0088 - Writing Clinic

Course Description

This is a hands-on, 7-day virtual workshop using visual and text based research of animals, including resist painting techniques and illustration study through quality picture books, to engage in informational/expository writing. Inspired by Olshansky’s picturingwriting.org, the writing clinic is grounded in arts-based literacy which respects the dual languages of pictures and words. Participants will create a trifold/quadfold booklet and celebrate their work on the last day - the Virtual Author’s Chair!

Teachers in the clinic are graduate students in the MAT program, most of whom are licensed K12 teachers in MI.

Children with strong independent skills is an asset for a virtual workshop. Must have access to reliable WIFI and technology.

Program related questions can be emailed to Rebecca Leigh, leigh23@oakland.edu.

**Open for Grades 3, 4, 5

Course Outline

Here’s How the Writing Clinic Works

• We create and write on scheduled days at the end of July, in a virtual setting for seven consecutive days, and from 1:00-2:00pm. Zoom links will be provided at a later date.
• We strive for 1:3 teacher/child ratio and therefore limit enrolment to the number of graduate students who register for the course.
• We explore informational/expository writing through trifolds and quadfolds using an arts-based literacy approach with an emphasis on studying animals.
• We dive into author’s craft such as language use, perspective, sentence structure, and clever revision techniques.
• We do some illustration study to develop power of expression in writing by using visual details in art to support vivid thinking and descriptive writing.
• We use quality-grade art materials that boast of colors and textures to support rich thinking. Some of our favorites include Japanese inks and fluid acrylics, copperplate paper, Lyra Groove pencils, and weathered steel – yes, steel!
• We create individualized Writer’s Toolboxes (WT) for each child who signs up. The WT changes each year, as we’re always searching for new and interesting tools for the aesthetic writer, but the toolbox always includes some tried-and-true favorites. Parents/caregivers can arrange to pick up their WTs from the Department Office on Oakland’s campus, Room 490A in Pawley Hall, two weeks before the start date. For more details, please contact the Director at leigh23@oakland.edu for scheduled pick up times.

Notes

Here’s What You Will Need

• Strong Internet connection. If we cannot connect virtually, everyone misses out; the children who look forward to our sessions and the Clinic Instructors who rely on the contact hours to complete their graduate course assignments.
• To sign our permission form since our lessons are recorded for classroom purposes only. Once the lessons have been assessed and graded, all videos are deleted.
• A reliable computer (laptop or desktop) or iPad. A cellphone could work, but the smaller screen may make it difficult for children to see images being presented.
• A space to work. Travelling? No worries just remember to pack your WT!
• Your grandpa’s old, old shirt. Something that can get paint on it.
• An open mind. We embrace new experiences and hope you do, too.