summer youth 2009
We offer a range of Young Writers' Classes:
Very Young Writers Young Writers Workshops Fantasy and Fiction Writing College Preparatory Writing Clinic
Very Young Writers
(Entering Grades K - 1)
Our children are potential authors with important stories to tell. This section, designed for those preparing for kindergarten or first grade, introduces them to writing with an interactive dialogue journal, and fosters a love of reading through experimental, hands-on, fun-filled activities.
Young Writers' Workshops
(Entering Grades 2 - 10)
Our workshops offer a unique opportunity for students to develop their talent as writers. Experienced teachers guide students through a step-by-step approach to writing: prewriting, precomposing, writing, sharing, revising, editing and evaluating. In this class students will:
  • write descriptive, narrative and expository papers;
  • share their writing with a supportive circle of friends;
  • learn to revise, edit and publish their work.
In the writing workshops, students may read short, high quality literature to help them generate writing ideas. Students may also use music, drama, art, dance, problem solving exercises and social interaction to facilitate the writing process. Developing their critical thinking and writing skills will improve their ability to transform ideas into words.

Fantasy and Fiction Writing
(Sessions 1 & 2 only, Irvine location ONLY) (Entering grades 4, 5, and 6)
Do you love writing? Do you have a good imagination? Is it difficult to make your stories work the way you'd like? The answer may be structure. "The structure is like a glass to pour your imagination into," says John Gardiner, author of Stone Fox. In this class, students will:
  • learn the structure used by the majority of published authors of fiction for children;
  • read and analyze various genres to observe structure firsthand;
  • receive step by step guidance on using structure to write original stories;
  • write to various genres using experiences and/or pure imagination;
  • find it helpful to have a working knowledge of dialogue.
This surprisingly simple approach to the craft of writing offers a framework both orderly and flexible. Students will learn a writing method that will never be outdated and will keep their readers hooked.
College Preparatory Writing Clinic
(Session I only) (Entering grades 11-12)
According to the New York Times, most 2006 high school graduates are unprepared for college-level reading and writing. Designed to close this gap, this course emphasizes critical thinking and critical reading strategies.
In a supportive atmosphere, students will practice, revise, edit, and receive feedback from instructors and classmates on authentic college reading and writing assignments: the college personal statement, the UC Subject A exam, the SAT II Writing Test, and several other argumentative essays. Class sessions include mini-lectures, learning logs, close observation and analysis, on-demand writing, and two writing workshops for each major essay.
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"Our child's attitude toward writing has changed. He's writing more and faster,
instead of getting stuck for 10-20 minutes. He's adding more detail and especially quotes."
-Parent of a Summer Youth Student.
Call the UCI Writing Project for more information: (949) 824-5922.