Writers-in-Residence Program
People are always surprised by the voices of their children, by the fears and doubts and joys and humor that the children are able to articulate when a process is modeled for them by a practicing writer. To that end, the McReavy House works to match creative writers with 4th-6th grade students in local schools.
The dexterity of language comes naturally to kids; their imaginations are vibrant, not yet tempered by self-consciousness. Regardless of their ages, the students nearly always feel surprised by themselves. And, with that empowerment, nearly always take their creative and writing life, their instincts to observe and to value their experiences, more seriously.
Over several weeks, the writer spends 10-15 hours in a classroom. Students read poems and write poems– so, by the end of the residency, each student has created approximately ten poems. A classroom poetry anthology is curated by the writer-in-residence, then printed and bound. The residency culminates in a free public reading, featuring the students, the visiting writer and, often, a special guest.
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McReavy House 2011 Writer-in-Residence
Writers were in residence with 4th and 5th grade classes at Evergreen Elementary in Shelton and with 5th graders at Hood Canal School in the Skokomish Nation.
Hailey Owen, Evergreen Elementary
Culminating events, which will feature student readings and readings by writers-in-residence, Sarah Vap and Todd Fredson, are scheduled for Tuesday, February 15th, from 6-7 PM at Evergreen and Thursday, March 4th, at Hood Canal from 5-6PM. Both are free and open to the public.
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McReavy House 2010 Writer-in-Residence, Hood Canal School
Public Reading featuring Poet Sarah Vap and 5th grade students, with Guest Mike Gregoire, First Gentleman of Washington State
May 12th @ 6PM in the Hood Canal School Library
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2009 Writer-in-Residence, Hood Canal School
Poet Sarah Vap’s residency with 5th grade students, culminates with a free public reading May 15th, with Guest Linda Bierds.
Hood Canal School Library @ 6:30PM