Is there an author inside of your
child waiting to be awakened?
I approach teaching in the same way I approach writing: from the fundamental belief that at the heart of creativity is the ability and freedom and courage to play. I write children’s books because when my imagination sits down to play, that’s what naturally comes out. I teach children because I love catching glimpses into the immense worlds of wonder and creativity within their minds. Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Whenever I plan my classes, at the back of my mind is the desire to whisper into a child’s imagination: Don’t ever let this part of you grow up completely. Keep this freedom. Keep this playful delight.
I believe that delight is essential fuel for learning, so I try to make sure that laughter finds its way into the class, as well as a healthy dose of silliness, especially in creative expression—in invented words, in unusual points of view, in madcap plots. My activities often incorporate visual art, music, sculpture, and movement in order to unlock creativity in as many ways as possible. I leave grammar and spelling for the schools to teach; my goal is that kids will leave my classes with a desire to write for the pure enjoyment of it.
A friend recently pointed me to this wonderful quotation by Madeleine L’Engle: "The creative impulse, like love, can be killed, but it cannot be taught. What a librarian or teacher or parent can do, in working with children, is to give the flame enough oxygen so it can burn. As far as I'm concerned, this providing of oxygen is one of the noblest of all vocations." L’Engle reminds me of my most important task: Fan the flame and get out of the way. Let wonder breathe.
I would love to hear from you. Please use the Contact form to inquire about future classes and to be put on my mailing list.
Summer Camps & Workshops
June 11
9:15-10:15 am
June 11
10:30-11:30 am
June 12
1:00-3:00 pm
June 12
3:15-4:15 pm
July 10
1:00-3:00 pm
July 10
3:15-4:15 pm
July 15-19
2:00-4:00 pm (M-F)
July 22-26
2:00-4:00 pm (M-F)
Treasure Maps (1st-2nd grade)
Nashville Public Library
Where can you find the Last Dinosaur's Funny Bone? How do you get to the Gruesome Pit of Grossness? What lies hidden in the Place Where Stories Are Born? Fantasy lovers will enjoy this opportunity to draw a map of their own imagined world, then hide a treasure there and write creative instructions to avoid pitfalls, encounter adventures, and find the X that marks the spot.
Registration: details will be posted soon on the NPL website http://events.library.nashville.org/cal/main/showMain.rdo
Painting with Words (3rd-5th grade)
Nashville Public Library
A good writer is in love with words—the way they look, the way they sound, and the way they come together to make pictures in our imagination. Writing helps us see the world in new ways, like an artist. In this workshop, kids will be "painting" pictures with words, then using their word-paintings to practice descriptive writing that uses all the senses.
Registration: details will be posted soon on the NPL website http://events.library.nashville.org/cal/main/showMain.rdo
"What If?" Story Workshop (9-12 year olds)
Brentwood Library
From the first spark of an idea through setting, character, and conflict, this creative writing workshop is a fun exploration of the basic elements of stories. Kids will leave with an outline and beginning of a story they can continue writing at home.
Registration: details will be posted soon on the Brentwood Library website http://www.brentwood-tn.org/index.aspx?page=684
Treasure Maps (6-8 year olds)
Brentwood Library
Where can you find the Last Dinosaur's Funny Bone? How do you get to the Gruesome Pit of Grossness? What lies hidden in the Place Where Stories Are Born? Fantasy lovers will enjoy this opportunity to draw a map of their own imagined world, then hide a treasure there and write creative directions to avoid pitfalls, encounter adventures, and find the X that marks the spot.
Registration: details will be posted soon on the Brentwood Library website http://www.brentwood-tn.org/index.aspx?page=684
"Playing with Words" Poetry Workshop (9-12 year olds)
Brentwood Library
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver wrote, "Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." No poetic experience is necessary in this playful journey through the wonder of words and the marvelous ways we can weave them together.
Registration: details will be posted soon on the Brentwood Library website http://www.brentwood-tn.org/index.aspx?page=684
Weird & Wacky Creatures (6-8 year olds)
Brentwood Library
This workshop is all about animals! Kids will draw their own fantastical creatures, then learn about fables and "Just So" stories in order to write short tales about the animals they've invented.
Registration: details will be posted soon on the Brentwood Library website http://www.brentwood-tn.org/index.aspx?page=684
Summer Writing Camp (10-12 year olds)
Christ Community Church, Franklin
My summer camp brings together a smorgasbord of creative activities that I teach in more depth during the school year. We'll be practicing poetry, stories, and other short pieces that will stretch kids' imaginations and show them how fun writing can be!
Cost: $100/child
Registration: Class size is limited in order to allow plenty of individual attention. Deadline June 1. THIS CAMP IS CURRENTLY FULL. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITING LIST.
Summer Writing Camp (7-9 year olds)
Christ Community Church, Franklin
My summer camp brings together a smorgasbord of creative activities that I teach in more depth during the school year. We'll be practicing poetry, stories, and other short pieces that will stretch kids' imaginations and show them how fun writing can be!
Cost: $100/child
Registration: Class size is limited in order to allow plenty of individual attention. Deadline June 1. Click here to register.
Fall Classes
Details and registration will be available in early summer.
Classes for Homeschoolers
Would you like for me to teach a creative writing class to your homeschool group? I can adapt a curriculum to your schedule and needs. Contact me and we'll talk!
“Jennifer Trafton is a delightful writer who inspires children to dream beyond their surroundings. She encourages those children in her creative writing classes to take their dreams and to write them down in imaginative ways. Jennifer uses fascinating creative writing techniques to help develop children’s writing styles.”
—Amanda Phillips, Elementary Children's Programmer, The Brentwood Library
"I couldn't possibly recommend Mrs. Trafton's writing classes more! Not only have I learned the art of creative writing, but I have also learned how to add fun and unique styles to my essays, reports, and papers for school. I now love to write, and see it as a treat rather than an assignment!"
—Hannah, age 12
"Sculpting play dough to spark a poem about emotion, transcribing opera to find the characters in music, and studying abstract art to see how color and shape reveal stories— does this sound like the writing class that we dreaded when we were kids? This year Jennifer has opened my children's eyes to keenly observe the world around them and helped them find the extraordinary words to write about it. She's also connected them to their own imaginary world, a world in danger of fading each year they grow older. It's been an inspiring year for them both."
—Aimee, parent
"Taking these classes has taught me that writing can be really fun. Now I want to write more, and more, and MORE!!"
—Anabel, age 9
"Jennifer has taught our children about plot, character development, the generation of imaginary worlds, and many other aspects of story writing. She has expanded the minds of our children while fostering their own unique creativity. Using whimsical examples, mind-expanding yet entertaining exercises, paintings, music, and other elements, Jennifer creates an inspirational, peaceful environment which fuels the child's natural passion for Story. Our kids love her classes."
—Ron and Sandra, parents
"Ms. Jennifer is an amazing teacher. It has been so fun learning about all the different ways to write a story."
—Jackson, age 11
"Jennifer's writing classes have unlocked a whole new world in my children's imaginations. I love all the exercises that she uses to fuel their creativity."
—Kim, parent
"My daughter is very enthusiastic about this class and has enjoyed all of the activities. Your positive feedback has given her more confidence in her writing. She can't wait to come each week."
—Mary, parent
—Amanda Phillips, Elementary Children's Programmer, The Brentwood Library
"I couldn't possibly recommend Mrs. Trafton's writing classes more! Not only have I learned the art of creative writing, but I have also learned how to add fun and unique styles to my essays, reports, and papers for school. I now love to write, and see it as a treat rather than an assignment!"
—Hannah, age 12
"Sculpting play dough to spark a poem about emotion, transcribing opera to find the characters in music, and studying abstract art to see how color and shape reveal stories— does this sound like the writing class that we dreaded when we were kids? This year Jennifer has opened my children's eyes to keenly observe the world around them and helped them find the extraordinary words to write about it. She's also connected them to their own imaginary world, a world in danger of fading each year they grow older. It's been an inspiring year for them both."
—Aimee, parent
"Taking these classes has taught me that writing can be really fun. Now I want to write more, and more, and MORE!!"
—Anabel, age 9
"Jennifer has taught our children about plot, character development, the generation of imaginary worlds, and many other aspects of story writing. She has expanded the minds of our children while fostering their own unique creativity. Using whimsical examples, mind-expanding yet entertaining exercises, paintings, music, and other elements, Jennifer creates an inspirational, peaceful environment which fuels the child's natural passion for Story. Our kids love her classes."
—Ron and Sandra, parents
"Ms. Jennifer is an amazing teacher. It has been so fun learning about all the different ways to write a story."
—Jackson, age 11
"Jennifer's writing classes have unlocked a whole new world in my children's imaginations. I love all the exercises that she uses to fuel their creativity."
—Kim, parent
"My daughter is very enthusiastic about this class and has enjoyed all of the activities. Your positive feedback has given her more confidence in her writing. She can't wait to come each week."
—Mary, parent