Jaden, Jerah, and I spent the last week in Olathe, Kansas, attending the 4-day One Year Adventure Novel (OYAN) summer workshop. The workshop was an extension of the excellent creative writing curriculum that I've raved about and reviewed before.
The Workshop Experience
I can't say enough about how incredible the workshop was. The session speakers were phenomenal, and the 87 kids in attendance learned so much. And yes, I'll admit I learned a bunch too!
What I wasn't expecting was that the workshop was going to be so good in great part because of Mr. and Mrs. S themselves, the creators of the OYAN curriculum. Their Christian testimony and their humble, caring spirits made the 4 days feel almost more like youth camp than just a workshop focused on creative writing. The students got more than just a great education in creative writing; they were challenged by the testimonies of the speakers and encouraged to use their writing for more than just getting published.
Jerah, who is the avid writer in the family, is excited about finishing her OYAN novel and entering it in the contest in August. She's also looking forward to doing the next step in the OYAN curriculum, Other Worlds, this coming school year. Jerah's favorite genre is fantasy, and Other Worlds focuses specifically one writing science fiction and fantasy.
OYAN is Not Just a Creative Writing Curriculum
Mr. S teaches the elements of story so well, students who complete the curriculum gain an excellent understanding of the structure of fiction in general. Obviously this can only help students in later courses when they have to evaluate literature. My children are already so much more articulate when they discuss the merits or shortcomings of books they've read.
We're obviously in love with the OYAN curriculum. If you have students in 8-12th grade (or even younger if your child is an eager writer), and you're looking for a creative writing curriculum, especially one that can be used as a full-year high school credit for English, you should consider ordering a free demo DVD from OYAN. You'll learn more about this fantastic curriculum and be able to watch several of the lessons in full.
p.s. In case you're wondering, I don't get any kind of incentive for promoting this curriculum. I just think OYAN is a fabulous curriculum that other homeschoolers can benefit from…and Mr. and Mrs. S are fabulous people!
I haven't even received my demo ye,t and I'm already sold on this curriculum! I've devoured the website and sample lessons – and have learned so much from those alone. I'm being a good girl and waiting to order (with the free shipping this month) until I at least get the demo. 🙂 Thanks for all the info – your enthusiasm is contagious!
I think your readers will be interested to know The Homeschool buyer's co-op is offering OYAN at a 10%-20% discount plus 500 smartpoints. If you aren't a member of the Co-op please use my referral link! (I get smartpoints when someone joins)
http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/?source=32222 (my referral link)