826CHI FIELD TRIPS DESCRIPTIONS
Storytelling & Bookmaking, Grades 1-4
Students are challenged to pen a brand new, totally original story as a class, with the aid of 826CHI’s volunteer writing coaches. Each student leaves with their very own book, as an Officially Published Author.
NEW! Script This! Grades 3-12
Lights, Camera, Action! Your students will turn into actors, directors, and playwrights in this field trip! Students will learn the theatrical way of creating characters, plots, and settings in order to learn the moving parts of a play. These theatrical troupes will write a mini play and perform it for the class.
Small Group Storytelling and Bookmaking, Grades 5-8
Young authors work in small groups to pen completely original stories. At the outset, each group determines one “pillar” of the story--protagonist, sidekick, antagonist, and setting--then works to combine those elements into their own, unique tale. Each student leaves with a copy of their group’s book, as a published author.
Images and Imagination, Grades 5 -12
One of 826CHI’s favorite tools for combating writer's block and inspiring creativity, this lesson uses clippings from National Geographic magazines and the promptings of volunteer writing coaches to guide students through the journey of writing an original story.
I Remember… Memoir Writing, Grades 8 -12
Because we believe in the inherent value and power of each student’s experience, this lesson is designed to bring impactful memories to the page. Through a series of short exercises designed to tap into memory and identity, students explore their voices, perspectives, and experiences through writing..
The Ultimate Origin Story (STEM), Grades 5-7
This exciting workshop transforms students into storytelling scientists. Combining their knowledge gained from lessons on both DNA and plot development, students will create their own superhero, followed by their own comic book story addressing the origins of their superhero.The field trip culminates in a DNA extraction experiment where students will smash up strawberries and take a look at the DNA inside them.
Chi-Town Stand Up...Chicago through the Eyes of Students, Grades 8 -12
Similar to our Memoir Field Trip, students will be asked to reflect on their experiences in Chicago through a variety of generative writing activities. Students will be challenged to counter the negative narrative that is often told about Chicago by writing their truth about the city that they call home.
Mission Poetry, Grades 1-3
Students are tasked with writing a series of poems to help Secret Agent Admiral Moody feel better after they become overwhelmed by all the work going on around the publishing house.
More detailed descriptions can be found here.
