Writers Workshop
Testimonials
Former homeschooling mom, Linda Shipman:
“Every writer needs a critic, an audience, and a purpose for writing.
Participation in Writer’s Workshop provided these outlets for my
daughter. She attended a workshop as part of a learning co-op when being
schooled at home in the 5th & 6th grade.
She enjoyed the fellowship of other budding authors and was stimulated
to improve her own writing. She wanted her works to be as good as or
better than theirs! She was appreciative of what others were writing and
would often give me weekly updates on their on-going works.
Both she and many of the other students began writing chapter books,
learning to develop a theme and characters. I am not sure she ever
finished one of her books, but she certainly learned how to draw in her
audience, write meaningful & successive paragraphs, and to cope with the
many issues that come from trying to develop characters and a believable
plot.
Being in the author’s chair and receiving positive criticism of her work
built her confidence. She always enjoyed expressing herself in writing,
but now she really took off. She wrote for fun. She created books of
poetry & fiction as gifts. She attempted to illustrate her work. With
parental help, she learned different methods of reproducing and binding
her books.
When she went out to school in the 7th grade, her English teacher took
me aside and expressed her appreciation of Susanna’s ease and skill in
writing. I knew this was a direct result of her two years in the
workshop, where each week she was taught a writing skill and permitted
to express herself in a positive and confidence building atmosphere.”
From homeschooling mom Janice Baker:
“Our family looked forward to Writer's Workshop probably more than any other single home education class. It was a time for the kids to really connect with others of different ages and learn to give and take in a respectful, encouraging manner. They WORKED on their stories with enthusiasm! They didn't need reminding, because they knew the next class was coming right up and they would have their moment in the limelight. It was a fantastic confidence booster for them.
As a parent and facilitator, I loved it. It is so much fun to teach and learn together with a bunch of eager children. Of course, Author's Tea was the Grande Finale to which we all looked forward. These were big events! Young author's eyes sparkled as they displayed and read their wonderful projects for an admiring crowd that included parents, teachers, brothers & sisters, and a grandparent or two.”
From Megan Baker, homeschool graduate:
As someone who participated in Writer’s Workshop for many years, I can say that I enjoyed it very much. It was something I looked forward to all week. I loved being able to share my imagined stories with my peers, in a sense it made my stories seem more real. It was always fun to listen to the other kids’ stories, too, because it in a way helped you learn more about them and what they liked. Sitting in front of the other kids could be intimidating, but after a while it was more fun than anything!
Another thing that was very beneficial for me was learning to take criticism. It helped me realize at a young age that criticism isn't a personal attack but rather helpful advice. I think that Writer’s Workshop also helped me learn that every time you write something you should be thinking about the people who are going to read it, and if you don't think it will interest them then you’re in trouble!”
From Laura Reisinger, homeschool graduate:
Writer's Workshop definitely had a strong influence on my developed love of writing and my willingness to speak in front of others. It was my favorite class because it taught me how to be creative and how to confidently write for a real, live audience. I really felt that both the students and the teacher cared about what I wrote and saw potential in everyone. I think this class influenced me even more than my high school English classes because of all the excellent input (positive and negative) and encouragement I was able to receive from everyone.
From Tyler Hogan, homeschool graduate:
"Writer's Workshop introduced me to the fun and art of story-telling. While I didn't know it at the time, the skills—both in crafting interesting plots and characters, and politely giving and taking feedback—would serve me through the rest of my life. I love writing, I love seeing my own and other people's creativity come to life, I love the atmosphere and the feeling of accomplishment when you finally take your finished work and bind it for the world to read. It's a simple program yet one that provides a lifetime of benefits.”