WriteNOW Workshop – Early Semester

    $167.00

    “I’m excited to meet you in a relaxed, positive, and supportive place to write! I love how the WriteNOW method focuses on the fun of creative writing. I can’t wait to share inspiration and imagination, and to see the ideas you come up with!” ~Prof. Lisa

    Enrollment

    Available

    Step 1: Register Your Student

    Step 2: Enroll Your Registered Student

    Student typing on a computer outside for the WriteNOW Workshop course at Athena's Advanced Academy
    InstructorProf. Lisa Billa
    Content LevelsGrades 6-7 • Middle School
    Grades 7-8 • Junior High
    Grades 9-10 • Lower High School
    Course Length8 weeks
    Live Webinars Held OnTuesdays, 12:00 - 12:50 PM Pacific - Early Semester - 8/13/24 - 10/11/24

    This workshop is for writers of all ages who want to read and write short prose and poetry in an interactive environment. Each week we will read a published work, read each other’s work, and write together. This is a workshop-intensive class, with very few assignments outside of workshop attendance. Students work at their own pace and their own level. The collaborative approach works well for beginning writers as well as skilled writers.

    Why interactive writing?

    “Writer’s block” often results from students thinking that the words they write are “set in stone.” We write best when we are fluid writers, and there’s no better way to become more fluid than to produce writing on a regular basis and treat it as a creative, collaborative discipline.

    Is this the right environment for my reluctant writer? Is it right for my avid writer?

    This is a great environment for reluctant and avid writers! We will emphasize the writing process, not the critiquing process, which encourages reluctant writers to get their thoughts out without the censoring influence of being “corrected.” In the process of writing collaboratively, students learn to add detail, depth, and description to their ideas—the same skills they will need to be solid writers of academic prose.

    Note to parents:

    • This 8-week course can be repeated as often as a student would like.
    • WriteNOW is a fast-paced, interactive writing environment. Students with special learning needs may need parental assistance.

    What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:

    • The only requirement for this course is to come to webinar weekly and take part in the writing assignments.
    • Students can enhance their experience by reading suggested works outside of class, posting writing projects on our forum, and commenting on other students’ work.

    What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:

    • Curated resources, including websites & videos, are provided to excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter.
    • Share writing and art projects.
    • Read student writing published online.

    What to expect during the webinar:

    • Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
    • Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) in online class discussions.
    • This class is discussion based. Only students who are ready to use the microphone in an online class should enroll.

    Before taking this course, students should be able to: 

    • Read at a solid 7th-grade level or above.
    • Type fluently or be equipped with dictation software or a willing adult helper during our webinar.
    • Be comfortable sharing unpolished, raw writing. Some students may take a while before they feel comfortable; this is a great environment for working on writer’s block due to perfectionism issues.
    • Be prepared for an active, participatory environment.

    Students should be willing to:

    • Be prepared for the webinar.
    • Actively participate (via the microphone and chat) in the class discussion.
    • Verbally participate in webinar discussions – this class is discussion based.
    • Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.
    • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.

    Required books & materials:

    • Weekly readings will be online, no textbook required.
    • WriteNOW requires that student be able to access more than one browser tab at a time. A computer with a keyboard is highly recommended.