School Workshops

There are Four ways I can support students and staff at your school:

 

  • Writing workshops

  • Programs for gifted writers

  • Afterschool masterclasses

  • Teacher Workshops

Writing Workshops

Story Seed Workshops
 

STORY SEED
WorkshopS

Story Seed Workshops use a range of prompts/activities and leaves writers with four or five short pieces of writing to develop after the workshop.

 

Extended Narrative WorkshopS

Extended Narrative Workshops use a range of prompts/activities to develop one story; the setting, main characters, character goals and plot. 

Extended Narrative Workshops

Both styles of workshops come with teaching notes to help teachers build on the skills we use during the workshop. 

Download Workshop Outlines

Click on the buttons below to download a copy of the workshop prospectus for your class. Please note, some workshops can be adapted to cater for a range of years, which have been noted on the below documents.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS

Over the last ten years, I've developed (and fine-tuned) a range of popular storytelling and writing workshops which allow students to experience the authentic craft of writing in a fresh new way. My workshops are based on a simple framework of prompts, timed bursts of discovery writing, workshopping (sharing) and ‘just in time' teaching to develop authentic writing skills.

I use an open-ended process which makes it possible for me to cater for students of different ages and stages of development within the one classroom.Workshops can be tailor-made to suit your group of writers and your school’s timetable.

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Workshops Use My D.W.S System 
(Discovery Writing + Workshopping + Skills Focus)

Discovery writing

Workshopping (sharing) 

‘On the spot' teaching

Workshops also feature group discussion and partner/small group work. This system is easily transferable to any class level. Observing a workshop is an excellent opportunity for teachers to see their students in a different light. Many teachers also report that workshops double as a valuable professional development experience.

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FAQ’s

+ Why do workshops span multiple year levels?

The first thing you'll notice is that some workshops span over a range of age levels. I've fine-tuned my workshops over the last ten years so I now have a collection of open-ended activities which I easily adapt to match the ages and stages of the group before me. This system allows me to cater to the full range of writing abilities found across any class group. I love that each workshop is slightly different each time, depending on the responses of the writers in the group. Workshops become a dynamic representation of the writers in the group.

+ How long are the workshops?

Workshops range from 90 - 120min sessions. I like to allow plenty of time to develop stories, write freely and workshop ideas. Where possible I work in with your regular timetable.

+ How many students can attend?

I work with class sizes of up to 25 students. If your class size exceeds this limit, we can talk through your options.

+ What materials are needed?

I usually run workshops in classrooms or in a central place such as the school library. Any classroom works well as long as you have a whiteboard or a place to collect ideas as we go. Some workshops require the use of an interactive whiteboard. All students need is a pencil and their writing book. All workshops include a student workbook.

+ Do you work with students with Special Needs?

Because workshops are open ended, I can usually cater for a range of developmental levels within each class group. Workshops which combine writing and sketching are particularly good for reluctant writers. Aides and classroom teachers are welcome to support students with special needs. If there is any relevant information that will help the workshop run more smoothly in your classroom, please let me know at your time of booking.

+ Do you offer workshops for Gifted & Talented writers?

As well as presenting workshops for students, I also offer programs for gifted students and after school writing programs.

+ Will I receive Teaching Notes?

The workshops are designed as a springboard for further writing adventures rather than a single one-off experience. My vision is to inspire teachers to develop a regular writing practice in their classrooms. I provide full teaching notes, resources and opportunities for teachers to connect with me via email to ask questions and share their writing experiences post-workshop. I create a Google Docs Folder for your team so teachers can download teaching notes and resources.

+ What's next after the class?

Publishing stories with illustrations is an exciting way to complete the project. Authors can include dedications, author information and a brief synopsis on the back cover. I can provide suggestions for running author panels and book launches to celebrate and promote writing in your school community.

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School-based Programs for Gifted Writers

Ever wondered what it would be like to be a writer? This full day workshop gives talented young writers the opportunity to deep dive into the writing process and experience story creation from the ground up. It is envisioned that one teacher from the school will follow up with writer and facilitate time to complete their stories.

YOUNG WRITERS WILL:

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  • Generate a range of ideas and select one to develop into a story.

  • Develop a main character and setting through a series of writing activities.

  • Choose a goal for their main character to provide a framework for plot development

  • Plot and planning a series of story events (obstacles) to build suspense and interest and exploring possible resolutions using an ancient narrative structure.

  • Explore techniques for starting and ending stories.

  • Participate in focused and sustained intervals of writing.

  • This workshop is delivered through discovery writing, (short bursts of focused writing) power point presentations, workshop handouts, workshopping, (reading aloud) modelled writing and group discussion.

Writing Masterclasses for Schools

I offer schools the opportunity to host a writing masterclass as an after school activity.

PRIVATE GROUPS

A SERIES OF 4 - 6 WORKSHOPS ACROSS VENUES IN MELBOURNE

These short courses are for writers in Years 3-6 and will run after school from 4.15pm – 5.30pm. Designed to develop both creative thinking and writing skills in a positive club-like atmosphere. My goal is to encourage young writers to explore their unique storytelling style and voice. Children have the time and space to experiment with a variety of genres and writing techniques, while developing their creativity and confidence. In the last week, we welcome parents and friends to an informal reading of our work.

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 Workshops for Teachers

Write away with me offers a range of professional development workshops for teachers, parents and professionals who work in children’s services across australia.

It is possible to tailor the experience directly to your school, kindergarten or parent community by choosing the elements of the workshops that will work best for your timeframe/budget.

You can learn more about the information covered in these workshops via the Professional Development prospectus below.

 
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