptian mummies. Roman gladiators. Medieval knights. Joan of Arc.
Using stories from ancient and medieval history as a backdrop, discover how to bring your written words alive to create magic and wonder in fictional writing, as well as clearly written non-fiction prose.
In this class, you’ll learn how to break down writing into simple steps and then build it up – with both fiction and non-fiction. With LOTS of games and activities, you’ll gently explore writing mechanics like spelling and grammar. You’ll also dive deep into historical-fiction stories with lively book discussions that focus on characters, themes, and basic literary techniques.
The goal of the class is that at the end of the school year you will know that you can write and that, in fact, you can write well!
Time | Ages 12 - 14 | Class Blog |
Mentors Co-Mentor Kristin Savage | Level Depth or Breadth? | Tuition $40 Winter Semester $40 |
Prerequisites
None
Materials Required
You will need a timeline book for class. Bring to class the one you used last year at ASA or purchase a new timeline book during registration. The cost will probably be $15
Homework
Students will have a writing assignment each week. Some will be single paragraphs. Others will be 1-2 page fictional stories, response papers, or short essays. Three historical fiction books will be read fall semester, and 4 historical fiction books will be read winter semester.
Notes
All writing assignments are required to be typed. Students need to be able to type themselves, or a parent must be willing to type for them.
Books Students Provide
Title: Across the Ages: A Timeline Book
Required: yes (full year)
Own or share with sibling? Everyone needs their own copy
Notes: This book is published by ASA and used in all of the history classes. If you already have a copy from Foundations last year, you do NOT need to purchase another copy. If you do not already own a copy, you MUST purchase one during registration. It will be under the Fee section in the ASAP registration system.
Title: The Golden Goblet
Required: Yes - Fall
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: Black Ships Before Troy
Required: Yes - Fall
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: The Thieves of Ostia (The Roman Mysteries)
Required: Yes - Fall
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: Anna of Byzantium
Required: Yes - Winter
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: One Thousand and One Arabian Nights
Required: Yes - Winter
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village (The hardcover book is bigger and in color if that is more helpful for readers than the smaller black and white paperback. Also, the audiobook for this book is really fun and a great option.)
Required: Yes - Winter
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: The Second Mrs. Gioconda
Required: Yes - Winter
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon