Our writing workshops for children fit well into after-school programs, summer camps, museum programs, and other extended learning scenarios. Meg has been teaching children of all ages and backgrounds in a wide variety of settings for fifteen years. Her passion for writing, nature, crafting, and learning new things alongside her students creates a fun, easy atmosphere where children are encouraged to do their best work. The workshops below can be modified to fit specific program goals.
The Mighty Pens (suggested ages: 5th - 8th grades) This course works best if offered over at least two sessions for a total of four hours.
Have you ever heard the saying, "the pen is mightier than the sword?" You'll find out just how mighty a pen can be when you use your words and wit to make people sit up and take notice. We'll explore a different traditional essay form each week using some not-so-traditional subject matter. Persuade your parents that eating spinach is actually bad for you. Compare and contrast a roller coaster ride with a trip to the orthodontist. Classify and divide the types of teachers at your school. If you have plenty of opinions, and like to wield your wit when you express them, come learn how to whet your best weapon with the Mighty Pens.
My Nature Journal (suggested ages: 2nd grade and up)
Handcraft your own blank book and use it to help you sharpen your awareness of the world around you. Use fun papers and beautiful things from nature to decorate your journal. Take a walk outside (or examine a basketful of natural treasures) and record what you see, smell, taste, touch, and hear through words and pictures. Play some games like Match the Color and Wild Scavenger Hunt and leave with more ideas to do with your journal on your own.
Webs of Wonder (suggested ages: 3rd - 5th grades)
Where other people see a plain rock, do you see a magic dragon egg that was dropped by a prince on his way through the woods? Maybe that creaky floorboard isn't the result of a loose nail; it's really a doorway into another world where people can talk to animals. If your imagination loves to wander in all directions, come take an adventure where you'll be posed with lots of loose ends that need to be woven into stories. Your imagination will be allowed to work overtime as you describe the scenes, develop the characters, and weave the plots of your magical world.
