Writing Matters
June 23-27, 2025
1:00PM - 3:00PM PST
for students 14-15 years old
SPACE IS LIMITED
TO 4 STUDENTS
Location: Zoom
Tuition: $500
Writing Matters is designed for students with an interest in creative writing, although no experience is required. For reluctant writers, or for those who want support in academic writing, contact Sam Prestianni directly for 1:1 tutoring opportunities.
An inspiring, imagination-expanding workshop for a small group of adolescent writers to explore the following writing practices:
-
Multilayered literary analysis of contemporary poetry and flash fiction
- Individual and collaborative creative writing that embraces multiple perspectives
- Inquiry-based creative problem solving to broaden critical thinking
- Identification and effective application of nuanced literary devices (e.g. irony, ambiguity, shifting point of view)
- Step-by-step writing and revision processes, including individualized instructor feedback
- Public speaking/literary presentation
Course Benefits:
-
Very small class size limited to four students
-
Dynamic and convenient online classes (live on Zoom)
-
Custom-designed multimedia curriculum
-
Fun, challenging, wide-ranging assignments
-
Differentiated instruction to meet individual creative, academic, and SEL needs
-
Excellent preparation for high school-level writing and literature analysis
-
Publishing tips and resources available for interested writers
-
Opportunity to work with 21st Century Learning founder, Sam Prestianni, a widely published local writer and veteran Humanities educator
​
— Marilyn F.
Meet Your Instructor
Sam Prestianni is a widely published writer/editor (SFWeekly, New York Press, Jazziz, and elsewhere) and veteran Humanities educator who has taught writing for nearly three decades in Bay Area independent schools, including, most recently, Marin Horizon in Mill Valley. In 2021, he founded 21st Century Learning, an online platform that provides students of all ages uplifting education and personal growth experiences that transcend the traditional classroom. He's a Language Arts, Humanities, and SEL Development curriculum specialist. His individualized workshops and 1:1 courses include Creative Writing, Expository Writing, Songwriting, College/HS Application Essay Prep, Executive Function, and Media Literacy. A complete bio may be found here.