WHY READ? WHY WRITE? (grades 6-8, 9-12)
The reading/writing connection. How reading and success are related. The essence of story. Making reading fun.
COLLABORATION (grades 6-8, 9-12)
Nothing in life is more important than learning how to successfully interact with those around you: peers, parents, teachers, bosses, strangers.
The Carrs speak about the collaboration process in their writing life, showcasing examples of collaborative writing—what he wrote, what she wrote, and the final version.
Interactivity—Students create a tall tale together.
THE STORY (grades 6-8, 9-12)
We are all story tellers—whether we dish what happened over the weekend or gossip about a classmate.
Translating these stories into the written word involves utilizing compelling story elements.
Interactivity—Small volunteer group tells a story, one sentence per person.
DON'T JUST WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW, WRITE WHAT YOU CAN IMAGINE
(grades 6-8, 9-12)
Where ideas come from. How to write in someone else's "voice." How to create realistic settings. Tone. The importance of research.
Interactivity—Students write a postcard to themselves from Hilary Duff...an alien...a dog, etc.
FICTION WRITERS' WORKSHOP (grades 6-8, 9-12)
Writers are readers.
Elements of fiction: sustaining a through line, conflict, writing complications, great characters, recognizing a good idea, point of view, sense of place, sensory detail.
The Carrs offer their professional feedback to students who submit up to three pages of work.
Interactivity—critiquing in a group.
THE WRITING LIFE (grades 6-8, 9-12)
What it's like to be a working author. Getting published...editors, rewrites, rejection. Keeping creativity alive. The art of persistence.
Interactivity—Q&A
BULLYING, LIES, RUMORS, GOSSIP (grades 6-8, 9-12)
Bullies in literature & film, how class plays a role. The Darth Vader syndrome. Bad guys don't think they're bad.
Interactivity—volunteers share their experiences/solutions. Teacher involvement.
HOLLYWOOD VS. THE LITERARY WORLD (grades 9-12)
The Carrs spent years in Hollywood. Climbing the ladder is not straight up. Why the best stories don't necessarily find an audience. The high concept.
Interactivity—Students pitch a book or movie idea.
I attended the writing workshop lead by the authors Dennis and Elise Carr and found it to be a stimulating and motivating experience. As a teacher, I enjoyed how the two challenged me to use the "tools of the trade" and do my own writing within the class. The insider tips for writing are definitely something I will take back to my classroom and share with my students. I also will use the idea of the "circle of imagination" in my teaching- creating the safety zone for students to explore their writing. It was a wonderful class and I would recommended to all fellow teachers!
|
