“My child really enjoyed participating in Eileen’s writing camp and looked forward to every session! It was wonderful to see them have fun with friends, progress over time, and truly delve into the characters they created. Since the workshop, they have continued to write fiction on their own and to explore the craft of writing.”
Eileen’s debut Middle Grade novel, Camp Clique, the first book in The Popularity Pact series, was published in April 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic. As a result, all of her in-person events with schools, libraries and bookstores were cancelled. Rather than being discouraged, she created a solution by forming a free virtual writing camp and book club program to serve the kids affected by school closures. The response was overwhelmingly positive and the camps in high demand. She connected with kids from all across the country and caught the attention of institutions like the Providence Children’s Museum, Sarah Lawrence College, the Rhode Island Department of Education, Thalia Kids Book Club Camp based out of Manhattan’s Symphony Space, and the upcoming Orange County Children’s Book Festival. She will continue to serve kids during the 2020-2021 academic year with a variety of virtual writing and book club program options for schools, libraries, and parents.
See below for detailed information about Eileen’s programs. If you would like Eileen to bring one of her programs to your school or learning pod, email her at eileenmpalma@gmail.com and she will be happy to set it up for you.
VIRTUAL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS FOR 3rd — 6th Graders
Virtual Writing Club
During this guided writing program, the students will write short fictional stories about friendship. They will learn about character development, descriptive language, and plotting with a heavy emphasis on giving and receiving positive feedback. I modified the workshop model that I use in my classroom at Sarah Lawrence College to fit a program for young writers.
• Frequency/Duration: Four 45 – 60 minute weekly or bi-weekly meetings
• Time of Day: This program could be offered as an after school/lunchtime club or used as an enrichment program in the classroom during the school day.
• Group Size: For after school/lunchtime groups, the size is limited to 25 students. For a classroom program, I can accommodate larger groups by extending the duration of the meeting time or amount of meetings if needed.
Virtual Classroom/Learning Pod Writing Workshop
I will lead the class in a writing workshop lesson that will be a modified version of what I offer my students at Sarah Lawrence College. The lesson includes a craft mini-lesson, a writing prompt and time for students to share their work.
• Frequency/Duration: Depending on the scheduling at your school, this could be offered as two 45 minute workshops, or one 60-90 minute workshop.
• Time of Day: This workshop is offered as a virtual classroom/learning pod visit during the school day.
Virtual Book Club
Students will read Camp Clique and/or School Squad in advance of the book club meeting. They will be instructed ahead of time to keep track of any questions they have about the storyline of the book while they are reading. During the book club meeting, we will have a casual discussion where the students can ask me questions about the book, my writing process or my life as a writer. This book club is equal parts Q & A, and student focused discussion.
• Frequency/Duration: One 60- 90 minute session
• Time of day: This program could be offered as an after school/lunchtime club or used as an enrichment program in the classroom during the school day. I am flexible with scheduling and will work with you to meet your needs.
Virtual Lunch Bunch or After School/Learning Pod Group
This virtual lunch club is for those young writers who would like to be challenged with creative writing prompts in a supportive setting. Each meeting will consist of a creative writing prompt, time to write and time for some sharing of work. This program is for young writers who would like more time for creative writing outside of the classroom setting.
• Frequency/Duration: Four weekly 45 – 60 minute meetings
• Time of day: This program could be offered as an after school/lunchtime club.
• Group Size: For after school/lunchtime groups, the size is limited to 25 students. For a classroom program, I can accommodate larger groups by extending the duration of the meeting time or amount of meetings if needed.