We offer free evening and weekend workshops designed to foster creativity, strengthen writing skills, and provide students with a forum for executing projects they might not otherwise have the support to undertake. Workshops range from the playful to the practical, and all are taught by volunteer writers, artists, educators, and publishing professionals.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased demand, enrollment for workshops are now determined by lottery. Once you have signed up for a workshop, please look for an email from workshops@826nyc.org, verifying that we have received your request. If you have not heard from us after 48 hours, feel free to call.
Our workshops are limited enrollment and often generate wait lists. With this in mind, please only sign up if you can make every session of a workshop. Thank you!
Do You See What I See?
3 Sunday sessions: November 7, 14, 21 (2010)
12-1:30pm
Taught by Jojo Mu
For ages 6-9
Do you ever wonder what your pet does all day? Or why your best friend has a different favorite food than you? In this workshop, the focus will be on putting yourself in another person/animal/thing's shoes while you go on an adventure together! We'll write a story from your side, and from the point of view of your companion -- be it a family member, a stuffed animal, imaginary friend, or even a toaster! We'll also draw scenes from the stories you come up with, and assemble them into cool books to share!
Students must attend all three sessions of this workshop.
Set a New WORLD RECORD with URDB!
2 Sunday sessions: October 17, 24 (2010)
12-1:30pm
Taught by URDB
For ages 8-12
Do you eat your cereal faster than anybody you know? Can you pet a dog so many times in a minute that it doesn't know what happened? If your answer is "YES," then this activity is for you! You'll invent and set your very own world record during this two-session workshop. We'll have officials from the Universal Record Database (URDB) on hand to witness your achievements and record them for posterity. You'll have an opportunity to figure out your most awesome, unique talents and whip them into record-setting shape. Start practicing for the World's Tallest Oreo Tower or Longest "Moo" now!
The Universal Record Database is an open platform for world records, built on a belief that everyone on earth can be the world's best at something. Launched in 2008, the New York City-based site hosts nearly 5,000 video-based records from over 40 countries around the world. URDB has a two-book deal with Workman Publishing, and recently shot a TV pilot for NBC, with Jimmy Fallon attached as executive producer. They are huge fans of 826NYC.
Recycled Elves: Fairy Tale Do-Overs
2 Wednesday sessions: October 13, 20 (2010)
6-7:30pm
Taught by Lucas Gonzalez & Chris Molnar
For students ages 8-12
We've heard the same old fairy tales for too long! What about the original version of the story, before it was changed, when Little Red Riding Hood gets eaten by the Wolf? And what if the Wolf's belly actually turned out to be a portal into an alternate universe, where you are a talking recycling bin who drives a Mister Softee truck? Join this workshop for a chance to recycle some classics, and re-imagine some very familiar fables to create the next generation of children's tales. We will use cartoons, collage, and good old-fashioned storytelling!
Students must attend BOTH sessions of this workshop.
I Was a Teenage Werewolf... (or Vampire...or Zombie...)
3 Thursday sessions: October 7, 14, 21 (2010)
6-7:30pm
Taught by 826NYC
For ages 10-14
Twilight shmilight. If you were a Vampire, you wouldn't be caught undead at a prom. In this class we explore what it would really be like if you were a zombie trying to dodge a zombie-fighter in the school cafeteria or a mad scientist's monster let loose on spring break. Would you befriend real people? What if they knew you only liked them for their braaaaaiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnns?
Students must attend all 3 sessions of this workshop.
Smell This Story, Eat This Poem: Write With Your Senses
5 Tuesday sessions: September 27, October 5, 12, 19, 26 (2010)
6-7:30pm
Taught by Gabriela Pereira
For students ages 9-12
Pencil, schmencil. Believe it or not, the most important tools you need to write are not for sale at your local office supply store. Skeptical? Then take this workshop and learn how you can use your ears, eyes, skin, nose, and tastebuds to create delicious, fragrant, tactile, beautiful, melodious and original stories, plays, characters, and poems!
Please note: Students must attend all five sessions of this workshop.
Fleas Interest Me So Much: Pretty, Disgusting Poetry
2 Monday sessions: May 17, 24 (2010)
6-7:30pm
Taught by 826NYC
For ages 9-12
Fleas, cockroaches, rats, pigeons, cilantro -- what gives you the willies and the chills? The good news is that the buck stops here. In this two-session workshop, we'll take a close look at some really disgusting things and use poetry to convince the world (and ourselves?) that there's a little bit of beauty in everything out there. Even pigeons.
