Grades 5-6

Maturing writers need support and enrichment.

Our workshops this school year seek to address a wide range of topics, and students may pick the ones that interest them to build a course of study that meets their needs. We're all about creativity and making writing FUN!

In class, students read closely to see what the genre of focus entails and how other authors craft their work. They will then plan and write in a writers' workshop format. All work is closely guided by the teacher in a low-stress environment that encourages creativity of thought and clarity of expression.

In each workshop, students will work on one main project as well as other skill-specific smaller projects to build a deeper understanding of the genre and of writing skills and processes in general. As always, our focus is on creating a welcoming environment in which students can experiment, explore, and find their own unique voices.

From these workshops, parents and students can expect:

- experience reading and analyzing quality texts intended to inform and inspire students' own writing

- direct instruction in good writing technique, including organization, word choice, voice and style, cohesion, etc.

- support of a writer's community through the writing process

- freedom to choose writing topics that interest them

- guidance from their teacher through the writing process

- fully guided editing and revision with 1-to-1 instruction in individual areas of need

- opportunities to publish writing or to share writing with a variety of audiences

We are excited to welcome your child to class!

Classes are limited to twelve students, so register early!

All workshops are $185 for eight 90-minute classes.

Click the "Register Now!" button at the top or bottom of the page.

Paranormal Activity

Paranormal stories elevate the ordinary world by adding magic, mythical creatures, terrifying beasts, or unexplained events. Create a supernatural object or being and build a story around its unique traits! Does your story have a mischievous elf, a bloodthirsty vampire, a magical sword, mysterious floating orbs, or maybe a terrible storm that leaves something strange behind? The possibilities are endless...let's explore!

This workshop meets for eight 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, August 30-October 18

2:00-3:30 (homeschool)

Thursdays, August 31-October 19

4:30-6:00

Fridays, September 1-October 20

6:00-7:30

Historical Fiction

Paranormal Activity

Do you have a favorite period in history? Are you fascinated by certain events in history, like natural disasters, wars, or periods of cultural change? In this workshop, we'll learn to use historical events to write fiction set in a historical period that you choose. We'll research time periods and events to create a strong story foundation and avoid anachronisms, then we'll develop characters and plot that follow the period and write a story that both engages and teaches readers about the past.

This workshop meets for eight 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, October 25-December 20

2:00-3:30 (homeschool)

Thursdays, October 26-December 21

4:30-6:00

Fridays, October 27-December 22

6:00-7:30

NO CLASS November 22-24

Letter Writing

Mythical Beasts

Many describe letter writing as a "lost art", but it doesn't have to be! Writing letters is the perfect way to express oneself directly and personally. In this workshop, we will explore both formal and informal letter writing for different purposes - to express emotions, to share thoughts and opinions, and to conduct business. We will also write short epistolary fiction, or stories written through the exchange of letters between characters. Students may choose to send some of their letters to selected recipients.

This workshop meets for eight 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, January 10-February 28

2:00-3:30 (homeschool)

Thursdays, January 11-February 29

4:30-6:00

Fridays, January 12-March 1

6:00-7:30

Mythical Beasts

Cultures all over the world have their own unique mythologies. We will read widely to understand the characteristics of myths and legends, then use these fascinating stories as inspiration for our own writing. Create a cast of characters - heroes and heroines, gods and goddesses, creatures beautiful and terrifying - and send them off on an epic adventure!

This workshop meets for eight 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, March 6-May 1

2:00-3:30 (homeschool)

Thursdays, March 7-May 2

4:30-6:00

Fridays, March 8-May 3

6:00-7:30

NO CLASS March 27-29

Young Writers' Institute

2023-2024

Workshops for Grades 5-6

Maturing writers need support and enrichment.

Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity

Historical Fiction

Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity

Letter Writing

Mythical Beasts

Mythical Beasts

Mythical Beasts

Mythical Beasts

Mythical Beasts

Register