English Writing Course @ Denk:mal

course times can be found here

Departure point:

Demand to improve English language skills

Not a language teacher, I am a writer

Can offer English Writing for second language learners

Development:

Short creative writing exercises

Not CV’s etc, rather fun & confidence building

While language structure & vocabulary fostered

Share within group/s to provide constructive feedback (min 3 participants)

Outcomes foci:

New words & synonyms

Simple & to the point sentences

Grammar adjustments

Communicating intention

Initiation:

1.5hrs class 1x per week; Wednesdays from 17:30 till 19:00

Initial sharing: name, last thing you wrote, last thing you enjoyed writing, favourite English word and phrase, what you’d like from this course (as specific as possible)

All conversation conducted in English, safe space fostered

Requirements:

Class room

Lined paper & various colours of pens

Dictionaries, thesauruses, bilingual dictionaries

Enthusiasm & bravery beyond ‘failure’

Principles:

Creativity and learning are well-matched partners

Arbitrary limits encourage creativity

Fact and fiction make for interesting bedfellows

Only you are your own harshest judge

We apprehend/decode/interpret/translate/observe/take in/listen/gather/absorb the world differently. There is no such thing as perfect language. Not even in one’s native language. Say what you say with feeling and intention, and let the language fall as it does. It is about seeking communication as a bridge to sharing meaning – not perfection.

Respect and encourage each other

It is perfect to be silly and imperfect

A story is just that

Be reckless on paper

Format:

Present and discuss the day’s exercise as a group (10 min)

Write first part of exercise (10 min)

Share and learn vocabulary (15 min)

Write short story (15 min)

Share with group

Group feedback (5 min each)