Teen Summer: Writing Inspired by Nature

Class Description

***This class will be hosted remotely! You'll receive an email from your instructor about 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin with a Zoom link. There is no need to download or sign up for Zoom in advance!***

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Class Description:

Is your creativity all cooped-up? Try a change of scenery and get writing outside from wherever you are! It's easy to forget that nature is all around us: the land surrounding our homes and in our community spaces, the backdrops to our memories, and the everyday forces that shape decisions from what we wear to what we eat. In this workshop, we'll look for seeds of story ideas in nature wherever we may find it. We’ll also explore contemporary examples of nature writing in three genres–creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry–reading selections from notable nature writers including Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Sy Montgomery, Robin Wall Kimmerer, J. Drew Lanham, Mary Oliver, and Jewell Parker Rhodes. We’ll try different genres and styles through a series of exercises, and conduct field work assignments to gather new ideas. (The field work can be done just steps away from your computer!) Finally, we’ll consider reasons why people write about nature, from appreciation to activism. We’ll consider our own intentions as nature writers as we develop one of our idea “seedlings” into a fuller, finished piece. For writers age 13-18 ONLY.

Takeaway:

Students will leave this class with a deeper appreciation for nature writing and the range of responses people have to nature. They will generate a collection of “story seedlings” as they experiment with different genres, then expand one idea into a fuller story, essay, or poem with instructor feedback. Students are also welcome to come into the class with a current project in process and use the class to develop or revise it.

Zoom Accessibility:

Online Class Format--Sustainability and Community:

Based on student suggestions and to offer writers a sustainable learning experience, this YAWP weeklong provides a balance of craft sessions and exercises with plenty of optional components so that teens can take screen breaks as needed.

Each morning session will feature a craft talk or group exercise with your designated instructor, and in the afternoon you’ll have optional and lowkey meetings that could consist of:

• Q&A chat with your writing instructor
• Group writing with music
• Reading party
• Movie viewing followed by a chat about craft
• Writing games
• Open mic/sharing

Students are encouraged to self-advocate, opting out if they are fatigued or diving in if they want more creative activity. Either way, instructors will always be available to answer questions via email and/or Zoom chat!

Registration Instructions:

• If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out ONE TIME, NOT for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
• If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
• If you are registering on behalf of a student, add their email in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen at check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.
• Please register with your preferred name :)

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***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this summer!***