Storytelling in Writing Residency by Kristin Eggerling

Students may not think they are storytellers, but they hear and tell stories every day. This residency will introduce storytelling, writing and interviewing to students. Students will write a polished personal essay and a profile of someone. This will involve interviewing another student and someone outside of class.

Students will learn writing craft like…

• adding sensory description, voice, scenes
• show don’t tell
• identifying overwriting
• how to critique
• journal writing
• brainstorming
• strong words
• revision and editing
• public reading
• interviewing skills

Storytelling and writing games will be played to be imaginative and have fun, including creative writing prompts, quick writes, spark words, journal writing, character writing, flying balls, no send letter, and change the story. They will have the option of being taped as they read on their pieces to create a podcast of their work. Writing is a life skill and an opportunity for kids to find their voice, self-reflect and understand themselves. Telling someone’s story connects students to them and shares a slice of humanity.

The length of the residency is optional and the outcomes will depend on the time spent. This can range from 2 hours to 10 sessions or more. Please reach out and we can discuss the options!

I have completed the Teaching Artist Roster Program Training through the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council and am on their roster.