a parent’s guide to facilitating writer’s workshops for kids
Do you have a child who hates writing and needs encouragement? Do you have a child who loves writing and longs for an audience?
A writer’s workshop may be just what your child needs.
A writer’s workshop is simply a gathering in which writers come together to share their writing and offer one another feedback. Workshops are fairly easy to facilitate, yet nearly magical in their ability to inspire kids to write. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent trying to make writing more meaningful for your child, or the parent of a schooled child seeking a less standards-based, more creative writing experience for him or her, a writer’s workshop may be just what you’re looking for.
“Being in Patricia’s workshop was definitely a turning point for my son in developing his writing skills. From being a reluctant writer, he became a creative and excited writer who was eager to get his thoughts on paper. Now as a high schooler, he receives very positive feedback about his writing from his teachers. I have no doubt that his participation in the writer’s workshop laid the foundation for this success.” –Natalie, parent
Workshops Work! offers parents all the nitty-gritty details you’ll need to start up your own workshop. It’s a comprehensive, 140-page guide that covers everything from how long a meeting might run to how to encourage a positive workshop atmosphere. You can read the table of contents here, and the book’s introduction here. You don’t need to be a teacher to facilitate a workshop; you don’t even need to have strong writing skills. (Although your own writing is likely to improve once you start facilitating workshops!) Any parent can facilitate a workshop. Workshops Work! will show you how.
UPDATE: I have tips on facilitating a workshop virtually here.