2009 Creative Writing Workshop for Youths

Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 10, 2009

Full Day Session: 9:00am-4:00pm.
One Week: Monday-Friday.
Drop Off: 8:30-9:00am.
Pick Up 4:00-4:30pm.
Space is limited with a maximum of 20 students.
Open to students ages 8-13.
The summer 2009 workshop is full.
Registrations for Summer 2010 will begin when the web site is updated, January 1, 2010.

2009 Creative Writing Workshop for Youths Flyer (775KB PDF file)

Students will explore themes that interest them and create stories throughout the week. There will be a series of in-class short writing assignments exploring ideas, characterization, setting, imagery and plot. These writings will be used to create a longer story which will undergo student workshop reviews, editing and revision throughout the week. Particular attention will be drawn to using meaningful and purposeful topics and ideas as well as the use of imagery through words.

Registration Information

2009 Creative Writing Workshop for Youths Registration Form (60K PDF file)

Cost: $255 tuition + $25 supplies = $280 total cost per student per session.

Registration Deadline: Early registrations are encouraged. Space is limited. A non-refundable deposit of $56.00 must accompany the registration. Final payment and the below accepted student forms are due by June 22, 2009. If you have any questions, please contact Kari Bennett at (518) 276-6431.

Program Details

Lessons utilizing their own BIG story as text will include exploration of ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency and conventions (grammar).

Students will have the opportunity to read their work aloud and present it in an anthology after the workshop is complete.

Students will have the opportunity to use artwork and graphic design to enhance their narratives.

Rensselaer's Center for Communication Practices will be working with workshop participants on their language mechanics. They will also assist with introducing students to different genres of writing.

Faculty Profile: Program Director Audrey Bennett is Associate Professor of Graphics in the Department of Language, Literature, and Communication where she teaches and conducts research in graphic design. Her work is published in The Journal of Design Research, Visible Language, Design Issues, The Journal of Graphic Design, The Education of a Graphic Designer, The Education of a Typographer, and various international design research conference proceedings. She’s editor of "Design Studies: Theory and Research in Graphic Design" published by Princeton Architectural Press that chronicles historical and contemporary efforts of designers to broaden the scope of the profession of graphic design to include research.

Faculty Profile: Instructor Tammy Ellis Robinson is the managing editor and founder of Skribblers Magazine. A regional publication that prints the works of children 12 and under in the Capital Region of New York. She is a writer, New York State public school certified teacher and mother of three. She has been teaching since 1991. She has been facilitating workshops and writing circles for children in the area for the past 4 years.

Schedule of Focus Topics
Monday: meaning, ideation, characterization, plot
Tuesday: setting, imagery, conflict
Wednesday:Poetry, experiential writing, relationship between books we read and our writing. There will be a walking field trip to the Approach, The Arts Center, Market Block Books and Troy Riverfront Park. Students can bring money to purchase books. Students should wear sneakers.(RAIN DATE...Thursday)
Thursday: Workshop, conferencing, revision, review online resources for young writers
Friday: Final revision, sharing, peer review, where to publish
Note: Students will be asked to free write in their journal at home each day and will be able to work on materials at home as well.

Accepted Student Forms

Check list for completing Medical History Form - Day Programs (52KB PDF file)
Medical History Form - Day Programs (58KB PDF file)
Medication Sheet Form (54KB PDF file)
Self Medication Waiver (52KB PDF file)
Authorization to Visit - Summer Day Programs (159KB PDF file)

Note for Summer program participants Medication Sheet Form and Self Medication Waiver: For children who do not have any prescriptions the parent and doctor should sign the Medication sheet for the three over the counter medications listed so they can be administered by the Health Services Office. If your son/daughter does not have any medications to self administer then the Self Medication Form is not applicable.

Transportation: All participants must furnish their own transportation.

To report a student absent or late: If your child will be absent please call prior to 9:00am and speak with program directors on or Kari Bennett in the Summer Programs Office at (518) 276-6431. Students arriving to campus late (after 9:00am) need to be escorted by a parent or guardian to the Creative Writing classroom. If at all possible we ask that you call ahead of time to report the lateness.

Snack and Lunch: Please remember that each student should bring their own snack and bag lunch every day.

Program Inquiries/Questions: For further information about the program, Request Information, or contact, Mike Gunther, Program Manager for Recruitment, (518) 276-8351, gunthm@rpi.edu.

MAIL OR FAX MATERIALS TO:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Attn: Outreach Programs Office
110 8th Street – Low Center Suite 4011
Troy, NY 12180-3590
(518) 276-6431 (Voice)
(518) 276-8738 (Fax)
An email will be sent to confirm receipt of materials.

Special Needs: If you have any special needs please contact Kari Bennett at (518) 276-6431.

Registration Questions & Answers: If you have any registration questions, please contact Kari Bennett at (518) 276-6431.

Last modified: June 15, 2009