Writing and Technology Workshop at Goodwin School

            Here at the Great Valley Writing Project, for two to three weeks children are taught the fundamentals of writing. Anything from poetry to picture books, teachers are there to assist and encourage throughout the camp. Without being given a direct subject to write about, creativity is an essential and gives more room for the student as writer to grow and learn. During the time spent in the writing room, lessons are given about word choice, focusing on the five senses, and introducing new genres of writing. Within the computer lab, the students are not only further improving their writing skills, but also gaining computer skills while working with projects like Microsoft Word, Storybird and iMovie. The mentors are assigned by the students’ individual needs, making suggestions of improvement and helping select the piece to be published online and in the class anthology. Not only are the teachers involved, but the peer group is also assisting, spotting mistakes and noting themes that an adult might have overlooked. By the end of the writing course, students leave with not only sharpened writing skills, a plethora of new friends, and a confidence boost, but a better understanding of writing, how it can help them in the future, and how much fun it can be.