Workshop Leader Feiya on Building Connections With Kids

Feiya is an award-winning writer and poet who we are lucky to have as a Workshop Leader!

We believe in building supportive relationships with the young writers in our workshops to give them space to feel safe expressing themselves--after all, creative writing workshops are all about learning to express ideas clearly and creatively! 
We asked one of our Workshop Leaders, Feiya, about the connections she forms with the young writers in her workshops, and why they are so important in guiding kids along their writing journeys.

Why is it important to make a connection with the young writers you work with? 
I think we all respond well to meaningful connections. For kids, establishing a connection allows them to get to know you as a Workshop Leader, creates a safe space for their learning, and lets them know that you care about what they do and what they create. 
There’s a great quote I read somewhere that said something like, ‘A teacher has to learn about the student first before they can teach them’. I think that’s really relevant as every person learns differently. Every student is different, and establishing a connection not only allows you to get to know a student better but also builds that rapport.

What signs do you look for to see if someone in your workshops is developing their writing skills? 
Sometimes I can tell by the kinds of questions they are asking. It may be that the words they need help spelling are more difficult, or the problems that they are having with their story reveals a deeper level of insight and critical thinking.
One particular moment stands out to me. This child had trouble with his ideas. He was very uncertain and often got stuck with whatever he was writing. One lesson, I introduced a picture prompt that must have resonated with him. He spent almost the entire lesson writing non-stop!

How about signs that the kids feel comfortable, and take pride in their work?
Recently, one of my kids wrote three very beautiful haiku poems and asked me if she could read them out loud to everyone. She is usually a quiet student and for her to ask to share her work shows me that she is really proud of what she’s written.

Connecting to the young writers in our workshops helps them feel comfortable, confident and creative. 
​Bookings for Term 4 are now open, click here to view available places. Be sure to check out our September Holiday Program, too!