Praise from all over
The Young Writers Project has generated strong, positive reaction from those involved – young writers, teachers, parents and readers.
Young writers who post their work on youngwritersproject.org amaze us with their insight, skill and freshness. Our Newspaper Series is now generating 300+ submissions a week and in 2010/11 we'll publish work of upwards of 1,400 students in nine newspapers.
Our Schools Project is working with hundreds of teachers and thousands of students to bring digital technology into all currricula with gains in their confidence and writing skills. Our more intensive training of teachers through a Master's Practicum and workshops is helping teachers transform what they are doing.
And we are growing our education programs and events, including monthly poetry slams at YWP's headquarters in 2010/11.
We encourage you to deeply explore what is happening here on this site to see for yourselves what kids are doing. Here are a few things that people are saying about us:
Newspaper Series impact:
- Many schools announce over the p.a. systems when someone is published; several schools have reported that classrooms have broken out in spontaneous applause when the announcement has been made.
- One middle school student, struggling with the death of her mother, wrote a short, poignant story that prompted an 83-year-old woman to write to her to tell the child that she, too, lost her mother at that age.
- One student posted a cynical, one line note on her blog and was greeted with sharp, but polite, rebukes; she relented, started writing and became one of the YWP’s more prolific writers. Her teacher wrote to YWP to say her student had been struggling and disengaged but suddenly sprang to life; when she went on the YWP Web site and saw what her student was writing, she suddenly understood.
- Many schools post students' published work in the halls.
From Students
“The experience of having my story published and then presented on stage was incredible. It was really cool for me to hear someone reading a piece that I had wrote, hearing how they read it, how they interpreted my story. I am very excited that I was chosen and really look forward to doing more with my writing.” Abigail Senesac, high school student
“[YWP] gives young writers a chance to have their written work taken seriously." Anna Lacey, high school student
“You feel really good about yourself, like ‘Oh wow, people really like my work!’ ” Sierra Cruikshank, high school student
“It was a great feeling to know that my writing was actually being read and appreciated.” Arianna Rehak, middle school student
Teachers
"My student is more than thrilled to have her piece, "My Dream" published in a newspaper. This was a goal she set back in September of this school year and how great to have "her dream" come true! As a teacher, I am thrilled with the YWP site and prompts. What a wonderful way to motivate students to become accomplished writers. For sure this is a powerful way to invest in students in our state." A.C., Beeman Elementary School
"It was very motivating to my students to think they had a chance of getting published in the paper. It was great to see what other kids from the community were writing." Elise Foxall, middle school teacher
“I've been meaning to tell you that (two students who were published) and I were invited to make a special presentation at the Cabot School Board meeting. The Board was interested in the students' experience of writing and being published for such a wide audience, and it was a brilliant opportunity for me to showcase their work. The fact that the student writers published were not just the 'usual suspects' -- the high-flying, honors-society, sports-playing kids -- was significant, too. The Board knows (one of the students) and his complicated family background and was stunned by the good writing he did.” Julia Hewitt, high school English teacher
“Thanks so much for including our student photographers work in the YWP. I can't begin to tell you what a burst of energy it gives them to see their photos in the paper and all the positive feedback they get.” Wendy Fox, high school art teacher.
“The Young Writers Project series is a valuable teaching tool that has been extremely helpful in motivating my students to write.” Alison Ruggles, instructor in program for troubled teens
“What a difference the Young Writers’ series has made in our school! Every day I see students settle into reading the paper, and articles are passed around among students and faculty.” Bill Rich, teacher
"[YWP] encouraged kids to recognize that they are better writers than they think, and they got the recognition from someone other than myself for this accomplishment" Paul Parsons, middle and high school English teacher
Readers
“Compelled - that fits the urgent feeling I have to respond each time I read the young writers' works. In each age group it is astounding to realize the depth of thought these school children possess and their amazing ability to transfer their thoughts into the written word.
“In addition, it is uplifting to be made aware that many of our youth are pretty darned forward looking and intuitive, as opposed to the ones who skip school or manage to create upheaval in various ways.” Mary Sweeney, reader
“Anna was VERY excited about being published. They did a nice announcement over the P.A. system at school regarding her piece in the BFP! I have a CPA practice in S. Burlington and the phone has been off the hook with clients calling with compliments!” Linda Hausermann, mother of young writer
“After reading the Living Section of the Free Press this morning I simply had to write. What an absolutely marvelous concept. I was moved to tears by the eloquence and fresh perspective of the young writers. Please accept my deepest gratitude for offering such a magnificent forum to showcase their talents. Bravo! I will eagerly anticipate future Tuesdays and the opportunity to bathe in the light penned by these insightful authors.” Edward H. Ford, reader
"It amazes me that the works I read in the Valley News were written by such young people. They’re terrific, moving, funny, and often deep and profound. What a great experience and forum the YWP provides for talented young minds.
Please keep up the good work." Don Gamache, Enfield, N.H.
Please keep up the good work." Don Gamache, Enfield, N.H.
"I'm at that age where I've realized I've become my father as I whisper "darn kids" under my breath as I read the news about them car racing on the streets or as I barely escape the wrath of an errant skateboarder while walking down the street.
"But then, something totally unexpected happens and just about rips the air from my lungs. Emma Redden, a sophomore from Leland and Gray High School, perhaps only 15 or 16 years of age, had crashed into my heart with a poem so simple and tender that it had me transfixed, perhaps forever. Her poem, which appeared in the Burlington Free Press on Sept. 27 ("Young Writers Project:Giving young writers and audience") featuring young writers, is worth mentioning. Thank you so much Emma for sharing this with all of us. Your future in writing appears to be shining intensely." Mike Dumas, St. Albans
