Writing 2: Writing for Children

Core Requirement for BA Hons Creative Writing
Elective Option for BA Hons Creative Arts*

The module offers students a developmental and directed learning pathway, within a context of considerable individual choice and freedom. Each unit is inter-related. The teaching materials offer background theoretical and historical information, and also contain extracts from contemporary books for children, accompanied by essays of analysis and process-description of the work. The course book contains clear instruction and outline of expectation; exercises and assignments to help students to develop their own creative style and voice, and instructions on keeping a ‘learning journal’ for reflection and critical appraisal.

The OCA website and blog contain interviews with writers, publishers and other key practitioners and professionals within the field, in which they reflect on their own practice and experience.

Students have considerable flexibility as to the style and content of their assignments. There is no pre-set order for the units – which is intended as a flexible resource enabling tutor and student to explore aspects of the creative process in the order which seems most appropriate to the individual. The learning experience is two-fold: the course book offering a solid framework and the tutor/student one-to-one relationship offering structure and direction.