Bring an action-packed writing workshop into your classroom to build your students’ enthusiasm for writing!
We offer a variety of energy-filled roadshow options, focused on both independent and collaborative writing. Students get to experience the power of sharing ideas and developing those ideas into a full-length story!
What happens in an 826michigan roadshow?
826michigan staff bring our programs into classrooms throughout the week. Students write in large groups, small groups, and individually, and are supported by a team of trained 826michigan volunteers. You can choose from a variety of fun, interactive programs to suit the needs and interests of your students. Our roadshows are provided at no cost to schools or teachers.
Examples include:
Word Collectors – Kindergarten Roadshow
Students practice listening and looking for special words around them. They then collaborate to generate a collection of words for their themed books. Finally, they’ll organize and illustrate their words to help a reader learn about a topic
Length of time: 60-90 minutes (with a stretch break!)
Storytelling & Bookmaking – 2nd Grade Roadshow
Students are greeted by a very relieved 826michigan facilitator: Dr. Blotch, our grumpy editor-in-chief, has forced all of 826michigan staff to become master knitters, so we’re behind on our story deadlines! Though we’re hoping our roadshow students might distract Dr. Blotch, they soon interrupt to remind the class that we owe them a story in ONE HOUR! Oh dear! Can the students help the team write a fantastic story, one that will please the un-please-able Dr. Blotch?!
Length of time: 90 minutes (with a stretch break!)
Meet Me in the Middle – 3rd or 4th Grade Roadshow
In the history of the world, there have been an innumerable amount of poems published and sometimes, they are where writers turn for inspiration. But how do we honor the spirit of the poems we love without copying them? Poetry taxidermy is the solution that keeps on giving!
Length of time: 120 minutes (with a break)
Choose Your Own Adventure – 4th or 5th Grade Roadshow
Students begin writing an adventure story together in the second-person point of view, but when the protagonist must make a decision, the students split in half to continue the story down two separate paths. Students continue working on the story with their new groups, supported by 826michigan volunteers. Each group then splits again at the next crossroads. Each of the four groups write two final choices for the protagonist. As a follow-up activity in your classroom, students can compose their own original endings to the story!
Length of time: 90 minutes (with a break)
If you are a public- or charter-school teacher in one of our service cities (Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Ypsilanti), feel free to reach out to your area’s Program Manager for more information about possible partnerships. Note: We prioritize working with our existing school and teacher partnerships each school year. Most programs are scheduled before the school year begins.