As a writer-editor-actor-singer, I can offer workshops in any of those disciplines. Other options are based on my work as a longtime food writer and editor. In all presentations, I draw upon my performance background to establish a dynamic connection with the students.
NOTE: workshops can be adapted to suit any grade level.
--For ages 11-13, theatre games are used to inspire storytelling.The group will collaborate on inventing a story, on their feet, and then on acting it out. The structure of the games ensures that everyone has a chance to participate, and that stronger personalities or louder voices do not dominate.
--For ages 11-13, a look at what we eat. Children are encouraged to talk about what they eat at home (or have in their lunches), and whether they have eve attempted to cook for themselves. This will be gently contrasted with governmental food guidelines (5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, high in grains, low in fat), and simple rules of thumb for healthy eating will be discussed (never buy a food with ingredients you can't pronounce). Adventurousness in exploring new tastes will be encouraged, and simple dishes children can cook for themselves and their families will be suggested. (Cooking facilities a bonus.)
--For ages 11-3 or 14-17: Taking the sting out of Shakespeare: Unfamiliarity with the language causes too many students to miss the immediacy of Shakespeare's stories. This workshop is focused on relating themes from the Shakespeare canon to students' lives (and imaginations), and bringing the text alive for them by first expressing it in modern language and by acting it out.
--For ages 14-17: The basics of manuscript critiquing and editing. The class will work together on critiquing published work. Then they will work on critiquing and editing unpolished manuscript excerpts and their own work.
--For ages 11-13 or 14-17: The basics of copyediting, with an emphasis on bringing to life the essential role of punctuation in clear communication. Engaging real-world examples will be shared, such as the debate revolving around whether those who advocate a right to bear arms in the U.S. have been misled by the absence of a critical comma, and a recent proposal to eliminate the apostrophe--as if such a thing can be legislated! (Is there a difference between "Residents' refuse to be put in bins" and "residents refuse to be put in bins"?)
--Drama and music workshops are also available, including Singing in Harmony. This may sound like a challenge or an advanced skill but children can reach this goal in 20 minutes. The presentation is interactive, with students participating in devised games and learning simple rounds. The group will collaborate in writing a song, with attention paid to rhyme, meter, and sentence/phrase construction.