Big Picture Concept:
Students will co-create a Digital Magazine over the 8 weeks!
Each week will build core skills needed to design a real product:
➔ Creative Writing
➔ Editorial & Opinion Writing
➔ Interviewing & Debate
➔ Story Crafting & Description
➔ Vocabulary Expansion
➔ Flow & Articulation
➔ Design Thinking
 
The final magazine will feature their stories, poems, articles, interviews, editorials, and creative work.
 
Weekly Flow Overview
WEEK 1: Launch & Unlock Creativity
Theme: "Your Voice, Your Story"
 
Mini Task: 5-minute Fast Fiction (write a 100-word story based on a chosen image).
Project Start: Choose a theme for their Magazine (e.g., Adventure, Sci-Fi, Environmental Heroes, Teen Life).
 
WEEK 2: Building Vivid Vocabulary
Theme: "Say it Better!"
Vocabulary Challenge: Synonym swap and word explosion (expanding simple words into powerful ones).
Skill Focus: Showing vs. Telling in writing.
Mini Task: Rewrite boring sentences to make them vivid and emotional.
Interactive Resource: Vocabulary-based games from Engoo.
Project Task: Begin creating "Writer Profiles" for the magazine: 100-word bios.
 
WEEK 3: Create Characters that Breathe
Theme: "People on Paper"
Character Spark: Use Once Upon a Picture to invent a character from an image.
Skill Focus: Developing realistic characters (desires, fears, quirks).
Mini Task: Character interview roleplay (students interview each other as fictional characters).
Project Task: Draft short fictional pieces or comic-style profiles for the magazine.
 
WEEK 4: Story Structures & Flow
Theme: "How Stories Stick"
Story Spark: Quick group plot building (using "Hero's Journey" and "Three-Act" structures).
Skill Focus: Beginnings, Middles, and Endings.
Mini Task: Write a compelling story opening paragraph.
Interactive Resource: Story-building cards and plot twist dice (digital version shared).
Project Task: Submit draft fiction or nonfiction article ideas for the magazine.
 
WEEK 5: Persuasive Writing & Debates
Theme: "Words That Win!"
Warm-Up: Fun mini debates (e.g., "Cats are better than dogs" or "Homework should be banned").
Skill Focus: How to build an argument — Emotional vs. Logical appeal.
Mini Task: Opinion piece (choose a topic and write a passionate mini-article).
Interactive Resource: Quick debate starter cards.
Project Task: Assign Opinion Column sections for the magazine.
 
WEEK 6: Interviews and Real-World Writing
Theme: "Be the Reporter"
Skill Focus: How to prepare questions, active listening, and capturing quotes.
Mini Task: Interview a partner about a hobby or favorite thing and write a 100-word news story.
Interactive Resource: Samples of real interviews/articles for teens.
Project Task: Collect or simulate interviews for the magazine (family member, classmate, or fictional celebrity).
 
WEEK 7: Editing & Polishing Masterclass
Theme: "Make It Shine!"
Skill Focus: Editing for clarity, grammar, word choice, and flow.
Interactive Practice: Peer-editing exercises (using positive critique structures: "Glow & Grow" feedback).
Mini Task: Edit your own work — and swap with a partner.
Project Task: Finalize magazine submissions.
 
WEEK 8: Launch Party! Sharing & Celebrating
Theme: "Our Words, Our World"
Showcase: Students present favorite pieces (either read or show visual spreads).
Mini Debate or Panel: Host a mini roundtable about "Why Writing Matters" — students share insights.
Celebrate: Publish and share the Digital Magazine (Google Slides, Canva, Issuu, or a basic blog site).
Reflection: Quick written reflections on their favorite skill learned.
 
Creative and Innovative Teaching Methods Included:
✅ Image-Based Prompts (Once Upon A Picture)
✅ Mini-Debates and Speaking Activities (critical thinking + verbal articulation)
✅ Writing Games (Engoo, vocabulary building, plot twist dice)
✅ Real-World Simulations (interviews, editorial work)
✅ Peer Feedback Sessions (collaborative improvement)
✅ Live Magazine Creation (authentic output = higher engagement)
 
Skills Students Will Gain
Writing fluency and flow
Expanded vocabulary and descriptive power
Critical and creative thinking
Articulation and public speaking confidence
Editing and revision mastery
Real-world writing (journalism, opinion, storytelling)
Collaboration and project management
Pride in publishing their own work