frequently asked questions

Question 1: Describe a typical workshop class.

Answer: Each class begins with a short writing warm-up activity, such as writing on a postcard, adding to a poem, writing on a menu, and more. We often read a short picture book related to the day's theme and writing concept, and we discuss it. Then, the students participate in a fun, interactive activity such as a pirate's treasure hunt, which serves as a model for what they will be writing about. Older students may write for 30 minutes in response to a more advanced writing prompt, while younger children will write shorter pieces and ask me or others for help and ideas. Kids are a great source of inspiration and motivation for each other! I collect the children's work – but some choose to work more on the piece at home and bring it back the following week. Wonderful!

Question 2: My child doesn't like to write, but I want him/her to develop skills and a love for writing. Will your class help him/her?

Answer: Yes! I set up writing "environments" such as a Hawaiian vacation, an Italian kitchen, a pirate treasure hunt, or a camping trip. Using props, music, fun writing prompts, related read-aloud stories, interactive activities and more, students are inspired to write short pieces within the hour. Many continue writing at home! We combine hands-on fun with creative writing.

Question 3: Do you "grade" children's work?

Answer: I provide helpful feedback in the form of a type-written page or a post-it note (for short pieces). I highlight the strengths in the work and provide 1-2 "things to consider" – which offer guidance about how the piece could be improved. I also include a "spotlight on spelling" list of 3-5 words that are misspelled in the piece. I do not mark directly on the children's work. Click here for samples of feedback for a grade 2 student and grade 5 student.

Question 4: How do you handle the range of ages, grades, and abilities in your workshop since you welcome children grades 2 and up?

Answer: I tailor the workshop activities to the needs and interests of the enrolled students. In the most recent workshop, an older student who loves to write participated in the beginning writing warm-ups and then wrote for 30-40 minutes in response to a more advanced writing prompt. The younger students in the class (grades 2-4) participated in more hands-on activities and wrote shorter pieces. Click here for samples of writing prompts/activities for a grade 2 student (warm-up treasure hunt and writing page) and grade 5 student.

Question 5: Can I sign up my child for multiple six-week sessions, or do they repeat?

Answer: Each six-week session offers new writing themes and activities.

Question 6: Does the workshop fee include materials? What should my child bring to the workshop?

Answer: The workshop fee includes all materials, but your child is encouraged to bring a favorite pen and a sense of adventure! Many times throughout the workshop session, they will be asked to bring something special to the following class, such as a beach towel, rolling pin, or sleeping bag! Join the fun!

Question 7: Does the workshop fee include materials? What should my child bring to the workshop?

Answer: The workshop fee includes all materials, but your child is encouraged to bring a favorite pen and a sense of adventure! Many times throughout the workshop session, they will be asked to bring something special to the following class, such as a beach towel, rolling pin, or sleeping bag! Join the fun!

Do you have more questions that aren't answered here? Contact me via email or call 949.370.4412.