Young Writers Workshop

Writers will start at their own levels and no experience is necessary. Each session is designed to challenge and inspire students in an atmosphere of encouragement and inclusion. Brendan Constantine, the workshop’s faculty leader, has worked for years to develop a unique teaching style which both empowers new voices and allows seasoned writers to flourish. Sufferers of ‘Writer’s Block’ are strongly encouraged!

-Notebook
-Pen
-Laptop (optional)

And here is a list of random things you may also want to have ready:

-a good memory
-a bad memory
-a favorite time of day
-a favorite kind of weather
-a ‘good luck’ charm
-a random phrase or lyric that keeps playing in your head
-a dream
-a poem or story you admire by someone else

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

A day in the workshop will include writing, reading, discussion, critique, and a lot of support. Students develop close-reading skills as they examine a variety of styles and approaches to writing. They’ll also develop their most promising pieces and workshop them with their classmates, receiving thorough feedback from peers and the teacher. 

Students should expect to write every day and maintain focus. There will also be plenty ‘down time’ for cultivating new ideas and community.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am (breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center

8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 am – 11:20 am: Morning Classes (snack provided)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 pm – 3:45 pm: Afternoon Classes (snack provided)

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RA’s.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Saturday classes are at the discretion of the teacher. Some programs will meet on the Saturday between the two week session. Please watch out for more information from the teacher. Sundays are off for everyone, with no mandatory classes held.

Brendan Constantine is the author of four books of poetry and his work has appeared in many standards including Poetry, The Nation, Best American Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Field, and Poem-A-Day. A popular performer, he has read for audiences throughout the U.S. and Europe, also appearing on NPR, TED ED, numerous podcasts, and YouTube. He holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and currently teaches at both the Windward School and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Since 2017, Brendan has been developing poetry workshops for people with Aphasia.

Website: http://brendanconstantine.com
X: @poetbrendan
Instagram: @brendanconstantine

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs