Workshop 1 Grades K-2

 Joanna Ho

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

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A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Read along with author, Joanna Ho, followed by an interactive discussion and a moderated Q&A.

Workshop 1

Grades 3-5

Naomi Kinsman

Friends Forever: A Character Development Workshop

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In Shades of Truth, Sadie’s best friend, Pippa, gives her a “Top Ten Reasons We’ll Always be Best Friends” list. Through the book, and especially in her toughest moments, this list gives Sadie hope. She’s not alone.  In fiction and real life, our friends can inspire us, give us courage, and remind us who we truly are. In this workshop we’ll create two lively characters and get to know them by brainstorming a Top Ten Friendship Moments list.

Workshop 1

Grades 6-8

Thien Pham

Memoir Comics

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Make a comic with Thien Pham who is currently creating his memoir. Your life story, or any event you have experienced in your life can be turned into a comic!

Workshop 2 Grades K-2

Edie Lau

Clementine’s Great Big UH OHs

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Clementine is a little mouse that can't shake the daily "UH OHs" that knot up like pretzels in her belly. The night before her birthday she makes sure that there will be absolutely no UH OHs with her perfect party plans. Unfortunately, a series of disasters strike. There’s mold in her cheese, she’s run out of icing for her cupcakes, and no one shows up. UH OH! After a monstrous meltdown, Clementine discovers something remarkable about her dreaded UH-OHs and about herself!    Come and journey with Clementine, as they read you her story, and guide you through a low key and fun drawing activity.   Together let’s build bridges of Hope as we uncover mysteries about our UH OHs, both big and small.

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Workshop 2

Grades 3-5

River Brown

Creating Characters: Using cartooning and quick writes to tease out story ideas

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Free drawing with funny prompts, plus quick writes can lead to characters who show up with story ideas. We'll do cartoon prompts to "draw" out possibilities, then a few quickwrites.  You may discover a strong story line for one of your "invented" characters as we frame a blurb, imagining your book jacket sleeve.  You'll need some index cards, pens, a few color markers and your favorite writing tools, whether journal or laptop.  Be ready for friendly feedback and fun.

Workshop 2

Grades 6-8

Janice Lobo Sapigao

"Where My Name is From:" A Writing Workshop

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In this workshop, we will read poems about names and how we call ourselves. We will explore the pieces, parts, sounds, and syllables that make up our names. We will find new ground created from reconstructions of our names. Just bring yourself and have something to write or type in!

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Workshop 2

Grades 6-8

Jaime Koo

Beacons of Hope: Using Reading and Writing to Channel Optimism

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These days, it seems the world is bleak and in disarray. But no matter what is happening in the external world, how should we nurture our internal, personal world? This workshop will give participants time to reflect upon and soak in some sources of hope. We will demonstrate a few journaling techniques to incorporate into daily practice and spend some time journaling as well. We’ll also explore the hows and whys of the importance of being a beacon of hope to others, wrapping up our workshop with the opportunity to put that into action through our writing.