Writing Workshop

All elementary students participate in writing workshop. They learn about various aspects of writing with the primary focus on creative expression. At the end of the school year, their work is published in an anthology.

Lower Elementary

First Year students attend writing workshop for half the school year. They each write one short story and one poem. In the First Year level, the focus is mainly on the writing process.

Second Year students attend writing workshop for the whole school year. They write more stories and poems. In the Second Year level, the focus is still on process, but the students are beginning to develop their imagination and a greater ability to express themselves.

Third Year students attend writing workshop for the whole school year. They write more complex stories and poetry as they learn about more advanced forms and techniques. They also share and discuss their work with the group. In the Third Year level, the students move towards developing their creativity as their ability to express themselves is more defined.

Upper Elementary

Upper Elementary students focus on the creative expression of writing. The classes are structured around alternating lesson days and writing/reading days. Students at this level complete their writing assignments at home.

In fiction and poetry, students continue studying forms, techniques, devices, and genres at a more advanced level. They also study various authors and poets and begin learning about proofreading, correction, and revision. Students participate in individual conferences and revise their work. The in-class writing/reading days are an important part of the Writing Workshop experience. Students participate in individual and group writing exercises that improve or accelerate spontaneous creative thought, and read aloud and discuss their work in a collaborative environment that fosters respect for the individual.

The Upper Elementary is the fruition of the students’ creativity and maturity. They are more invested in the work they produce as they become comfortable with expressing themselves to the best of their ability.