The Flaming Pen is a Christian-based creative writing program designed for students aged eleven and up. (Please see note below regarding grade five students.) The program covers a broad age range because it focuses on drawing creativity from the students.The pilot test of the program was taught to home schooled students and the results were rewarding. As the course progressed, the students' writing matured in style, content, and creative expression. Their writing also portrayed an increased sensitivity toward God.

The Flaming Pen--Part One addresses poetry and journal keeping. Through writing poetry, the student can learn how to portray emotion, choose words wisely, and create word pictures. These abilities are building blocks to writing creative prose. (The Flaming Pen--Part Two, which will be available by fall 2002, will center on prose writing.)

Parents play an important part in this curriculum and with the guidelines in the teacher's manual, are well qualified to teach the program. Their main role is to encourage the student's efforts and provide an atmosphere where creativity is nurtured. Although various terms and techniques are taught throughout the course, the main goal is to draw God-given creativity from the student.

The curriculum contains 25 lessons which can be completed over a time period of your choice. An optional five month lesson plan is listed in the teacher's manual. (Teaching and creative writing examples from the student's manual are posted on this web site.)

NOTES:

1) As the approximate time allowance for the curriculum is five Thmonths, some grade five students can begin the program (upon Thturning age eleven) and complete it within the year.

2) Various adults have expressed an interest in taking the program.
ThiThis is recommended as they can self-direct the course by making
Thi use of the teacher's manual and the student's manual. Adults will Thidiscover that the curriculum can spark and lead their own creativity.