Writer's Toolbox Series Programs

CREATIVE WRITING

Creative Writing (Grades K-9+)

Our playful, unique approach to creative writing encompasses spoken word and visual stories to empower even pre-literate students to discover the joys of storytelling. Watch the imagination of young readers and writers soar with fun, sensory-driven activities and creative collaboration. Older students will enjoy deepening their understanding of storytelling and developing their own voices in an inspiring, supportive environment.

STUDENT OUTCOMES AND CURRICULUM TOUCH POINTS:

grades k–3

Outcomes:

Build creative worlds using their senses by making a senses dictionary and by using a senses bag
Work together as a class to create well-rounded characters
Use active group storytelling to explore story structure using visual prompts, literary terminology, and physical action
Practice positive collaboration, listening, leading, and following

Curriculum Touch Points:

Imagine, plan, and execute a story using story structure and understanding how messages and enjoyment can be shared through oral and written stories
Practice listening and speaking skills, oral storytelling, and collaboration - including listening, leading and following, and kind critiquing
Learn literary terminology and vocabulary related to storytelling while developing a love of reading and writing through a better understanding of grammar, spelling, writing conventions, and how to respond to unfamiliar words

grades 3–4

Outcomes:

Students will play collaborative writing games to eliminate their fears and enjoy the creative and writing process
Gain confidence to plan and write a creative short story, collaborative anthology, or longer work
Acquire an understanding of literary terms
Build worlds using their senses
Create characters with goals, motives, and conflicts
Be introduced to theme plot lines, plotting, and the stages of climax
Learn to edit and revise, and a positive view of writing
Individually, students will create a senses dictionary to help them with description
As a class, students will explore the basic plot arc and collectively create one to two stories using prompts
Students will create and use character and plot planning sheets, understand goal, motive, conflict and theme, and demonstrate how these work to make a better story

Curriculum Touch Points:

Think critically about the creative process, including why authors write, their writing processes, and their audience while exploring story structure, characters, time, point of view, and how meanings and messages are created in stories
Explore figurative language, personal experiences, knowledge, senses, grammar, spelling and punctuation, effective dialogue, and engaging beginnings and endings.
Understand methods of planning, drafting, and revising writing to create interesting and engaging stories

grades 5–6

Outcomes:

Students will play collaborative writing games to eliminate their fears and enjoy the creative and writing process
Individually, students will create a senses dictionary to help them with description
As a class, students will explore the basic plot arc and collectively create one to two stories using prompts
Students will create and use character and plot planning sheets, understand goal, motive, conflict and theme, and demonstrate how these work to make a better story

Curriculum Touch Points:

Learn about figurative language and how it affects meaning
Understand a variety of literary features, such as genre, form, structure, and character to create written texts for a variety of different audiences and purposes
Develop a distinctive personal style, use language, and effectively communicate ideas through writing – including planning, organization, and editing

GrADEs 7–9+

Outcomes:

Students will play collaborative writing games to eliminate their fears and enjoy the creative and writing process
Individually, students will create a senses dictionary to help them with description
As a class, students will explore the basic plot arc and collectively create one to two stories using prompts
Students will create and use character and plot planning sheets, understand goal, motive, conflict and theme, and demonstrate how these work to make a better story

Curriculum Touch Points:

Consider the relationship between form, content, and purpose, and how it influences the expression of ideas
Identify and consider the effects of literary techniques and features such as symbolism, theme, perspective, and use of figurative language
Draw from personal experiences and knowledge to generate ideas and create original texts
Develop effective strategies for revising individual work, as well as providing and accepting feedback from others, attentive listening, giving helpful feedback, contributing ideas, reaching consensus, and delegating tasks

Essay writing

Mastering the Essay (Grades 3–12)

Essays can feel intimidating, but our approach helps students feel confident and inspired to share their thoughts with the world. Because the five-paragraph essay is used for so many assignments, mastering its format empowers students to write book reports, articles, reviews, personal opinion essays, business letters and more. All lessons are grade-specific, with helpful tips to make essays not only easy but fun – we promise!

STUDENT OUTCOMES AND CURRICULUM TOUCH POINTS:

Grades 3–4

Outcomes:

Become familiar with the five main types of five-paragraph essays:
- Persuasive essay
- Comparison and Contrast Essay
- Expository essay
- Evaluation essay
- Narrative essay/Personal Narrative

Learn to plan, research, and organize an essay, explore acceptable grammar, and learn how to keep track of sources and format references, citations, and footnotes
Find out what a thesis statement is and how to use it
Explore hooks, statistics, anecdotes, and other ways of engaging readers
Discover how essays are used outside the classroom and how they might publish theirs

Curriculum Touch Points:

Think critically about why authors write, their writing processes, and their audiences
Compare and contrast fiction vs. non-fiction text
Learn about planning, researching, drafting, exploring figurative language, revising, and using writing conventions to create informative, engaging essays
Understand methods of presenting research findings

Grades 5–6

Outcomes:

Become familiar with the five main types of five-paragraph essays:
- Persuasive essay
- Comparison and Contrast Essay
- Expository essay
- Evaluation essay
- Narrative essay/Personal Narrative

Learn to plan, research, and organize an essay, explore acceptable grammar, and learn how to keep track of sources and format references, citations, and footnotes
Find out what a thesis statement is and how to use it
Explore hooks, statistics, anecdotes, and other ways of engaging readers
Discover how essays are used outside the classroom and how they might publish theirs

Curriculum Touch Points:

Explore the historical, social, and cultural contexts behind texts, and understand author perspectives and/or biases
Effectively communicate ideas through writing, including planning, organization, and editing, and develop a distinctive personal writing style
Develop research and academic writing skills, such as writing research questions and structuring informative essays

GRADES 7–9

Outcomes:

Become familiar with the five main types of five-paragraph essays:
- Persuasive essay
- Comparison and Contrast Essay
- Expository essay,
- Evaluation essay
- Narrative essay/Personal Narrative

Learn to plan, research, and organize an essay, explore acceptable grammar, and learn how to keep track of sources and format references, citations, and footnotes
Find out what a thesis statement is and how to use it
Explore hooks, statistics, anecdotes, and other ways of engaging readers
Discover how essays are used outside the classroom and how they might publish theirs

Curriculum Touch Points:

Develop the relationship between form, content, and purpose, and how it influences the expression of ideas using personal opinions and understandings
Consider diverse points of view, personal experiences, and other sources to interpret texts, and consider how these factors can influence your perspective
Select and use strategies such as note-taking, paraphrasing, rereading, and group discussion to comprehend complex or unfamiliar texts
Consider historical content and authorial perspective when interpreting texts, and infer how texts may influence readers
Develop a research plan, find appropriate sources, gather information on various topics, discern the validity of historical information, balance external information with a writer’s opinions, and assess the value and type of information obtained
Utilize a variety of different types of research sources to present information/research with an appropriate organizational structure while coherently connecting it back to key ideas
Develop effective strategies for revising work, as well as providing and accepting feedback from others by deepening understanding of grammar conventions such as spelling, punctuation, tense, flow, etc., and learning to proofread work

Grades 10–12

Outcomes

Become familiar with the five main types of five-paragraph essays:
- Persuasive essay
- Comparison and Contrast Essay
- Expository essay,
- Evaluation essay
- Narrative essay/Personal Narrative

Learn to plan, research, and organize an essay, explore acceptable grammar, and learn how to keep track of sources and format references, citations, and footnotes
Find out what a thesis statement is and how to use it
Explore hooks, statistics, anecdotes, and other ways of engaging readers
Discover how essays are used outside the classroom and how they might publish theirs

Curriculum Touch Points:

Learn to plan and execute research by forming a research plan, selecting strategies for inquiry, and gathering information from appropriate sources
Logically organize information, including documenting and evaluating research sources for accuracy, appropriateness, and bias to draw conclusions on texts and assess the effectiveness of inquiry
Consider contexts such as audience and purpose and develop strategies for effective communication
Take ownership of academic text creation by selecting a concept or topic, establishing scope and focus, developing content appropriate to the form and purpose, and maintaining cohesion throughout, while additionally using effective strategies for revising and correcting issues where present
Appreciate the diversity of thought and expression, and learn to recognize the influence of underlying assumptions held by oneself and others including literary and historical thinking that have led to (mis)interpretations and continue to influence common assumptions

Group projects and creative collaboration

How to Collaborate Creatively (For Grades K–12)

Collaboration is one of the most important skills in education and the workplace, but the art of collaboration isn’t often taught to students. We can help support them with powerful strategies for positive, effective collaboration – and create amazing projects together! Depending on program length, these projects can include shorter works like spoken word poetry, radio plays, skits and short stories to longer works such as entire theatre plays, “Choose Your Own Adventure" books or video games, school magazines, poetry anthologies, and novels.

STUDENT OUTCOMES AND CURRICULUM TOUCHPOINTS:

Grades K–2

Outcomes:

Learn about different types of collaboration, as well as leadership and “followship”
Analyze projects to determine which collaboration style will work best
Understand how to create and manage expectations on a project
Learn communications strategies plus tips for dealing with interpersonal issues (and when to ask for support)
Learn how to give and receive constructive criticism

Curriculum Touch Points:

Practice listening and speaking skills through sharing stories and presenting orally
Learn how to be a good listener, follow instructions
Collaborate effectively and give helpful feedback to classmates
Learn about and examine elements of story structure including setting, characters, events, and narration
Explore the different forms in which stories and messages are shared, what makes a story enjoyable, and learn to make an enjoyable story together
Learn how to express themselves through writing, how to plan and execute a story, and how to practice imaginative thinking

grades 3–4

Outcomes:

Learn about different types of collaboration, as well as leadership and “followship”
Analyze projects to determine which collaboration style will work best
Understand how to create and manage expectations on a project
Learn communications strategies plus tips for dealing with interpersonal issues (and when to ask for support)
Learn how to give and receive constructive criticism

Curriculum Touch Points:

Think critically about the creative process, including why authors write, their writing processes, and their audiences
Learn how to listen and speak to improve communication, collaboration, and respectful mutual understanding
Explore story structure, including features like characters, time, and point of view, and how meanings and messages are created in stories, figurative language and apply these to their own writing
Discuss planning, drafting and revising writing, and how to create interesting and engaging stories
Practice making use of personal experiences, knowledge, and senses for creative thinking
Employ writing conventions such as grammar, spelling and punctuation
Learn how to write effective dialogue, how to begin and conclude a story in an engaging manner, how best to present your work,
Learn how to be a good audience member, and how to give and receive feedback

Grades 5–6

Outcomes:

Learn about different types of collaboration, as well as leadership and “followship”
Analyze projects to determine which collaboration style will work best
Understand how to create and manage expectations on a project
Learn communications strategies plus tips for dealing with interpersonal issues (and when to ask for support)
Learn how to give and receive constructive criticism

Curriculum Touch Points:

Engage in collaborative dialogue, and learn how to contribute to discussions and consider others’ perspectives while effectively communicating ideas through writing, planning, organization and editing
Develop oral presentation and communication skills
Build creative thinking skills to develop a distinctive personal writing style and apply language effectively for a specific purpose
Learn to create written texts using a variety of forms and structures, for a variety of different audiences and purposes
Explore literary features, such as genre, form, structure, and various types of characters

grades 7–9

Outcomes:

Learn about different types of collaboration, as well as leadership and “followship”
Analyze projects to determine which collaboration style will work best
Understand how to create and manage expectations on a project
Learn communications strategies plus tips for dealing with interpersonal issues (and when to ask for support)
Learn how to give and receive constructive criticism

Curriculum Touch Points:

Develop group work skills such as attentive listening, giving helpful feedback, contributing ideas, and reaching a consensus
Practice delegating tasks including creating effective strategies for revising work, as well as providing and accepting feedback
Draw from personal experiences and knowledge in order to generate ideas and create original texts
Consider the relationship between form, content, and purpose, and consider how it influences the expression of ideas
Develop personal opinions and understandings of different kinds of texts, and reflecting on these considering diverse points of view
Discover preferences and personal interests in literature as well as identifying and considering the effects of literary techniques and features such as symbolism, theme, perspective, and use of figurative language

Grades 10–12

Outcomes:

Learn about different types of collaboration, as well as leadership and “followship”
Analyze projects to determine which collaboration style will work best
Understand how to create and manage expectations on a project
Learn communications strategies plus tips for dealing with interpersonal issues (and when to ask for support)
Learn how to give and receive constructive criticism

Curriculum Touch Points:

Take ownership of academic and creative text creation through selecting a concept or topic, establishing scope and focus, developing content, and maintaining cohesion
Develop appropriate communication and behavioral strategies in group settings
Understand how to give and receive constructive criticism while appreciating the diversity of thought and expression
Learn to recognize the influence of underlying assumptions held by oneself and others and negotiate, coordinate and cooperate within groups to facilitate completion of projects by practicing good time management skills and appropriate division of labour
Consider contexts such as audience and purpose to develop strategies for effective communication in a given situation
Learn to experiment with language, image and structure to create a variety of effects and improve personal craft. Consider the interplay of medium, form, and structure with content in own writing, and use conventions appropriately

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I Have questions!

pat anD PRT exam preparation

How to Prepare for PATs/PRTs for English Language Arts (Grades 6 and 9)

The word “exam” can strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest of students! We’ll help them prepare for their English Language Arts Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) by demystifying the format, diving into what they’ll need to demonstrate, and sharing tips for eliminating pre-exam jitters so they can write with confidence.

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

Learn why and how PATs/PRTs are conducted in Alberta
Understand what the format will be and what is expected of them
Practice demonstrating the functional skills required for the exam
Develop personalized exam preparedness kits to reduce anxiety and feel relaxed and confident on exam day

I have Questions!

Playwriting

Playwriting (Grades 3–12)

Playwriting is an exciting form of writing that comes with its own set of conventions. Its heavy emphasis on character, dialogue and storytelling using setting, sound and lighting effects is, well, dramatic! Students will enjoy stepping into the world of theatre and seeing their words come to life as they develop confidence and writing skills. Activities will depend on grade level and workshop length, and could range from writing and preforming scenes to collaborating on a school play.

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

Read and act out excerpts from well-known scripts
Learn about the specific conventions used in playwriting
Practice style and conventions of playwriting as a group
Create scenes or write a short script based on a prompt (individually or as a group)
Perform each other's scripts in order for the ‘playwright’ to determine how their script is working and what revisions need to be made
Constructively critique and provide feedback on each other's work

POETRY

Analyzing and Writing Poetry (Grades 5–12)

Not overly familiar or confident with poetry? No problem! We bring years of academic expertise and our first-hand experience as poets and performers to your classroom. Together, we’ll explore the fascinating cultural and historical context of poems, dispel anxiety about poetry, and support and inspire students as they write poems from their own experiences.

STUDENT OUTCOMES AND CURRICULUM TOUCH POINTS:

GRADES 5–6

Outcomes:

Gain confidence in properly analyzing and understanding example poetry
Learn how to understand the language and history surrounding a poem
Feel comfortable creating their own poem in a similar style
Explore their own voice and draw from personal experience to create poetry

Curriculum Touch Points:

Explore various poetic forms and structures, figurative language, and poetry as a form of expression
Employ reading comprehension strategies to make inferences, analyze new information, and interpret text
Discover the historical, social and cultural contexts behind texts, and understand authors’ perspectives and/or biases
Create original poems using a variety of forms and structures
Learn to effectively communicate ideas through writing, including planning, organization and editing
Build creative thinking skills in order to develop a distinctive personal writing style and use language effectively

GRADES 7–9

Outcomes:

Gain confidence in properly analyzing and understanding example poetry
Learn how to understand the language and history surrounding a poem
Feel comfortable creating their own poem in a similar style
Explore their own voice and draw from personal experience to create poetry

Curriculum Touch Points:

Gain confidence in properly analyzing and understanding example poetry
Learn how to understand the language and history surrounding a poem
Feel comfortable creating their own poem in a similar style
Explore their own voice and draw from personal experience to create poetry
Explore relationships between form, content, and purpose – as well as personal opinions and perspectives – to learn how these factors influence the expression of ideas and their interpretation
Employ strategies like paraphrasing, rereading and group discussion, historical and authorial perspective, historical themes and situations, to understand a poem and its vocabulary
Identify and consider the effects of symbolism, theme, perspective, historical and contemporary language, connotative vs. denotative meanings, dialects, slang, and idioms
Draw from personal experiences and knowledge to not only generate ideas and create original texts but to take a critical perspective toward literary texts, and suggest alternative interpretations

GRADES 10–12

Outcomes:

Gain confidence in properly analyzing and understanding example poetry
Learn how to understand the language and history surrounding a poem
Feel comfortable creating their own poem in a similar style
Explore their own voice and draw from personal experience to create poetry

Curriculum Touch Points:

Analyze and comprehend poetry by focusing on purpose, audience, perspective, context, form, figurative language/symbolism, and various rhetorical and stylistic techniques
Adopt new perspectives while cultivating a personal appreciation for a variety of texts, genres, forms, authors, and common themes
Engage prior knowledge to develop a critical perspective using factors such as realism, effectiveness, moral/ethical stance, and social/cultural influences
Consider the variety of moral, ethical and cultural issues presented and relate them to other texts/knowledge in order to appreciate diversity of thought and expression
Learn to recognize the influence of underlying assumptions held by oneself and others
Experiment with language, image and structure to create a variety of effects and improve personal craft while considering contexts such as audience, purpose, and strategies for effective communication
Explore the interplay of medium, form, and structure and use conventions appropriately when creating poetry, and maintain cohesion, consistency, organization, and style

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Research

Robot-Free Research: How to Find, Evaluate and Cite Reference Material – without Relying on AI (Grades 5–12)

AI can be a helpful tool, but it shouldn’t be the only tool. To gain critical thinking skills and avoid plagiarism, students need to understand research basics and be able to evaluate media and other sources effectively. We’ll help them learn how to become savvy researchers with their very own amazing – and 100% human – intelligence.

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

Gain an understanding of the research process
Explore the ethics and guiding principles of journalistic integrity
Learn to think critically about the information they find on the internet
Evaluate media and information sources for validity and reliability
Understand how to properly cite reference material using footnotes and bibliography formats

I have Questions!

writing for film

Writing for Film (Grades 5–12)

Learn about storytelling on the big (or little) screen with this fun scriptwriting workshop. In this course, students will learn the language of film, how to structure a script, write a beat sheet, and develop their own short film scripts. Depending on program length, students can also bring their stories to life with Hollywood-style table reads, and plan their own short film with storyboards and shot lists. Next, they’ll shoot and edit their work to share in screenings and festivals.

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

Learn about storytelling with film and the classic three-act structure
Break down a story idea into a beat sheet (outline)
Learn about how scripts are structured and formatted
Use their beat sheet to write their own short film script
Conduct table reads and hear their words come alive
Practice collaboration and positive criticism techniques on peer scripts
Discover how to take a script to the screen and use filmmaking tools to get shoot ready
Plan and execute a film shoot
Edit their film and prepare it for screenings and festivals