RI Summer Writing Camp

I had the opportunity to be a member of the RI Writing Camp for two weeks in July.  I had a blast.  We had a wonderful group of students who were very enthusiastic writers.

The camp lasted 2 weeks for 3 hours per day.  We did a number of activities involving many writing prompts and our lessons kept the children engaged and involved.  Our lessons also revolved around Lucy Calkins's Units of Study. 

The first part of our mornings involved ice breaking activities to get to know each other.
There were games such a snowball fight, mirror mirror and telephone. 

The children became very close and many new friendships developed.

Once we did our opening ice breaker, we would jump into mini lessons.  These included topics like hooks, characterization, and descriptive writing using your 5 senses.

The children were very motivated and eager to take part in many of the writing assignments.  It was great seeing them get involved and putting in great effort.

 The children would love sharing their stories.  We has an author's chair set up so that they could read to the students.  Many of them wanted to share and by the end of the week each child had shared at least one of their pieces. 

The group of children would collaborate at times to create stories or work with partners to develop their pieces.

 

Everyday brought new experiences and creative pieces.  It was refreshing to see the children take part in these day to day activities.

Our last day consisted of a Camping site where the children sat around the fire, roasting marshmallows and sharing a piece that they wrote. 

 

Other activities included going on a scavenger hunt on the RI College campus, Pass the Portrait, and Show, Don't Tell.  

I was able to be part of this wonderful program and looked forward to going each morning.  I got to meet a wonderful group of children, energetic and enthusiastic.  I worked with a wonderful co teacher who was so sweet and kind.  The program director and other staff members were so welcoming and helpful.  Truly a positive experience, one that I hope to be part of again.