Grades 7-9

Established writers need varied writing experiences to expand their skills.

Teens are at a critical point in their writing development. When students begin to shy away from expressing themselves, offering them positive, productive, stress-free writing experiences is important! Our workshops this school year seek to address a wide range of skills, 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 working environment in which students can experiment, explore, and find their own unique voices.

From these workshops, students and parents 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

Classes are limited to 12 students, so register early

Tuition is $185 for eight 90-minute classes.

We look forward to working with your teen!

Horror Stories

Poetry and Word Play

Welcome to Horror Stories! In this class, you'll explore the art of crafting horror stories, developing terrifying monsters and villains, and creating unsettling atmospheres that will leave your readers on edge. You'll learn how to build suspense, play with readers' emotions, and use pacing and tension to create a sense of fear and dread. You'll also discover the different sub-genres of horror, such as gothic horror, psychological horror, supernatural horror, and cosmic horror. If you're ready to explore the darker side of storytelling and tap into your inner fears, then this class is for you!

This workshop meets for eight 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, August 30-October 18

4:30-6:00

Thursdays, August 31-October 19

6:00-7:30

Fridays, September 1-October 20

2:00-3:30 (homeschool)

Poetry and Word Play

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 individual poetry journals 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 eight 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, October 25-December 20

4:30-6:00

Thursdays, October 26-December 21

6:00-7:30

Fridays, October 27-December 22

2:00-3:30 (homeschool)

NO CLASS November 22-24

Humor Writing

Science Fiction

In this course, we'll explore the art of crafting funny and entertaining

stories that will make readers laugh out loud. We'll cover the essential elements of humor writing, from finding your comedic voice to developing funny characters and situations. We'll also delve into different types of humor, such as satire, parody, and irony, and learn how to use them effectively in our writing. Throughout the course, we'll read and analyze humorous works from a variety of writers, including comedians, cartoonists, and authors. And through in-class exercises and assignments, we'll practice our own comedic skills and learn how to create writing that entertains, enlightens, and tickles the funny bone.

This workshop meets for eight 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, January 10-February 28

4:30-6:00

Thursdays, January 11-February 29

6:00-7:30

Fridays, January 12-March 1

2:00-3:30 (homeschool)

Science Fiction

Science fiction is a speculative genre that is a perpetual favorite of readers and writers like yourself! In this course, we'll explore the limitless possibilities of the sci-fi genre and learn how to craft compelling and thought-provoking stories that transport readers to distant worlds and alternative realities. We'll cover the essential elements of sci-fi, including world-building, technology, and character creation, and examine how to incorporate these elements into our narratives to create immersive stories. This class is the perfect place to unleash your imagination and take your storytelling to new heights. Join us as we journey to the stars and beyond!

This workshop meets for eight 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, March 6-May 1

4:30-6:00

Thursdays, March 7-May 2

6:00-7:30

Fridays, March 8-May 3

2:00-3:30 (homeschool)

NO CLASS March 27-29

Young Writers' Institute

2023-2024

Programs for Grades 7-9

Established writers need varied writing experiences to expand their skills.

Horror Stories

Poetry and Word Play

Poetry and Word Play

Poetry and Word Play

Poetry and Word Play

Poetry and Word Play

Humor Writing

Science Fiction

Science Fiction

Science Fiction

Science Fiction

Science Fiction