Program 8: Flaming Fingertips Teen Journal Writing Workshop
Time of program
2 hours
Program Description
Teens are constantly growing mentally and physically. This program leads them to tap into creativity and gain self-awareness through journal writing. At the end of the program, compile the teens' works into a booklet to give participants. Ask the teens for permission to publish their work online, and upload it onto your library's teen web site. Provide refreshments at the end of program..
Display
Find inspiring quotations from about writing and display them around a poster that says "Writers Write!"
Variation
Survey the teens in your community about what type of writing workshop they want: journal writing, poetry, short stories, or creative writing. Invite a local writer, teacher, or professor to present a two to three hour workshop on the most requested topic.
Books to Booktalk
- Dear Great American Writers School by Sherry Bunin.
- Jazmin's Notebook by Nikki Grimes.
- My Angelica by Carol Lynch Williams.
Books to Display
- A Book of Your Own: Keeping a Diary or Journal by Carla Stevens.
- Write It Down! a Girl's Guide to Keeping a Journal by Erica Smith.
- Write Where You Are: How to Use Writing to Make Sense of Your Life: A Guide for Teens by Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg.
- A Writer's Book of Days: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life by Judy Reeves.
Web Sites
Creative Writing for Teens
http://teenwriting.about.com/teens/teenwriting/
From communicating to writing tips, about.com offers teens a place to sharpen their writing skills. Teens may also submit writing samples.