Writers' Workshops
Philosophy
Great writers aren’t made over night. At the Lyceum we invest in the creative process over time, encouraging young people to see themselves as writers, and to see writing as an essential way to express themselves and interact with the world.
Our programs focus on nurturing a playfulness with language, allowing students to develop confidence in their abilities and instilling a passion for the written word. We find that once these three elements are present, students become invested in their own writing, passionately discussing principles of strong writing, and actively participating in the editing process. This process allows us to teach to the needs of the group.
Writers’ Workshops at the Lyceum are a fun opportunity to create great writing in a supportive community. We hope you’ll join us!
If the Writers' Workshop you are interested in has already started, please call us to see if there is still room. We will prorate the registration fee in this instance.
Student to Teacher Ratio and Scribes
At the Lyceum, we offer a high student to teacher ratio, and are even more fortunate to be assisted by volunteer writers from our community. This means plenty of one-one attention, individualized editing sessions, and scribes for younger students who need a little extra help getting their words on the page. We find that once students see their ideas in print, they are excited to begin the writing journey.
Final Product
At the Lyceum we focus on process over product, but each term we find meaningful ways to celebrate the work that has gone on in each class. Past projects have included anthologies, hand-made books, broadsides and readings for family and friends.
Grades: Kindergarten - Grade 1
Fridays 4:00 - 6:00pm
Fall: $366 + HST (9 sessions)
Winter: $325 + HST ( 8 sessions)
Spring: $325 + HST ( 8 sessions)
This is an introductory workshop for little ones who like to play with words. Children who are not yet writing are welcome. Students anywhere on the emergent literacy continuum are welcome to join this class.
Topics covered include:
- creating text for wordless picture books
- creating little books collecting observations, memories and dreams
- poetry and nature journaling
2011/2012 Term
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Fall Term (9 Sessions)
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Winter Term (8 Sessions)
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Spring Term (8 Sessions)
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September 16
September 23
September 30
October 14
October 28
November 4
November 18
December 2
December 9
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January 13
January 20
January 27
February 10
February 24
March 2
March 9
March 30
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April 13
April 27
May 4
May 11
May 25
June 1
June 8
June 15
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Tale Spinners
Grades: Grade 2 - Grade 3
Mondays 4:00 - 6:00pm
Fall: $325 + HST (8 sessions)
Winter: $325+HST (8 sessions)
Spring: $285 + HST (7 sessions)
This workshop encourages students in Grade 2 and 3 to play with words and tackle abstract ideas as they explore various forms and styles of writing.
Types of writing covered include:
- exposition and persuasive writing
- short story
- poetry
- zines
- graphic literature
2011/2012 Term
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Fall Term (8 Sessions)
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Winter Term (8 Sessions)
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Spring Term (7 Sessions)
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September 12
September 26
October 3
October 24
October 31
November 7
November 28
December 5
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January 9
January 23
January 30
February 6
February 20
February 27
March 5
March 26
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April 16
April 23
April 30
May 14
May 28
June 11
June 18
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Story Catchers ( I, II & III)
The Story Catchers workshop is divided into three parts. In the Story Catchers I and II, students further sculpt their unique voice while tackling a series of innovative writing prompts. The Story Catchers III gives students an opportunity to dedicate more time to their writing. The wide age range in the Story Catchers III means that the workshop benefits from diverse interests and ideas.
Types of writing covered include:
- exposition and persuasive writing
- short story
- poetry
- zines
- graphic literature
Story Catchers I
Grades: Grade 4 - Grade 5
Wednesdays 4:00 - 6:00pm
Fall: $325 + HST (8 sessions)
Winter: $285 + HST (7 sessions)
Spring: $325 + HST (8 sessions)
2011/2012 Term
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Fall Term (8 Sessions)
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Winter Term (7 Sessions)
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Spring Term (8 Sessions)
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September 28
October 5
October 12
October 26
November 2
November 9
November 23
November 30
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January 11
January 25
February 1
February 8
February 22
February 29
March 7
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April 4
April 18
April 25
May 2
May 9
May 23
May 30
June 6 |
Story Catchers II
Grades: Grade 6 - Grade 7
Saturdays 3:00 - 5:30pm
Fall: $305 + HST (6 sessions)
Winter: $245 + HST (6 sessions)
Spring: $245 + HST (6 sessions)
2011/2012 Term
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Fall Term (6 Sessions)
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Winter Term (5 Sessions)
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Spring Term (5 Sessions)
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September 17
October 1
October 22
November 5
November 26
December 10 |
January 7
January 21
February 11
February 25
March 10 |
April 21
May 5
May 25
June 9
June 16
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Story Catchers III
Grades: Grade 4 - Grade 7
Tuesdays 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Fall: $407 + HST
Winter: $407 + HST
Spring: $407 + HST
2011/2012 Term
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Fall Term (10 Sessions)
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Winter Term (10 Sessions)
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Spring Term (10 Sessions)
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September 27
October 4
October 11
October 18
October 25
November 1
November 8
November 15
November 22
November 29
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January 10
January 17
January 24
January 31
February 7
February 14
February 21
February 28
March 6
March 27
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April 3
April 10
April 17
April 24
May 1
May 8
May 15
May 22
May 29
June 5
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Left To Writers
Grades: Grade 8 - Grade 9
Saturdays 3:00 - 6:00pm
Fall: $366 + HST
Winter: $305 + HST
Spring: $305 + HST
This workshop will help participants develop their own writing style through group workshops that focus on giving and accepting feedback. A variety of genres and ways of writing will be explored, with an emphasis on taking creative risks.
2011/2012 Term
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Fall Term (6 Sessions)
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Winter Term (5 Sessions)
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Spring Term (5 Sessions)
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September 10
September 24
October 15
October 29
November 19
December 3 |
January 14
January 28
February 18
March 3
March 31
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April 14
April 28
May 12
June 2
June 16 (evening)
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Page Rippers
Grades: Grade 10 - Grade 12
Saturdays 6:30 - 9:30pm
Fall: $258 + HST
Winter: $258 + HST
Spring: $258 + HST
Guidance, editorial assistance and publication pointers are all part of this intensive writers’ workshop. Emphasis will be placed on the creation of new work and the workshopping process. All genres and writing styles will be celebrated. Join us for a unique opportunity to socialize around literature and develop your writing voice.
2011/2012 Term
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Fall Term (6 Sessions)
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Winter Term (6 Sessions)
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Spring Term (6 Sessions)
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September 17
October 1
October 15
October 29
November 19
December 3
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January 14
January 28
February 11
February 25
March 3
March 31
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April 14
April 28
May 5
May 12
May 26
June 9
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Authors’ Night Out
Ages: Adult Writing Group
Thursdays 7:30 - 10:00pm
Cost: $20 + HST/session
A warm, supportive and inspiring environment for new and established authors to workshop their material. Regular attendance is strongly encouraged so that we develop a group identity and build bonds of trust around what is typically a solitary and somewhat isolating activity. Material to be workshopped should be submitted to the Lyceum well in advance of the assigned
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September 15
October 13
November 10
December 8 |
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Home Learners' Writers WorkshopAges 5-12
Thursdays 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Term A: January 5 to February 2
Term B: February 9 to March 8
Cost: $370 + HST
Our writers' workshop designed specifically for home learners gives young writers to tools they need to see projects through from beginning to end. Inspiring prompts, publishing projects, positive feedback and the support of a generous group will give your child the confidence to say, "I'm a writer" - a simple declaration that can be life-altering.
Types of writing covered may include:
- expository and persuasive writing
- short story
- poetry
- zines
- graphic literature
