Let’s equip students with this essential skill.

Media literacy is foundational for modern democracy.

This writing workshop will focus on helping participants tell the most important story of all: their own life story! Drawing on my experience helping people ranging from Syrian refugee Muhammad Najem to Fmr U.S. Attorney and January 6 Lead Investigator Tim Heaphy to write their memoirs, we'll work through exercises designed to get your pen to paper and past any writer's block!

Writing Your Life Story

As media literacy becomes a curriculum requirement, we have an opportunity to engage students in the nuances of media literacy and contemporary journalism. In this interactive program, we’ll discuss and practice how to read, watch, and listen to modern media— and why it might be harder than students think! Media literacy is not just about how to spot fake news, but also how to understand context around news stories and analyze them for the most true version. We’ll use examples of fairy tales to show how “common wisdom” sometimes isn’t right (for older students, we’ll ask whether Sleeping Beauty is cute or actually problematic!), and talk through what questions we can ask ourselves when confronted with a new piece of media.

This presentation aligns with media literacy common core standards.

Media Literacy: Empowering Democracy through Critical Thinking

Using Muhammad Najem, War Reporter and Renegade Girls as a guide, I’ll walk students through the process of writing a graphic novel. Yes, writing! You might think of graphic novels as primarily art-based, but words bring these stories to life. I’ll show students the evolution of the graphic novel “script” from edits to sketches, inks, and colors. By the end of our workshop, students will have created a full four-panel comic from beginning to end, and have an opportunity to share with the group and get my feedback.

This workshop also satisfies all five requirements of the Girl Scouts Cadette Comic Artist Badge! 

Inside the Wonderful World of Graphic Novels

My engaging and activity-based workshops can be adapted for any age range and are also appropriate for libraries, scout troops, retirement communities, and summer camps. Discounts available for underserved school districts and communities. Popular programs include the following:

Workshops

Writing Workshop (tailored for any age)

I also love teaching general writing workshops for groups of writers of any age, from elementary to seniors citizens. We will play age-appropriate writing games and use writing prompts to spark new ideas, and work on larger projects like short stories or even novels. I will give feedback and lead constructive class conversations. Available as a one-time workshop, or recurring class.

Writing/Journaling Role Playing Games (RPG)

Did you know there's a niche category of tabletop role playing games that are all about journaling and writing? Think Dungeons and Dragons, but instead of keeping track of Hit Points and Armor Class, keep a journal as your character and record stories from a mythical adventure. Perfect for groups of teens or young adults. 

'Zine Workshop

Get ready to create in this hands-on workshop where each participant will leave with a finished mini 'zine about any topic they want! Learn how to fold paper into a mini-book, and use the provided art and collage supplies to decorate.