S W W Y - Solomon Schechter School of Westchester

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S T A S
YWW Young Writers’ Workshop
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The Young Writers’ Workshop is Back!
Sunday March 6, 2016 • 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lower School Campus
The Schechter Westchester Young Writers’ Workshop is designed to ignite students’ passion for writing
and expand their definition of what it means to “be a writer.” Led by guest authors, kindergartners will
participate in two age-appropriate workshops, while students in first through sixth grades will begin
with keynote speakers, followed by two workshops. The event will conclude in the Media Center with
a special Meet-the-Author Reception, during which students will have the opportunity to interview the
authors for raffle prizes, as well as purchase a variety of their books and have them personalized!
Event Cost
$18 per child includes all supplies, snacks, and a goody bag
Student Workshop Registration
Registration opens at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2016
First-come, first-served; 15-participant maximum per workshop.
Avoid the lines!
Pre-order any of the authors’ books on the PTO storefront and we will have them ready
and waiting to be personalized at the author’s table during the Meet-the-Author Reception.
Don’t delay. Register now!
The 18th and 180th children registered will automatically win a Schechter Westchester SWAG BAG!
Program Schedule
Grade
Kindergarten
8:45 a.m.
Grades 1-2
Check-in
Grades 3-6
Check-in
9:10 a.m.
Check-in
Arts & Crafts
Keynote with
Leslie Kimmelman
Keynote with
Matt MyKlusch
10:10 a.m.
11:10 a.m.
Noon
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Book Signing
in the Gym
S
YWW Course Offerings
1. Woof Woof ? Biscuit Goes to the Moon?
(Kindergarten – this workshop is strongly recommended for all kindergartners)
Maybe – if that’s the story you’d like to tell! In this workshop with
celebrated author Alyssa Capucilli, we’ll explore the world of Biscuit.
You’ll discover how moments from your own life can help you create
your very own story about this silly, yellow, puppy! Be sure to bring
plenty of “woofs” along, and your drawing “paws,” too! We’ll create a
keepsake book all about Biscuit, authored by the one and only – you!
Alyssa Satin Capucilli is the author of more than 100 books, including the popular bestseller,
Biscuit. With more than twenty million books in print, Biscuit has been deemed a modern classic
and has been translated into numerous languages worldwide. Learn more about Alyssa at www.
alyssacapucilli.com.
2. Mining Picture-Book Gold from Butts, Poop,
Belches, and Meltdownable Pandas!
(Grades K-2)
Receive an overview of the ingredients to writing super fun stories. Explore how to pick a topic,
craft an ear-catching title, and find the facts needed to write picture books. We’ll examine humor
and wordplay and how they enhance a picture book’s appeal. Together we will
create the beginnings of a new rhyming picture book!
Artie Bennett is the executive copy editor for a children’s book publisher
and he writes a little on the side (but not the backside!). Artie is hailed as “the
Dr. Seuss of your caboose,” for The Butt Book, his first “mature” work,
which published in 2010. His “number two” picture book, fittingly, is
entitled Poopendous! His third picture book, Peter Panda Melts Down!, is a more
traditional storybook, published in 2014. Recently released is the uproarious
Belches, Burps, and Farts—Oh My! Artie lives deep in the bowels of Brooklyn, New York. Visit
Artie at www.artiebennett.com before someone else does!
3. All Through An Animal’s Eyes
(Grades K-2)
How can we use animals as inspiration for our writing? In this workshop, students will select
their favorite animal and characterize it in their very own stories! We’ll pick our subjects, add
some facts, and illustrate books to take home.
Joanne L. Roos, RDH has more than twenty years experience
as a dental hygienist. She currently works with a pediatric
practice developing a dental health outreach program. Joanna
visits more than one hundred schools annually and has helped
thousands of children learn how to care for their teeth. Joanna
received her BS from Columbia University and is married with two
grown children. Working with children inspired Joanna to write Who
Visits me from A to Z, a book about animals and their teeth.
4. Heroes and Villains: Understanding the Storybook
Characters You Love and Hate
(Grades K-2)
Jump into the mind of your favorite – or least favorite – storybook
character and tell a new story from their side of things. It’s important
to know what the characters in your story are thinking, and to be able
to see things from their points of view. In Jack and the Beanstalk, maybe
it’s Jack who’s the villain—and a thief!—and the giant who’s been misunderstood.
Perhaps Prince Hans just really wants to be king? Could Cinderella’s mean stepsisters just be
misunderstood? Each student will try retelling a familiar story from inside the head of a different
character.
Leslie Kimmelman is the author of more than twenty-five picture books for children,
including, recently Hot Dog! Eleanor Roosevelt Throws a Picnic; Everybody Says Shalom; and the three
Sam and Charlie books. By day, she works as an editor at Sesame Workshop. Learn more at www.
lesliekimmelman.net.
5. Chocolate Shoes With Licorice Laces Always Brings A
Smile to Children’s Faces: A Workshop About Rhymes
(Grades K-2)
Have a ton of fun and learn special tricks for creating exciting rhymes.
Explore the process of writing a children’s book in a rhyme format, and
then write your very own short story or poem to take home.
Stephanie Sorkin is the award winning author of Nutley, the Nut-free
Squirrel, Chocolate Shoes with Licorice Laces, and Frenemy Jane, the Sometimes
Friend. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and
Illustrators, Ms. Sorkin donates a portion of her book proceeds to
various children’s charities. As a food allergy advocate, Stephanie spends her
time visiting schools in the tri-state area, discussing the inspiration behind her books and the
importance of creativity. For more information go to www.stephaniesorkin.com.
6. If Eloise Lived in Scarsdale: Create Your Own Silly
Parody of a Children’s Classic Book
(Grades 1-2)
Calling all junior authors and illustrators! If you like the idea of putting your own
personal spin on a classic story and making it look and sound super silly, then
this workshop is for you. What if Eloise from The Plaza, Madeline from Paris,
or Harold from Harold and The Purple Crayon all lived in Scarsdale in 2016? In
this workshop, we will talk about finding inspiration from our daily lives to create
new versions of familiar characters and stories. Students will come away with an
outline of a story complete with characters, plot, and an originally written and
illustrated scene derived from a beloved children’s book.
Mallory Kasdan is the author of ELLA, an illustrated story about the grooviest
six-year old hotel dweller to order room service since ELOISE at The Plaza! Mallory
writes about parenting and pop culture, and does voiceovers for television and radio.
She lives in Brooklyn with her family – unfortunately, not in a hotel. You can read her
essays and listen to her voice work at www.mallorykasdan.com.
7. Building A Story Is Just Like Building A Sandcastle
(Grades 1-3)
Icicles may have replaced popsicles, but it’s always the season to take an
imaginary trip to the beach and build … a story! Bring your bucket of ideas
and join author Jodi Moore, to craft a step-by-step “castle” as a group. You
will collect all of the tools you’ll need to create your own story!
Jodi Moore is author of the award winning When a Dragon Moves
In and its newly released sequel, When a Dragon Moves in Again (both
Flashlight Press) and Good News Nelson (Story Pie Press). She
writes picture books and young adult novels, and hopes to
challenge and inspire her readers by opening new worlds to them.
Jodi is the proud, (admittedly) neurotic mother of two talented
young adults and never ceases to be amazed at how far the umbilical cord will stretch. She lives
in Pennsylvania with her husband, Larry, one laughing dove, and an ever-changing bunch of
characters in her head. Learn more at www.writerjodimoore.com.
8. Choc-o-rific Characters!
(Grades 2-3)
Imagine a fairy, troll, dragon, or gnome who might live in a magical, sweet world. In this
workshop, you will create characters and stories with candy as your inspiration. Learn how to
brainstorm story ideas and super story starters. Write your own zany and delicious adventure,
with your character as the star!
Helen Perelman is the author of the Candy Fairies chapter book
series. She has worked in a children’s bookstore and has been a
children’s book editor….but, sadly, she never worked in a candy store.
She has written several books for young readers – and not all about
candy. She writes full-time in Westchester, New York, where she lives with her
husband and two delicious daughters. Visit her online at www.helenperelman.com
and www.candyfairies.com.
9. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words — The Art
of Illustration
(Grades 1-2)
It’s your turn to be the illustrator in this workshop! It is the illustrator’s job to
bring a book and its characters to life. Learn how to take the author’s words and
incorporate art, design, and creativity to share the story idea. Howard Fine will
also bring some of his original work to show the incredible illustration process.
Howard Fine has been illustrating children’s picture books since the
early 1990s and has drawn quite a few piggies and dinosaurs in his day.
When not illustrating, he is a dentist and lives in White Plains, New York. Don’t forget to
brush twice and floss at least once daily!
10. Every Picture Tells a Story:
The Art of Wordless Picture Books
(Grades 1-2)
Can you tell a story just using pictures? Of course you can!
In fact, many
of the top award-winning picture books in recent years have been wordless. This
workshop will help pre-readers (and future picture book illustrators) identify and create
the building blocks of books —characters, setting, and plot — and prove that reading
pictures is a first step toward literacy.
Susan Hood is the former children’s content director of
Nick Jr. Magazine, which featured
a wordless story in each issue. Today she is the award-winning children’s picture book
author of more than 200 books, with four new picture books debuting in 2016. Learn
more at www.susanhoodbooks.com.
11. Newsies: How to Be an Investigative Reporter
(Grades 3-6)
What does a news reporter do? Investigate! In this class, we will put on our
press passes and detective hats, and learn to dig for evidence. We will organize
an investigation with the goal of trying to figure out the big story! Students
will test their snooping skills by learning how to conduct an interview,
follow information clues, and think critically. From news basics (who, what,
when, where, why) to composing an engaging story and sharing it with their
community, this class is for intrepid news hounds!
Stephanie Cohen has spent two decades as a news reporter and editor
for international newswires and media companies. She has reported from
news bureaus in New York City and Washington, DC on national news
events, policy and politics. Her stories have appeared in major newspapers
and on news sites including Bloomberg BNA, CBS MarketWatch, N.Y. Post, The Wall Street Journal,
and The Boston Globe.
12. Ideas are Easy, Turning Them into
Stories is the Tricky Part
(Grades 3-6)
Where do authors get their ideas? Most people don’t realize that it’s not
a great idea that makes a story special, but rather its execution. Ideas
are the easy part. In this workshop, students will learn how to develop
a character and good ideas, and leave with a roadmap for turning
good ideas into a great book!
Matt MyKlusch is a middle-grade fantasy/adventure writer and the author of the
Seaborne series (Lerner Books) and The Jack Blank Trilogy (Simon & Schuster, Aladdin). When he’s
not busy writing about kite-boarding pirates, super-heroes, and robot-zombies, Matt occasionally
hosts The Other Side of the Story Podcast, speaking with other authors about their creative processes
and paths to publication. Matt lives in New Jersey with his wife and family, where he is always
hard at work on his next book. Learn more at www.mattmyklusch.com.
13. The Secret Life of Authors and How You Can
Become One!
(Grades 3-6)
Do you dream of becoming a published author? This workshop will
show you what it takes to make your dream come true! Trust in your
talent and ability, as we brainstorm out-of-the-box writing that can
be turned into a larger piece of writing. We will talk about agents,
editors, persistence, and hard work, as some of the ingredients that can make you a success.
Leave predictability behind, and turn your ideas into a larger piece of creative writing.
Kimberly Sabatini is a former special education teacher who is now a stay-at-home mom and
part-time dance instructor for three and four year olds. She lives in New York’s Hudson Valley
with her husband and three boys. Kimberly writes young adult fiction and is represented by
Michelle Wolfson of Wolfson Literary Agency. Touching the Surface is her debut novel. (Simon
Pulse – Simon & Schuster). Learn more about Kimberly at www.kimberlysabatini.com.
14. Food For Thought: Writing Helpful Product Reviews
(Grades 3-6)
How does your family decide what computer or TV to buy,
what movies to see, or even where to go on vacation? Most
people read reviews to help them make the best choices and
decisions. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to write great
reviews by writing your own chocolate-chip cookie review! You’ll leave the workshop with your
original article, new insight into how writers craft reviews, and a nice, full belly! (Parents please
note: None of the cookies served in this class contain nuts, but all are mass-produced brands
from facilities that may process nuts.)
Barbara Solomon Josselsohn is a Westchester-based author. Her first novel, The Last Dreamer
(Lake Union Publishing), debuted last year. Her essays and articles appear in a wide range of print
and online publications, including Consumers Digest, Westchester Magazine, Parents, American Baby, The
New York Times, Scarsdale Inquirer, GrownandFlown.com, Brainchild.com, lohud.com, and Road2College.
com. She also has a short story in the anthology New Mitzvah Stories for the Whole Family (Reclaiming
Judaism Press). She teaches at Westchester Reform Temple and the JCC-MidWestchester’s
Summer Arts Center, both in Scarsdale. Visit her online at www.BarbaraSolomonJosselsohn.com.
15. He Did What? How To Craft A Gripping Story
(Grades 3-6)
Use your imagination and brainstorm some surprising ideas for
stories. We’ll create a story idea together and make it even crazier
by introducing two secret ingredients — emotion and clarity. In the
end, the class will have its own original story to share with the world.
Peter Andrews writes short stories, novels, speeches, and articles about
science, innovation and computers. He has worked as a speechwriter, a
radio producer, and a research chemist. He loves exploring the interface
between technology and society. His current quest is to make fiction writing
a bigger part of his life. Toward that end, he is involved in an online writers’
group, a drama group, and does a bit of blogging.
16. How NOT to Do What You are Supposed to, and
Brag About It
(Grades 3-5)
Convince everyone around you why you shouldn’t have to do the things you don’t want to, no
matter how “good for you” they are. Modeled on Tommy Greenwald’s infamous
character, Charlie Joe Jackson, you will learn the art of persuasive and clever
writing that can convince any grown-up to let you off the hook. Employ
powerful adjectives, imagery, and reasoning skills to get your point across.
Future lawyers welcome here!
Tommy Greenwald is the author of the Charlie Joe Jackson series about the
most reluctant reader ever born. The first book in his new series Crimebiters!,
about a (possibly) superhero crime-fighting vampire dog, was released by
Scholastic this past October. Tommy is also the chief strategy officer at
Spotco Advertising, a theatrical and entertainment advertising agency
in New York City, and the lyricist and co-writer (with Andrew Lippa)
of John & Jen, a 1995 musical which was revived off-Broadway in 2015. Learn more about at
tommygreenwald.com.
17. Will Write For Food: Get A Taste of Being A
Food Columnist
(Grades 3-5)
How is that ice cream? Smooth and creamy and just sweet enough? Tart,
or sickeningly sweet? Learn to describe food with the vibrancy of a
professional food writer. In this workshop, NYTimes Magazine and Vogue
columnist, Tamar Adler, will teach students the craft of finding the
right word to describe a taste. Learn to think about your own food
experiences as more important than just breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Be
prepared to sample some edible treats to inspire your writing.
Tamar Adler, author of An Everlasting Meal, worked as an editor at Harper’s Magazine from 2001
through 2004. She has been a chef in several elite restaurants across the country, and now writes
for the NYTimes Magazine and Vogue. She also teaches cooking, and was the first teacher at Edible
Schoolyard NYC. Learn more at www.tamareadler.com.
18. Detectives, Sleuths, and Spies: Learn
How to Write a Captivating Mystery
(Grades 5-6)
A stolen painting, a missing person, a secret door. Whether it’s a lost
treasure or a best friend gone missing, all mysteries have the same basic
elements in common. In this workshop, you will learn about the most
important ingredients of any mystery – from detectives and suspects,
to motives and clues. We will also try our hand at beginning a short mystery together as a class.
Bring your imagination and be mindful of your pen – you never know what might disappear next!
Sheela Chari is the author of Vanished, a Children’s Honor Book by the Asian/Pacific-American
Library Association (APALA), an Edgar Award nominee for best juvenile mystery, and an Al
Roker’s Book Pick on The Today Show. Her next mystery novel, Find Me in Dobbs Ferry, will be
published by Abrams in 2017. Sheela has taught mystery-writing for several years at the Scarsdale
Young Writers Workshop, as well as Writing for Children for adults at the Rye Arts Center. She
holds an MFA in fiction from New York University, and lives in Scarsdale with her husband and
two daughters. Learn more at www.sheelachari.com.
19. You—Yes, You!—Can Drive Cars for a Living:
Learn to Write High Performance Car Reviews
(Grades 4-6)
Driven by a passion for cars? Sports cars, fast cars, sleek cars,
cutting-edge technology cars? Use that to rev up your
writing capacity. In this workshop, students will learn the
fine art of reviewing an automobile, and then have the
opportunity to try their hand at writing their own review.
The perfect workshop for car enthusiasts!
Jeff Jablansky is a freelance automotive reviewer, photographer, and editor. Jeff covers the
automotive industry for Road & Track, Autoblog, The New York Daily News, Fox News, The Drive,
and others. He lives in Brooklyn, where there is often parking available.
20. Destination Inspiration: Interactive Story
Crafting Workshop
(Grades 3-5)
In this madcap adventure workshop, students will learn how to craft great stories and then
create one together right on the spot! Be prepared to make writing a full experience
that incorporates the mind and body. We will create characters, settings, plot, and
add the magic ingredient – inspiration!
Jason Edwards is a writer, artist, storyteller, producer of educational
enrichment programs, and an authority on children’s anxieties. He has
more than 30 years of experience developing innovative ways to entertain,
instruct, and inspire children. His talent for addressing children’s issues in a
non-threatening manner has been featured in all forms of media and has earned him the Mom’s
Choice Award for Family Friendly Media and an endorsement from the Anxiety Disorders
Association of America. Jason lives in New York with his wife, daughters, and a rabbit named
Bunniford, who never comes when he is called. Learn more at www.roguebearpress.com/about.
html.
21. Add Bite to What You Write: A Mouthwatering
Workshop for Foodies
(Grades 3-6)
Calling all food-loving writers! Want to make your writing more
… delicious? Food can be a great way to spice up your writing.
Whether it’s a story about food, a food-related memoir, or a
first entry in a food blog – if you love writing and food, you’ve
come to the right place. Taking some inspiration from the book character
and budding foodie, Phoebe G. Green, students will learn how to use
favorite foods to create something delectable on the page. You’ll leave this
workshop with a tasty piece of writing and you might find yourself a little
hungry, too!
Veera Hiranandani is the author of several works for children including the novel, The Whole
Story of Half a Girl, which was named a Sydney Taylor Notable Book and a South Asian Book
Award Finalist. She is also the author of the chapter book series, Phoebe G. Green. She received
her MFA in fiction writing at Sarah Lawrence College. A former book editor at Simon &
Schuster and a Montessori teacher, Veera currently teaches writing at Writopia Lab. She lives in
Westchester with her family. Learn more at www.veerahiranandani.com.
22. Zork Slam/A How-To for Lovers AND Haters of Poetry
(Grades 5-6)
National Slam icon, Eric Zork Alan, will show you how poetry can be fun if you
learn to SLAM with it. From choosing the right words, to showing the right
attitude, you’ll become mesmerized by the rhythm of spoken word. No experience
necessary!
Eric ZORK Alan, an 11x National Slam Poet competitor, is probably best
known for standing on chairs and gratuitously dropping names. He is the only
poet ever to have his book [appropriately called I am NOT a poet] blurbed by Davy
Jones, Dobie Gray, and Wild Cherry. Zork is slam-master for Westchester’s only
Nationally Certified Slam at the White Plains Public Library. Explore more at
www.iamNOTapoet.com
23. School of Rock Songwriting Workshop
(Grades 3-6)
We all love listening to a great song. Let your imagination run wild in this songwriters’
workshop! We’ll listen to and discuss some of our favorite songs, and learn
the basics of song form, melody, and lyric writing. Explore the endless
possibilities and go home with your very own song to share.
Megan Talay is a singer-songwriter and guitarist based in
Westchester, New York. Having just released her debut
EP, Piece by Piece, she performs regularly in and around
NYC at venues like Rockwood Music Hall, and The Bowery
Electric. Learn more at www.talaymusic.com.