Young Writers Workshop
The Young Writers Workshop is designed for students currently in grades 6, 7 or 8. Once a student attends this program, the student cannot attend it again as the program’s curriculum remains consistent year to year. Former attendees are welcome to apply to other middle school programs such as FOCUS or CONNECT (girls only), or one of the high school programs (if currently in grade 9 or higher).
| Curriculum |
Eligibility |
Curriculum
The Young Writers Workshop introduces students to the writing process. Through class discussion, exercises, and individual conferences students gain exposure to focused, effective written expression. The program seeks to develop students' skills and confidence through:
- Cooperative learning — Group work and the exchange of ideas are critical components when learning the writing process. Peer teaching and small group exercises are stressed.
- Process writing — Four steps are critical to the writing process - prewriting. drafting, revising, and editing. Creating a thesis statement, paper organization, grammatical structure, spell checking, transitions, and word choice are also emphasized.
- Editing — Editing skills and techniques are emphasized at all stages of the writing process.
- Reading — Each writing assignment is paired with a comparable reading assignment, drawing from a range of historical and cultural perspectives. Through this diversity of voices, students acquire an ear for literature and are better able to hear their own voices.
- Presentations — The workshop will give students the opportunity to present their work to an audience and to sharpen their public speaking skills to bring their works alive.
- Promoting creativity and enthusiasm — A desire to take chances in one's writing and, above all, motivation, curiosity and the willingness to explore topics in writing are encouraged.
- Individual conferences — Working individually with the teacher, students learn how to craft their writing, remain focused on their subject, and choose words more effectively.
Students have access to a computer lab during the afternoon tutorial hour and during evening study hours. Students who have computers (and printers) are encouraged to bring them.
Eligibility
Students are required to submit an application, application fee, personal essay, current transcript, school recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and two graded English papers. The Young Writers Workshop is designed for students who are fluent English speakers and writers.