Writing Workshop 2011 Themes - Morristown-Beard Day Camp

Morristown-­‐Beard Day Camp: Writing Workshop
Morristown-­‐Beard’s Writing Workshop is aimed at developing confident and
competent young writers. From pre-­‐writing to peer editing, participants will
practice all stages of the writing process. Campers will improve writing, vocabulary,
and grammar skills through journaling, essay writing, literary analyses, and in-­‐class
discussions. In addition to academic essays, campers will develop prose and poetry.
The summer writing workshop will reinforce classroom instruction. However, with
the elimination of grades and exams, this supportive environment allows for
intellectual risk-­‐taking and exploration. Young writers of all abilities are encouraged
to attend. From group collaboration to one-­‐on-­‐one conferences, campers will able to
share their work and will leave camp with a portfolio of pieces.
WEEK 1: Descriptive Writing (June 20-­‐24)
Descriptive writing brings language to life. Throughout the week, students will draw
inspiration from experiences (a nature hike through the arboretum, an exotic meal
full of new tastes & smells, studying art for its visual cues) and describe them in
writing. From short responses to a five-­‐paragraph essay, we’ll focus on vivid sensory
details and observations.
WEEK 2: Persuasive Writing (June 27-­‐July 1)
Can you convince me? From examining advertising to constructing compelling
arguments, this week will focus on persuasion. We will start by sharing opinions
(movie and restaurant reviews) and end by writing a compelling essay that makes a
clear argument (campers will select their own topics). We’ll practice thesis writing
and gathering research (drawing tips from a trip to the Morris County Library).
WEEK 3: Writing & Literature (July 11-­‐15)
Reading and writing are inherently connected. Close reading skills help students
understand an author’s intention. Together, we’ll decode literary conventions
(theme, symbolism, setting, etc) and unwrap the real meaning of a piece of prose.
How do we write about writing? First, we’ll explore poetry and short stories. Then,
we’ll practice writing responses to literature. Finally, we will model our writing on
these published pieces, taking literary conventions into consideration.
WEEK 4: Creative Writing (July 18-­‐22)
Have an idea floating around your head? Need the encouragement to turn it into a
short story, screenplay, or poem? Each student will develop his/her original writing
by focusing on plot, setting, mood, characterization, and viewpoint. Students are
welcome to bring a piece they’ve already begun, or be inspired during our first day

of camp. Frequent group editing and sharing will help all participants further their
pieces.
WEEK 5: Short Stories (July 25-­‐29)
In this session, students will learn the elements of short fiction and apply them to
their own writing. Campers will work to develop their own unique voice by both
reading published short stories and experimenting with their own ideas. Campers
will engage in daily journal writing and creative exercises to help foster the
development of new ideas and build confidence in writing.
WEEK 6: Get Ready for September (August 1-­‐5)
In this final week of writing camp, campers will work on skills to get ready for the
coming school year. Campers will build vocabulary through a variety of exercises as
well as brush up on grammar skills (such as sentence structure and punctuation). A
focus on descriptive, expository, and persuasive writing will help campers prepare
for the rigors of a new school year in a less formal setting.