Writing Workshops

The ideal size for each workshop is two classes/fifty students.

My workshops are most effective with first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth grade.

For multi-day workshops, I would see the same students each visit, going deeper into the creative process. It's best to have at least a week between each visit so the students have time to work on their stories individually. The students should have at least ten minutes a day to work independently between my visits.

One Day: A presentation of my creative process. I show children how I get ideas from a combination of real life and imagination.

• I teach them what a story actually is; not just something that happened to them. I also sketch in the presentation, giving drawing tips and techniques.

• Students leave my presentation empowered and eager to write and draw. I also prep the student for the workshops to follow.

Two Days: The first day would be the same as above.

• The second visit I would discuss the elements of story and brainstorm an idea with the students.

• Once I model the process with the students, they would either develop the idea we started as a group or come up with their own.

Three Days: The first two days would be the same as above.

• The third time I see them, I would teach them how to storyboard - an effective tool to allow students to map out and develop their story.

• Fifty percent of students are visual learners and this taps into that strength.

Four Days: The first three days would be the same as above.

• The fourth day I would show the students how to write from their storyboards - simple techniques to become richer writers.

Five Days: The first four days would be the same as above.

• On my fifth visit the students would read parts of their stories aloud and I'd teach the group how to improve their writing skills by listening and recognizing problems in their fellow students' stories.

• I also point out common problems of novice writers.

• Through positive reinforcement I teach the purpose and importance of rewriting and editing techniques and tools they can use in their future writing.

Six Days: The first five days would be the same as above.

• On my sixth visit I would illustrate with the students-giving them tips and techniques to make drawing easier, more approachable, and fun.

Seven and Eight Days: The first six days would be the same as above.

• On my seventh and eighth visit(s) I run these like a college masters class.

• The students read aloud and as a group we discuss strengths and weaknesses in the stories.

• Every writer wants a reader - their story to be heard.

• Some schools invite other grades and parents to be part of the audience.