Scribes Youth Writing Workshop: Word of Mouth Stories

1050 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Southwest,Atlanta GA 30310

24 September, 2022

Description

In this workshop, learn the ins and outs of the art of oral storytelling with a professional storyteller! After analyzing the elements of a story, brainstorming ideas, and developing themes, students will give voice to an original story by learning the process of creating, writing, and presenting stories in a supportive, non-judgmental setting. About the Instructor A professional storyteller with Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia for over 20 years, Deborah Strahorn believes that storytelling is the “Voice of Literacy.” In 2015 and 2017, Deborah was the featured teller at over 33 libraries for the Atlanta Public Library Summer Reading programs. As founder & director for Word of Mouth Stories n3d, Inc., she provides storytelling and literacy workshops and performances for youth and adults. In 2017 she published her first children’s book, “Jabari and the Always Busy, Sometimes Quiet, Often Noisy Room.” Deborah currently serves as the Special Projects Coordinator and Storyteller-In-Residence at the APEX Museum. Previous work includes teaching storytelling for the RISE after-school program at Drew Charter School, and memberships include Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia and the National Association of Black Storytellers. About the Workshop Series At the Wren’s Nest, our mission is to cultivate the next generation of writers and readers by championing the power of using your voice to tell your story. This fall, we’re hosting five writing workshops for middle-grade writers (grades 6-8), each led by a professional local writer and focused on a unique topic, from writing basics to journalism to comics. These in-person workshops are open to middle-grade students in Georgia. Spaces are limited, and admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. For each workshop, a $10 registration fee includes workshop attendance, museum admission, a notebook and writing utensil, and light refreshments. This Scribes Youth Writing Workshop series is sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities and made possible with support from the Homestead Foundation. Key Questions and Answers: Are students required to sign up for all five workshops? Is this a sequential workshop series? No. These workshops are offered “a la carte.” Sign up for one to two that interest you, or all five–you get to choose your own adventure! How will drop-off and pick-up work? Drop-off and pick-up will be on the Wren’s Nest front porch. Parents/guardians must sign their students in and out before and after the workshop. If someone other than a student’s parent or legal guardian picks them up, we require prior written notice. What do students need to bring? We will provide notebooks and writing utensils for students. No devices are necessary! What can students expect to leave the workshop with? Each workshop agenda contains generative writing exercises and prompts, as well as time for breakout discussions and activities. While you may not leave with a fully-written new story, you’ll go home with plenty of ideas to keep the writing going after class! Are there financial aid opportunities? If the workshop registration fee is prohibitive, please contact us at [email protected]. We would be happy to explore options with you. What is your refund policy? In the event that your student cannot attend a workshop, the registration fee may be refunded if your student’s place can be filled. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations submitted during the 48 hours leading up to a workshop occurrence. How long is the museum open? Can my student take a tour after the workshop? The Wren’s Nest is open for historic house tours on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m, with a performance by a professional storyteller at 1:00 p.m. Admission for students is included with workshop registration. For parents, guardians, and other guests, museum admission can be purchased here. Admission fees directly support our operations as a nonprofit organization–thank you for your support!