JULY
JULY
*NOTE: There is no repeat material between any of our workshops, or between semesters. Because the nature of writing evolves with the writer, our classes are designed to be endlessly repeatable—each return offering new insights, refined techniques, and a more sophisticated voice. Students are not merely completing a course; they are spiraling upward, revisiting familiar ground with greater skill and awareness each time.
Finch “Classic” (July)
Date: July 7th-July 11th Time: 9:00am-11:30am
Location: Ridge High School 268 S Finley Ave Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
Age: 6th-12th Grades
The Finch “Classic” is our original recipe — a broadly appealing writing workshop with a vibrant creative community for learning. This workshop is ideal for students with any range of interest in writing. The purpose is to engage writing practice, nurture imagination, and build character through sharing and discussion. Over the course of the week, students are sparked by exercises and mentor texts, and provided with dedicated feedback. Perfect for students in 6th-12th grade, whether they’re inspired by storytelling, or are simply looking for a place to hone their skills and an audience to share with. ($395)
Intro to Writing (July)
Date: July 21st-July 25th Time: 9:00am-11:30am
Location: Ridge High School 268 S Finley Ave Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
Age: 4th-6th Grades
Our Intro to Writing workshop is solely devoted to developing writing fundamentals, story structure, punctuation/grammar, and igniting a genuine passion for writing! Full of inspiring readings and writing prompts, the primary purpose is to plant a seed of interest, so that our 4th-6th graders see writing as a useful and fun practice rather than a chore. Perfect for all writers, fiction or nonfiction based, within the appropriate age bracket. ($395)
Honors/AP Reading Prep
Date: July 28th-August 1st Time: 9:00am-11:30am
Location: Ridge High School 268 S Finley Ave Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
Age: 8th-12th Grades
The best writers are readers. It’s the most effective way to develop basic instincts as well as improve story shape, punctuation, flow, and imagination. This workshop, full of close in-depth analysis of a summer reading list book, is designed to advance students’ reading comprehension and writing skills, in preparation for Honors/AP reading. ($395)
Advanced Nonfiction
Date: July 28th-August 1st Time: 12:15pm-2:45pm
Location: Ridge High School 268 S Finley Ave Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
Age: 8th-12th Grades
Our Advanced Nonfiction class is a deep-thinking, real-life application workshop for students who love to explore meaningful topics that impact the world. Sparked by TED talks by world leaders and professors, articles, and excerpts from powerful literature, we'll help students discover and research subjects that matter to them personally, as well as share opportunities for future publication and submissions to contests like: The New York Times, Scholastic, NPR Podcast, MIT Think Scholars, Stossel and more. ($395)
*NOTE: If you are attending both the morning and afternoon workshops, you may stay for lunch and remain in the classroom.
AUGUST
AUGUST
Finch “Classic” (August)
Date: August 11th-August 15th Time: 9:00am-11:30am
Location: Ridge High School 268 S Finley Ave Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
Age: 6th-12th Grades
The Finch “Classic” is our original recipe — a broadly appealing writing workshop with a vibrant creative community for learning. This workshop is ideal for students with any range of interest in writing. The purpose is to engage writing practice, nurture imagination, and build character through sharing and discussion. Over the course of the week, students are sparked by exercises and mentor texts, and provided with dedicated feedback. Perfect for students in 6th-12th grade, whether they’re inspired by storytelling, or are simply looking for a place to hone their skills and an audience to share with. ($395)
*NOTE: This week of class consists of a unique curriculum, there is no repeat material from the Fiction “Classic” (July) class.
The College Essay
Date: August 11th-August 15th Time: 12:15pm-2:45pm
Location: Ridge High School 268 S Finley Ave Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
Age: 8th-12th Grades
College essays are one of the most daunting and often misunderstood assignments in a young person’s life. However, at their best, they’re honest, open, tightly crafted, and most of all memorable. This workshop is dedicated to helping students think, formulate, and develop strong college essays with substance and unique style. As many universities (including Harvard) have adopted a progressive “test-blind” policy in order to avoid bias, the College Essay has become even more important than ever. It is your unique opportunity to introduce yourself to admissions committees who must comb through thousands of applications each year. Get a head start now! ($395)
*NOTE: If you are attending both the morning and afternoon workshops, you may stay for lunch and remain in the classroom.
Intro to Writing (August)
Date: August 18th-August 22nd Time: 9:00am-11:30am
Location: Ridge High School 268 S Finley Ave Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920
Age: 4th-6th Grades
Our Intro to Writing workshop is solely devoted to developing writing fundamentals, story structure, punctuation/grammar, and igniting a genuine passion for writing! Full of inspiring readings and writing prompts, the primary purpose is to plant a seed of interest, so that our 4th-6th graders see writing as a useful and fun practice rather than a chore. Perfect for all writers, fiction or nonfiction based, within the appropriate age bracket. ($395)
*NOTE: This week of class consists of a unique curriculum, there is no repeat material from the Intro to Writing (July) class.