The ARMES Writing Program utilizes a process-based approach that facilitates the discovery and development of young students' writer identities. We aspire to produce lifelong writers who both understand and wield the power of their unique voices. To this end, participants are expected to take risks by experimenting with form and language, not just writing in genres and styles with which they are already comfortable. Students will write individually and collaboratively.

Our year has four components:

I. Poetry II. Fiction

III. Non-Fiction IV. Student Choice and Publication

These units are taught both separately and together; for example, we may combine non-fiction and poetry as we create memoirs-in-verse, or analyze research to inform a science fiction story. Tying it all together is an underlying goal to build students' metacognition: understanding their individual process and styles, then placing their writing in larger historical, social, and cultural contexts.

Every year, the specific writing projects within each component will change, to keep the program fresh and challenging for returning students. However, our core goals remain constant.

2021-2022 Project Theme: "Living Histories"

Poetry: Occasional Poetry (Crafting bespoke poems with a specific audience or event in mind; we will incorporate both private, interior events and public historical events into this unit)

Fiction: Historical Fiction (Writing stories inspired by/set within various historical periods)

Nonfiction: Food Writing (Using the sensory-rich art of food writing to explore nostalgia and an intersection between the past and present)

Publishing: Fun & Games (Creating innovative and interactive publishing products)