The Power of the Pen (and Marker): Engaging Kids in the Joy of Writing & Illustrating
By Cassie Willner, CLiF Program Manager
While reading often takes center stage in conversations about literacy, writing is - of course - an equally vital part of the equation. At CLiF, we spend a lot of time thinking about how to inspire children to appreciate the creative writing process, as well as coming up with fun ways to get them writing themselves - for example, our annual Two-Sentence Story Contest!
Central to CLiF's programming is our investment in specialized writing workshops led by professional presenters, all of whom are skilled at drawing out stories from young writers. Our Year of the Book grant allows schools access to these often multi-day learning experiences, during which their students can immerse themselves in building their writing and illustrating skills in a fun and engaging way. And don't forget about drafts! Kids learn that writing requires revisions, edits, scribbles, and even failure. It's all part of the creative process.
Here are a few examples of some of the many opportunities CLiF has on offer:
CLiF's writing residency offers three to five-day programs for students, allowing them to build on skills and produce creative and original work. Often these residencies will have a tie-in with language arts curriculums; for example, Simon Brooks might visit to offer storytelling workshops and story development in connection with a grade level’s fairy tale unit (pictured at left during a student storytelling showcase at Swanton Elementary School).
Naturalist/author Susie Spikol visited Newbury Elementary School for a five-day writing residency. She spent time with students outside at their Forest School classrooms (pictured in the fall), where she guided them to discover how creative writing energy is inspired by the natural world. Using Susie’s The Book of Fairies as inspiration, NES students designed, created, and wrote about their own imagined creatures to create a schoolwide book called “Field Guide to Magical Forest Beings.” The book will be printed using CLiF funds, and added to the school library’s collection for students to enjoy for years to come.
"Storykeepers" is a writing and research residency developed and led by author Natalie Kinsey-Warnock. During her time at a school, Natalie leads students through the curriculum she created to help them discover and write about their own family stories. This year, Natalie visited Year of the Book grantees Boscawen Elementary School, Johnson Elementary School, and Poultney Elementary School to deliver Storykeepers and inspire children to write about stories close to their homes and hearts.
Another writing activity that is always a hit at CLiF Family Literacy events is a collaborative poetry workshop with presenter Ted Scheu (pictured standing at left). During the 2025-2026 Year of the Book, Bristol (VT) Elementary School used CLiF funds to host an evening with Ted, where he guided children and caregivers through penning creative rhymes together. Willing participants were then invited to join Ted at the mic to share their compositions.
Comics writing is one of CLiF's most popular and requested writing workshops, by far. Why? Because children can't get enough of comics and graphic novels! As a result, this genre serves as a highly effective springboard for getting them excited about writing. This spring, author/illustrator Daryl Seitchik (pictured standing at right) visited five different Year of the Book schools across Vermont and New Hampshire, and worked with students aged K-6 to create comics complete with creative characters, unique world environments, dialogue and illustrations. Daryl also taught about panel layout and story structure.
As part of a multi-day writing workshop at the Canaan Elementary School during their past Year of the Book grant, Marek Bennett led students in creating “hero comics" (pictured at left with a Canaan student). After the workshop concluded, students made their own hero mini-comics, and distributed copies at local businesses so the community could experience and enjoy their creations.
Canaan’s Year of the Book coordinator Crystal Darling told CLiF: “I put some out there to test the waters and had to refill at the bank and pizza place. Students are starting to see them out in the community. My contact at the pizza place said that they are a huge hit!"
Want to create your own hero comic? Click here for a free download of Marek's mini-comic templates.
We're grateful to our presenters for offering these incredible experiences to our grant partners. And to all the young writers and illustrators out there working to create their own masterpieces (maybe mini, maybe not). Inspiration is everywhere! Our presenters always remind students that you don't have to look far to source great stories--talk to an elder, write about your goofy dog, or ask yourself or your student "What if..." Don't forget to keep on the lookout for CLiF's two-sentence writing contest in Spring 2027 for further inspiration and motivation.
Note: You don't need a CLiF grant to schedule your own workshop or residency with one of our presenters! To find out more about potential writing residencies, visit our presenter page and use the drop-down menu to sort by "Writing Workshops." This will bring up all presenters who offer these workshops, and ways you can contact them.