Children's Workshops
Spring I : February 21 - April 29, 2012
TUITION: 9 weeks for $265
Monday classes - 8 weeks for $235*
View Complete Schedule
Register online below or download our mail-in Registration Form
Storytellers Circle (Kindergarten-2nd grade)
Understanding stories is the first step toward writing them. Each Storytellers Circle begins with a folktale or story read aloud as a jumping off point for discussing story elements. Children make their own stories through group interaction, writing, illustration, music, movement and fun. Students gain appreciation for the imaginative process and build confidence in their own ability to create fascinating tales.
NEW CLASS! - Sundays, 10:00-11:00 AM |
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Story Magic (3rd-5th grade)
Through group dynamics, imaginative prompts and role-playing exercises, students learn the basic elements of story creation and put their inspirations on paper. Children gain confidence in a fun, non-judgmental environment where everyone supports each other’s ideas. Home writing is suggested but not required. The goal is to ignite the creative spark by temporarily casting off rigid academic requirements.
Saturdays 10:00-11:15 AM
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Saturdays 11:30 AM-12:45 PM
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Story Magic II (4th-6th grade)
Similar to our popular Story Magic class, but geared for slightly older students, we will indulge in play, interactive exercises and group dynamics to whet young writers' imaginations. Students will learn how to get their stories on paper, and then how to make them really work through gentle, constructive group critique. Students will build confidence and improve their writing in an open-minded, positive and often exuberant atmosphere. Students are encouraged, but not required, to write at home and bring their work to share.
Mondays 4:30 AM-5:45 PM
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FOR BOYS ONLY! (3rd-6th grade)
Yes, a boy’s imagination requires a special kind of environment that welcomes the physical, the gross, the absurd, the fantastical and the just plain ridiculous. Come indulge in the freedom to imagine anything and make it come true—well, at least on paper! Find out more in this interview with Ralph Fletcher, author of On Boys Writing.
Wednesdays 4:30-5:45 PM
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Thursdays 4:00 PM-5:15 PM |
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Teen Writers Circle (middle/high school)
This class balances inspiration with discipline, teaching students to accept critique, revise thoroughly and work toward story completion. We will delve into story elements like plot, character, pacing, point of view and style; and explore different genres, including reality-based and imagined fiction, plays, poetry, memoir, journaling and more. Honing their writing skills in a creative, nurturing environment, students will find ease and confidence that will benefit school performance, test preparation and college essay writing.
Saturdays, 12:45-2:00 PM
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Saturdays, 12:45-2:00 PM
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The Young Storymakers
This invitation-only, workshop-based class is for younger students with an insatiable drive to write. Students will be expected to write during their own time and bring in work each week to share aloud and critique with the group. The group will act as a sounding board to help students discover what works, what doesn’t, and what might be done to improve their stories. Each writer will learn to go beyond the initial exhilaration of creation and work through multiple revisions to complete a polished story. Email or call for more information about joining The Young Storymakers.
Saturdays 10:00 - 11:30 AM
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Saturdays 11:30 AM-12:45 PM
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* Monday classes start a week later due to the President's Day holiday. All workshops skip April 8-14 for Spring Break.
Customized Classes and Services
The Writers Circle Workshops can come to you. We do both in-school and after-school enrichment programs. Workshops can be tailored to specific needs and interests, including gender-specific classes, themed classes relating to ongoing curricula, and more.
Hosted field trips: The Writers Circle leads students through museums, historic sites, outdoor gardens or for a hike in the woods, stopping along the way to take in the experience through all our senses, then to express it through writing.
Writers Circle Workshops can also hold private workshops and writing support groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
TWC Director Judith Lindbergh and Madison teacher Michelle Cameron offer private coaching and tutoring for a limited number of students. Their tutoring emphasizes creativity, developing a unique voice, story structure, depth of content, and self-editing skills. Contact us for more information and scheduling.
