WRITE ON: How to help young writers find

WRITE ON: How to Help Young Writers Find Their Spark

by Courtney Cairns Pastor, photos provided by Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

Corbett Prep seventh graders begin November as regular English students and end the month as novelists. Prekindergarten children dive into literacy by starring in a book their teachers write and read to them. Third and fourth graders host read-alouds of their original work before an audience of fuzzy, four-legged friends. Writing can unleash some students’ imaginations and provide them with an outlet for self-expression. Other students struggle to put pencil to paper. But with a fresh approach to the process, all students can benefit from developing writing skills, whether they are writing Oprah’s next book club pick or responding to prompts in class.

A solid writing foundation helps students become better communicators – important for school and the workforce. Writing practice develops organized thinking, improves reading ability and stokes the imagination. Writing makes “thinking visible,” according to the National Writing Project, and opens writers to new perspectives as they conduct research, solicit feedback and transform scattered thoughts into compelling messages.

For new or reluctant writers, here are some strategies Corbett Prep teachers use to introduce students of all ages to writing and help them find their spark.

Read, read and read some more:

Good writers are readers. When you read to your child, go beyond the story itself so they can learn to appreciate books and writing. Preschool students are curious about how books work. How does the story get in the book? What kinds of jobs are involved in making a book? Corbett Prep’s PreK3 class kicks off its literacy unit with “We Are in a Book.” Teachers generate excitement about reading and writing by creating a personalized book starring the class, which leads to conversations about how to tell stories and who can write them (answer: anyone).

Older students can build on these types of discussions, talking about what makes a novel a novel and what techniques keep them reading. Understanding what they enjoy and how an author plots a novel’s storyline can help them when they sit down to try it themselves.

If it’s a challenge just to get your child reading, remember that reading takes place in many forms. Audiobooks and graphic novels have as much value as chapter books. The chance to read with others also motivates students. Some Corbett Prep third and fourth graders meet on Zoom weekly after school for book club discussions, and sixth graders work together in small book circles to choose and discuss a novel for class. Book clubs can work at home, too, when parents or siblings agree to read the same stories. Relax your definition of writing: Lists, poems, songs, emails, notes – it’s all writing! Experiment with different formats to see what clicks with your children. They may enjoy passing notes to mom and dad. Or maybe they want to email grandma instead of writing a note by hand. Some kids like to create games, so have them write out the rules they make up as well. If your goal is writing practice, any of these forms are fine. Even students who are just learning to write and spell can tell great stories. Corbett Prep second-grade teacher Aimee Popalis helps her students take their writing to the next level through drawing. Students plot out their stories by illustrating the beginning, middle and end. Their pictures often include small details about settings and characters that students can incorporate into their writing. An unusual audience also makes writing fun. Teacher Ann Cashen captured the interest of third and fourth graders by soliciting pet stories. Students wrote animal adventures with the goal of creating a short book that they could read to an audience of pets. Families brought pets to school – dogs, cats, rabbits and, once, a horse! – and students rotated among their furry guests to share their stories. Just write. Corbett Prep’s seventh grade took on National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo, a creative writing challenge to write a novel in one month. NaNoWriMo asks students to think about when they need their inner editors and when to let them go. Students set word count goals and learned to embrace their rough drafts. Regular freewriting without worrying about spelling and grammar gets creative juices flowing, breaks through writers’ block and improves writing fluency. Students working on their novels can play with language, story and characters and take chances they might shy away from when writing for a grade.

At home, give your children journals to pour out their thoughts privately. And remember, if your kids show you their journaling or fun writing, try to resist the urge to criticize or correct unless asked. The important part is cultivating an interest in writing. Perfection can wait.

your guide to Tampa BayArea Summer Camps

Featured listings

Berkeley Preparatory Summer Programs

4811 Kelly Road, Tampa 33615 813-885-1673; berkeleyprep.org/summer

Berkeley has an enormous summer catalog of over 120 camps and classes on a beautiful 80-acre campus. There’s something for everyone at Berkeley Summer Programs: swim lessons, tech camps, fine arts, volleyball, baseball, football, LEGO, basketball, rock climbing, skateboard design, reading skills, lacrosse, tennis, chess, marine science, math review and so much more! *Online registration; half-day and full-day camps, early/ after care, and lunch options!

Cost: prices vary per camp Dates: June 7 - July 30 Times: Times vary Ages: 4-17, Coed and single sex camps

Camp Bayshore

3909 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa 33611 813-839-4297; bayshorechristianschool.org/ student-life/camp-bayshore.cfm

Camp Bayshore is a fun, Christian-centered program for campers ages 3 through rising 6th grade. Children from all around the Tampa Bay area are provided an exciting and safe family atmosphere to learn, grow, play and make memories that last a lifetime.

Cost: $225-$250/week plus a one-time non-refundable registration fee. Dates: June 1 - July 30, M-F *Registration opens March 1 Times: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages: 3 years through rising 6th graders, Coed

CAMP IDS

12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa 33618 813-961-3087; corbettprep.com/campids

Campers can try their hand at archery or Lego Robotics in the morning and dabble in painting or photography in the afternoon. More than 100 half- and full-day camps ensure everyone has a great time! Academic camps include math, science, reading, writing and engineering. Performing arts, music, recreation and sports camps last all summer. Chinese and Spanish language camps are also available. Sessions run weekly for six weeks from June 14-July 23. Free morning drop-off at 7:15 am. After-care (3-6 p.m.) and bus transportation are available for a fee. Open to all students entering PreK3-8. Located on Corbett Prep’s beautiful lakeside campus.

Cost: $120-$360/week Dates: 6 weeks, June 14 - July 23 Times: 8:30-11:30 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m. Ages: PreK3-grade 8, Coed

Camp Imagination at the Glazer Children's Museum

110 W. Gasparilla Place, Tampa 33602 813-443-3861; glazermuseum.org/camps

At Camp Imagination, your little learner will imagine, discover and connect to the world around them. With unique weekly themes, there’s a camp for every kid: from Wild World to Time Travel, Maker Mania, Magical Tales and more. Children need play now more than ever and the Glazer Children’s Museum’s play-based approach sparks imagination and curiosity. This inclusive camp even features select autism-friendly weeks with additional specially trained staff, a quiet space for campers who need a break and orientation so they know what to expect. Register your kids to play with purpose and embrace curiosity this Summer!

Cost: $240/week before May 1, $265/week after May 1 *GCM Members save 15% Dates: June 7 - July 30 Ages: 5-10, Coed

History Adventure Camps

Tampa Bay History Center 801 Water St., Tampa 33602 813-228-0097; tampabayhistorycenter.org

Unmask the myths behind pirates, learn the ins-and-outs of archeology or journey to three different periods in history with American Girls Felicity, Kirsten and Nanea at the Tampa Bay History Center. History Adventure Camps include in-gallery activities, hand-on learning, guest speakers and outdoor activities. Camps are offered with reduced capacities and social distancing protocols in place.

Cost: $230 for History Center Members Dates: beginning June 7 Times: times vary Ages 7-11, Coed

The Coder School CODE CAMPS

New Tampa | 8632 Hunters Village Road, Tampa 33647 813-422-5566; newtampa.thecoderschool.com

South Tampa | 1730 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 33629 813-466-1411; southtampa.thecoderschool.com

Our camps provide coding lessons for kids as well as fun offline activities. Kids code throughout the week and then demo their week's creations on the last day of camp. Register online and use the code EARLY100 (for in-person camps) and EARLY50 (for online camps) at checkout!

Cost: $299-$499/week Dates: June 1 - Aug. 2 Times: in-person 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; online 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. *early drop off and late pick up available. Ages: 7-15, Coed

Delphi Academy of Florida Summer Camp

1831 Drew St., Clearwater 33765 727-447-6385; delphifl.org

Summer Camp is the perfect time to give Delphi a try. Most of our regular school year curriculum is available to students, but we spend a lot of our time during the weeks just having lots of summer fun. Summer at Delphi is available for students from the age of 2 through 17. With day trips and jampacked adventures, explorations in the sciences and arts, kids are definitely happy campers! We also have a half day “Get Ahead, Stay Ahead” academic booster for your high schooler. Come tour today and sign up for the fun.

Cost: $260/week Dates: June 14 - July 23 Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ages: 2 to 17, Coed

Dunedin Fine Art Center Summer ART Academy

1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin 34698 727-298-3322; dfac.org/kidscorner/summer-camp

DFAC’s Summer Art Academy proudly offers over 30 years of summer art enrichment fun. Todd Still, director of youth education, is excited about heading up his 22nd year at one of the premier summer programs in the Tampa Bay area. Seven different art camps feature the best artists and art educators in the region, including multi-media experts with skills from painting to clay to drawing to dreamin’!

Cost: $170-$215 Dates: Weekly sessions June 14 - Aug. 6 Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. *before and aftercare available Ages: 4.5-14, Coed

your guide to Tampa BayArea Summer Camps

Featured listings

The James Museum Summer Art Camp

150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 33701 727-892-4200 ext. 1010; thejamesmuseum.org/ summercamp

Unleash your inner artist this summer at The James Museum. Our week-long summer day camps encourage children to get messy as they explore a variety of art-making processes. Inspired by our collection of paintings and sculptures, campers will bring their own ideas to life in our children’s art studio. Art camp offers opportunities for hands-on learning, creative thinking and collaboration.

Cost: $95; $85 for members (per half-day session) Dates: Select weeks June 14 - July 30 Times: 8:30 a.m. to noon or 1-4:30 p.m. Ages: 6-11, Coed

MOSI Summer Science Camps

4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 34639 813-987-6000; mosi.org

MOSI’s Summer Science Camps bring science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) alive through hands-on experiments and building projects. From launching rockets, building robots and extracting DNA, we are about creating the experiences that expand interests and make dreams a reality. Doing real science with the tools and technologies used by industry professionals is just one way MOSI Summer Science Camps inspire our campers with a can-do attitude that will last a lifetime. Real science coupled with exciting experiments, simulations, explorations and inventions will help you discover the innovator within.

Cost: Starting at $168/week Dates: June 1 - Aug. 6, M-F (except holiday weeks) Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., *extended care available: 7-9 a.m. $15 members/$20 non-members. 4-6 p.m. $15 members/$20 non-members Ages: For children who have completed K-8, Coed

Patel Conservatory

1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 33602 813-222-1040; patelconservatory.org

At the Patel Conservatory, every student deserves the opportunity to discover their creative potential. Our summer programs provide training in dance, theater and music. Camps and classes vary by length, age and skill level. Patel Conservatory summer camps require active learning participation by campers and result in a performance.

Cost: Varies *scholarships available Dates: June 1 - Aug. 6 Ages: 3 through adult, Coed

Summer at Shorecrest

5101 1st St. NE, St. Petersburg 33703 727-409-1668; shorecrest.org/summer

Summer at Shorecrest offers affordable, educational and FUN summer programs for students in preschool-12th grade including Drones & Robotics, STEAM options, musical theatre training, specialty sports clinics, academic enrichment/college prep and so much more. Programs run June 7-Aug. 6. View the full catalog and register at www.shorecrest. org/summer.

Cost: Varies by session, $125$550/week. Prices range from $125 for a 20-hour program to $350 for a 40-hour program (contact for travel camp pricing) Dates: June 7 - Aug. 6 Times: Full day and half day camps available Ages: Preschool-grade 12, Coed

Tampa Prep Summer Programs

727 W. Cass St., Tampa 33606 813-251-8481; tampaprep.org/summer

Camp Terrapin is Tampa Prep’s well-known coeducational, sports and fine arts camp for students entering grades 1-8. Structured activities and theme days provide friendship and fun in downtown Tampa. Additional summer programs include a variety of sports camps and courses in robotics, academics and enrichment. This summertime extension of our award-winning day school program offers something for everyone.

Cost: $175-$280 for camps and enrichment Dates: June 1 – July 23 Times: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. *before and after care provided weeks 6/7-7/23 Ages: Various camps, enrichment courses and or-credit courses are offered for students entering grades 1-12, Coed

Wakesurf Tampa Watersports Summer Camp

2200 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor 34685 804-300-1683; wakesurftampabay.com

Welcome to Wakesurf Tampa’s kids summer camps. Our trained staff will ensure your child has a rewarding summer learning a multitude of watersports during our 4-day camps Monday through Thursday. We accommodate all levels from beginner to advanced and ages 5 to 16 years old. Each child will receive personal oneon-one training each time they ride. Staff members and captains are CPR and First Aid-certified. Aside from constructive training in the water, we also allow campers to swim and tube, making it easy for your child to make irreplaceable summer memories.

Cost: $495/week Dates: May 31 - Aug. 12 Ages: 5-16, Coed

YMCA Summer Camp

Multiple locations 813-224-9622; tampaymca.org 727-467-9622; ymcasuncoast.org

Y Summer Camp offers children a day camp curriculum full of fun educational activities infused with the Y’s character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Campers experience a variety of activities including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters, horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more! The fun and unique experiences give Y campers an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime. In Y Summer Camp, kids are in a safe and welcoming environment where they can belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential.

Cost: Starting at $129/week (Tampa Y) and $95/week (Suncoast Y) Dates: begins June 1 Times: times vary by location Ages: 6-15 (Tampa Y), 3-17 (Suncoast Y), Coed

ZooTampa Summer Camps

1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa 33604 813-935-8552; zootampa.org/summer-camps

Your kids can explore the Zoo like never before! Campers will get VIP behind-the-scenes access to the Zoo, get up-close to our amazing animals from across the globe and learn directly from the teams that care for these animals every day about what it takes to become a zoo veterinarian or animal care expert. Plus, they’ll get plenty of splashes on our water adventure, Roaring Springs! #GetWildSafely this summer at ZooTampa!

Cost: Starting at $290 Dates: June 7-Aug. 6 Times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages: Rising K-8, Coed