SHOWING, NOT TELLING!

The Workshops in Schools programme

A true extension activity for talented writers.

SCHOOLS SHOW WHAT THEY THINK OF THE WORKSHOPS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

The teachers were impressed by the quality of the work produced and the enthusiasm with which the children responded (Lisa Dovey, Halswell School).

The boys’ group gave the boys an understanding that they could be successful writers and produce work of high quality. Both this and the girls’ group produced work of a high standard and the processes which Young Writers staff went through complemented the work being done at our school (Alistair Sim, Shirley Primary School).

Students are introduced to “higher level thinking” of creative writing. They learn the procedure of edit/re-edit several times before publishing. Parents are proud of the writing which is published in booklet form, presented at assemblies and also posted on the school web page (Margaret Maw, Kaiapoi North School).

The programme provided by The School for Young Writers is outstanding. Groups of children with recognized talent in this area are selected to work with the tutors on a comprehensive writing programme. We have seen these children achieve at a higher level, with assessment data to support this analysis (Ginnie Warren, St Albans School).

We value this service highly, not only for those students fortunate enough to attend but also for the spin-off effects on other students once these children come back into the classroom (Ann Edmundson, St Bernadette’s School, Christchurch).

This is a first-rate programme and an opportunity that we wouldn’t miss. It provides opportunities that would never come any other way and we love being able to share the finished work with family, friends, teachers, classmates and the wider community (Iris Derham, Freeville School).

I see a huge need for this type of teaching in our region, where students can be rather insular, so by having an outside facilitator, it provides another avenue to switch students on to writing (Joy Baker, Runanga School).

This programme provides intensive scaffolding and guidance, expectations that students will succeed, well-structured format and delivery, constructive feedback to students, with next-step learning (Mary Fenwick, St Patrick’s School, Kaiapoi).

Those taking part experienced a new way of working with language. They gained a sense of being a writer and moved forward with new knowledge. The tutor related very quickly to our children and provided instruction and support that encouraged them to write beautifully (Glenn Bermingham, Rowley Avenue School).

Our dealings with the School of Young Writers over the past several years have been most professional and helpful. Communication is always timely, staff go out of their way to ensure the programmes they provide our students with are of an extremely high standard. Workshops are tailored to meet the needs of the group of students taking part and subsequent workshops continue to build on and move these students further in their writing (Jenny Washington & Jenny Felton, Mairehau Primary School).

SO WHAT IS A YOUNG WRITERS WORKSHOP?

A Young Writers workshop takes a group of talented writers on a two-day adventure that unleashes the imagination but also shows how to use and get the best results out of it.

As with any adventure, we check that people are suitably equipped for the journey, safe in the hands of expert guides, and mentally prepared not only for the expected spills and thrills but also for unexpected flashes of inspiration, steep learning curves and the sudden realization that they possess great power: the power that comes with using language well.

The Workshops In Schools programme offers the following benefits:

An opportunity for groups of talented writers to work with a specially trained writer on different genres (stories, imaginative prose, poems for reading and poems for performance, plays for the stage or for radio, film scripts, songs) and aspects of writing (getting started, developing ideas, improving style, working to a deadline and getting finished).
This is a true extension experience. Not just extension over wider fields of writing by trying something new, but a deepening of their writing experience by creating stronger understanding of the writer’s craft, better appreciation of how language works, greater confidence in attacking challenging tasks, and increased self-esteem.
By the end of each workshop group members may produce an informal performance for parents, teachers and friends. Writing is to be shared, and where possible we also teach performance skills.
Wherever possible, we assist in the production of booklets of the work produced. These can serve as teaching resources, fundraisers for the next Young Writers workshop, or sources of examples that can be displayed around the school, used in newsletters and posted on websites.
We publish the best work in our twice-yearly Write On magazine, which has a readership of thousands all over New Zealand. Generous copies of this outstanding reading and writing resource are given to participating schools.
Each participant receives a certificate that encourages further effort. Over a series of workshops during successive years, children develop wide-ranging personal and academic skills that will stay with them for life.
After the focused learning environment of a School for Young Writers workshop, children return to the classroom as enthused role models, sharing their new knowledge and positive attitudes with others.
Practical PD for teachers may be gained by observing and/or participating in workshop sessions, and also by discussing matters with the tutor. We also offer workshops for teachers.

GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS

Participants must be keen writers and be able to focus for two days.
Each participant should have a pen or pencil and lined paper. Extra supplies of plain A4 paper are always useful.
Age group: preferably two to three chronological years e.g. Year 7–8 with some top Year 6s; or Year 5–6 with some good Year 4s.
Maximum group size: 10 students.
Tutors need a large whiteboard (with pens/duster).
Writers need tables and chairs. Cushions or bean-bags are great for variety.
A good supply of dictionaries and thesauruses is essential.
Workshops should take place in a quiet room free from interruptions.
Access to a laptop or PC is helpful.

COSTS