The UWM Writing Project – Introductory Teen Writing Academy

Gr. 9-12

Sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Writing Project, this writing class is designed specifically for teen students who are interested in practicing writing across three genres: Fiction, Poetry, and Non-Fiction/Essay. These classes are facilitated by experienced writers and teachers—trained Teacher-Consultants with the UWM Writing Project—who introduce writing activities that are fun, helpful and inspiring to the imagination.

During the Introductory Teen Writing Academy, student writers:

• Explore concepts from three genres, including short fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction/essay
• Choose two genres and produce polished writing pieces
• Learn writing techniques used by professional writers
• Receive individual instruction and response in small groups
• Cultivate an initial writing process: brainstorming, free writing, drafting and revising
• Celebrate writing with a culminating community event designed to share writing with parents, teachers and peers

Since this is a writing academy sponsored by the UWM Writing Project, we utilize a strong curriculum anchored by low teacher-to-student ratios (one instructor for every five or six students). This allows us the opportunity to know writers as individuals and foster a stronger writing community.

This camp is open to all students, grades 9-12, who are interested in writing, even if they have not participated in other writing programs (some background in writing is welcomed and encouraged but not mandatory). Students can bring previous work, but will spend the week focusing on new writing projects that fit within our three genres.