Our workshops are free for students, ages 6-18. Unless
otherwise noted, each workshop occurs once a week on
the same day, at the same time, for the duration of
the number of sessions indicated. Because each workshop
will build upon the ideas learned in the previous session,
students are asked to attend all sessions of a workshop.
Registration
is required. To register for a
workshop, click its “Sign
Up Online” link. All
workshops will be held at 826CHI,
1331 North Milwaukee Avenue. Send
us an
email if you have any questions.
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Three Sessions: Saturdays, September 13, 20 and 27th
Time: 10AM–12PM
Taught by Katy Klassman
Limited to 12 students in grades 4–8
Did you know you can travel the world without ever leaving home? Through your senses of taste and smell you can go anywhere you want to go! We will explore new landscapes, cultures and people by eating lots of chocolate! The medium of chocolate will open your horizons and fill your belly! We will learn about the history of chocolate, how to make chocolate, the proper way to eat chocolate and write a guidebook about chocolate. Come join this delicious adventure! Priority will be given to students who aren’t already chocolate experts from our summer class.
****Sorry, this workshop is full****
Two Sessions: Saturdays, September 13 and 20th
Time: 12:30–2:30PM
Taught by Laura Perelman
Limited to 12 students in grades 2–4
Have you ever wondered what happened to the characters in your favorite book after it was over? Or maybe you have a great idea about what happened before it even started? This workshop will give YOU the chance to decide what happens, and turn that idea into YOUR very own story. Will the princess decide that she’s bored of life in the castle and wants to start a ball gown store? Can you think of another silly adventure the Cat in the Hat had before that one rainy day? Get set to come up with an exciting story!
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Three Sessions: Saturdays, September 13, 20 and 27th
Time: 3–4:30PM
Taught by Karen Thimell
Limited to 12 students in grades 2–4
Have you ever wanted to explore the jungles of faraway lands? Well here is your opportunity! In this workshop we will embark on the adventure of a lifetime to an African Safari by illustrating exotic animals and writing poetry about them. By the end of this workshop not only will you have learned about new animals but you will also be able to put them in rhyme! We will use our illustrations to write various forms of poetry, such as haiku, riddle and humorous poems, acrostic poems, and many others! Come join the African Safari!
****Sorry, this workshop is full****
Four Sessions: Tuesdays, September 16, 23, 30 and October 7th
Time: 6–8PM
Taught by Julia Copeland
Limited to 12 students in grades 5–8
Do you think parents and teachers don’t understand you because “you are just a kid”? If you feel like you can’t get ahead on homework because you have too many chores, don’t complain about it! If there is a new game you just have to have, don’t beg for it! Write about it! Use the power of words to let the world know what you believe and why. Make your voice heard! And make it loud! In this workshop, you will learn how to turn that noise into an essay that will make your readers wish they had earplugs! And even if you can’t get out of doing chores or get that game, you can learn how to write effective essays that help you get ahead. Life is all about strategy and staying in the game, so learn how to play it with writing so you can become a stronger and louder player. Join the workshop and learn how to play the game!
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Three Sessions: Wednesdays, September 17, 24 and October 1st
Time: 6–7:30PM
Taught by Lyndsi Barboza
Limited to 10 students in grades 5–8
Put into your mind a photograph: A close up of a white daisy, beaded with drops of fresh rain fall or a black and white of the Chicago skyline. Take these images and put into words the place they hold within you. Make them your own. Blurring the lines between visual and written art will be a unique experience for you. Not only will this workshop allow you to explore your own senses in a unique way, it is an opportunity to appreciate and better understand the art of our present and past.
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Four Sessions: Fridays, September 26, October 3, 10 and 17th
Time: 4–6PM
Taught by Kevin Leeds
Limited to 12 students in grades 4–8
Do you tap a pencil on your desk to a made-up beat? Do you hum to yourself and change the words of songs? Join us to create your own music and lyrics. These masterpieces will be recorded and put on a class CD. You are invited (but not required) to bring your own beat machine, whether it’s a real instrument or just your mom’s pots and pans. Both new and returning songwriters are welcome.
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One Session: Saturday, September 27th
Time: 12:30–2:30PM
Taught by Nic Covey
Limited to 12 students in grades 4–8
What’s the best part about traveling? Bragging about the trip of course. Well, sort of. In a polite way, of course. In this workshop, students will write about the highs and lows of trips—either real trips near and far (where did you go this summer?) or, for some imaginative folks, make believe trips of fantastic adventure. Students will discuss the key components of good travel narrative, hear examples good and bad and walk away with a stellar story of one of their own excursions.
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Two Sessions: Wednesdays, October 1 and 8th
Class meets at the David Weinberg Gallery (300 W. Superior #203) October 1 from 6-7:30pm and 826CHI October 8 from 6-8pm
Time: 6–7:30PM
Taught by : Meghan McCook and an 826CHI volunteer in collaboration with David Weinberg Gallery
Limited to 10 students in grades 8–12
Art is cool to look at, but what do you have to say about it, especially if it makes a POLITICAL STATEMENT? The Presidential Election is coming up, and what better time to look at artwork that brings up the important issues…then you write about it! Come look at art in a real gallery! Have you ever seen a piece of artwork that you loved but couldn’t say why or didn’t know how to talk about it? We’ll view a group show of artwork by professional artists, hear from a real art critic and a real curator, and learn how an art show gets put together. As the Art Critic, you will write your own art review to be published in an 826CHI Workshop Booklet. Please note: Class will meet at the David Weinberg Gallery (300 W. Superior #203) October 1 from 6-7:30pm and 826CHI October 8 from 6-8pm.
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Four Sessions: Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16 and 23rd
Time: 6–8PM
Taught by Julia Copeland
Limited to 12 students in grades 4–7
Have you ever wanted to write your own book and design the cover art? In this workshop, you will write your very own short story and illustrate the cover art for your own book with crafty supplies. You will look at other books and magazines to give you ideas for your very own story. You can write a short murder mystery, a ghost story, or a fairytale with you as the main character. Your story can be as odd as you want it to be because it’s all yours. Your story can take place here on earth or in another galaxy. You can even create a back cover for your book that describes it with spunky-funky, wacky blurbs that get people excited to read your book. Join the workshop, and learn how to build your own book!
****Sorry, this workshop is full****
One Session: Saturday, October 11th
Time: 10AM–12PM
Taught by Scarlett Stoppa
Limited to 12 students in grades 2–4
Ever fed the pigeons? Or waddled like a penguin? Do your birds of a feather flock together, even when you use conditioner? Wish you could fly like an eagle? To the sea? Well, Turkey, you’re no lonesome dove! Miss Carrie Aviary, 826’s new resident ornithologist, has been cuckoo for our flapping friends since before she flew the coop! And, my little chickadees, she needs your help—or her goose is cooked! Mr. Chacalaca’s got company coming, and he’s also got WORMS! Not one to put all her eggs in one basket, Miss A will need every species NOT YET INVENTED to peck this problem where it wriggles! SO, don’t be a chicken, take up your quill pen (ouch!), and join other fearless 826 writers on this feathered flight of fancy.
Bring Your Own Bird—(toys, figurines, magazine cut-outs—nothing bigger than an ostrich, please.)
****Sorry, this workshop is full****
One Session: Saturday, October 11th
Time: 12:30–2PM
Taught by Claire Martinson
Limited to 12 students in grades 1–3
For centuries, cultures from around the world have told myths to teach a lesson or explain the world around them. They can be funny, sad, scary, or downright strange! Join other aspiring mythologists to learn about myths and then create some of your own.
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Two Sessions: Tuesdays, October 14 and 21st
Time: 6–7:30PM
Taught by Ellen Rosen
Limited to 12 students in grades 5–9
If you’re reading this, we’re pretty sure you are a middle-school student living in Chicago (also a homosapien earthling). But…you are oodles and oodles more. You are a one-of-a-kind universe unto yourself. Discover and explore more about the UNIQUE YOU than you ever imagined through writing games and activities. Who knows what secrets lie within?
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Two Sessions: Sundays, October 19 and 26th
Time: 1–2:30PM
Taught by Carrie Colpitts
Limited to 12 students in grades 3–5
Do you love movies? Do you lie in bed, eyes wide open, unable to sleep, crazy with anticipation, the night before the latest High School Musical movie opens? Ever had a vision of E.T. in your bedroom closet? Do you feel like Harry Potter is a personal friend? If so, we need you! In this workshop we’ll be creating a guide to film written by students. We want to know what movies you like and why. So, if you can’t wait to write about your favorite movies, sign up for this workshop.
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One Session: Monday, October 20th
Time: 6–8PM
Taught by Lauren Braun
Limited to 12 students in grades 8–12
Why is it that as you get older, your teachers seem to pester you with harder and harder tests and longer and longer textbooks? More and more and more reading out of said books? Well, something can be done, friends. If you are new to the beast that is the essay test, or if you have been challenged to recall endless amounts of information in a snappy and exciting way by your taskmaster teachers, then you need this workshop. Learn how to study better and write smarter the next time you are made to do it.
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Six Sessions: Wednesdays, October 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3rd
Skip Thanksgiving 11/26
Time: 6–8PM
Taught by Kait Steele
Limited to 12 students in grades 8–12
Like reading? Like talking? Always wanted to edit a book? This year, 826CHI will be releasing a professionally published anthology filled with some of the best writing from Chicago-area students. Submissions will be taken through October from students in many age groups and will span a variety of genres.
And here’s where it really takes off: This fall, 826 is looking for writers and readers to join our Student Editorial Board to help select submissions and join in the editorial process as we prepare for the publication of this book in the spring of 2009. If you like to share your opinions and want to be part of the publishing process, we’d love to have you involved!
Students who sign up are required to attend all sessions. Preference will be given to high school students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade in CPS. Please fill out the form linked below, and in the “comments” section include a short 500-word essay detailing your interest in writing and editing (even if you haven’t edited a book before and are hoping to do it for the first time!). Once accepted, to reserve a place, students must leave a $25 deposit, which will be fully refunded at the last class.
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Two Sessions: Mondays, October 27 and November 3rd
This class is limited to girls only
Time: 6–8PM
Taught by Andrew Boyer and the Viola Project
Limited to 12 students in grades 4–7
Romance, deceit, poison, evil queens, wild men, epic battles, gods and ghosts- this whiz-bang fairy-tale mash-up has a little bit of everything. Help the indomitable Princess Imogen as she re-unites her family, clears her name, and, of course, saves Britain! This workshop is offered in partnership with the Viola Project, Shakespeare for Girls. This class is for girls only.
Sign Up Online »
For more information
contact workshops@826chi.org.
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