Workshops for Grades 5-6

 Paranormal stories transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, weaving magic, eerie creatures, and unexplainable events into the fabric of reality. Imagine a supernatural being or object with unique traits—what mysteries does it hold? Perhaps a mischievous elf lurks in the shadows, a bloodthirsty vampire stalks the night, or a cursed sword carries a dark legacy. Maybe glowing orbs drift through the forest, whispering secrets, or a violent storm leaves something unsettling in its wake. Let’s dive into the eerie and unknown—what chilling tale will you create? 

This workshop meets for six 120-minute classes.

  Class times:  

Wednesdays, September 17 - October 22, 2025

5:30-7:30 pm

Thursdays, September 18 - October 23, 2025

1:30-3:30 pm (homeschool)

Saturdays, September 20- October 25, 2025

3:30-5:30 pm

  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 six 120-minute classes.

  Class times:  

Wednesdays, November 5 - December 17, 2025

5:30-7:30 pm

Thursdays, November 6 - December 18, 2025

1:30-3:30 pm (homeschool)

Saturdays, November 8 - December 20, 2025

3:30-5:30 pm

No class November 26-29 (Thanksgiving break)

   Poetry finds the rhythm and music of language. Learn how to put the magic of words to its most creative and expressive purpose! Students will read a wide variety of poetry from masters of the form in order to learn various structures and techniques, which they will then use to craft their own poems on topics of their choice. We'll create a collaborative poetry journal and share our work with each other and with wider audiences. In this class, we will also learn how to manipulate words and phrases to create interesting images, surprising sounds, and creative meanings that build each student's unique style and voice. 

This workshop meets for six 120-minute classes.

  Class times:  

Wednesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2026

5:30-7:30 pm

Thursdays, January 8 - February 12, 2026

1:30-3:30 pm (homeschool)

Saturdays, January 10 - February 14, 2026

3:30-5:30 pm

 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 six 120-minute classes.

  Class times:  

Wednesdays, February 18 - March 25, 2026

5:30-7:30 pm

Thursdays, February 19 - March 26, 2026

1:30-3:30 pm (homeschool)

Saturdays, February 21 - March 28, 2026

3:30-5:30 pm

  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 six 120-minute classes.

  Class times:  

Wednesdays, April 8 - May 13, 2026

5:30-7:30 pm

Thursdays, April 9 - May 14, 2026

1:30-3:30 pm (homeschool)

Saturdays, April 11 - May 16, 2026

3:30-5:30 pm