If reading opens a window to the world, writing helps to look within. Schools are increasingly emphasizing the need for students to develop good writing skills to facilitate communication and development.

Readomania, a Delhi-based publishing house, has been running writing workshops for students since 2017. It has already run over 30 workshops for over 150 students.

The sessions, which have been online since the pandemic, aim to teach young participants the basics of storytelling. It all started with a story writing workshop, but over time the sessions got longer and more structured.

“Reading is an important component of the course, which includes developing a storyline and plot, creating a memorable character and a good setting for a story, using the best narrative sequencing, thinking from the reader’s perspective, by self-editing and researching. ” said Dipankar Mukherjee, editor and director, Readomania Publishing.

Schools and Colleges in Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Dubai have partnered with Readomania for Young Writers Programs. Two schools in Calcutta are in talks with the publishing house to start similar workshops.

Why schools are signing up

Students at Basava International School in New Delhi have attended the workshops during their summer vacation for the past two years.

“We introduced the workshops last year and 10 students attended the first year. The response from students and parents has been incredible so we decided to continue. Twelve students from grades IX to XII participated in the workshop this year. The aspiring writers at our school had the opportunity to hone and hone their skills, ”said Pragya Sharma, Faculty of English, Basava International School.

Teachers at Lotus Valley International School in Noida felt that the workshops would be a good way to rekindle interest in the language. “In the upper grades, many students don’t take language studies too seriously and focus more on science and social subjects. So it’s a way of reminding them that English can also have a business aspect. The mentors took additional sessions for the students after completing the course. There were also a few virtual interactive sessions where the authors spoke to the children and were introduced to an online forum where they can share ideas and interact during the coming year, ”said Sukriti Roy, Head of Department of Education. ‘English and foreign languages. , Lotus Valley International School.

How to register

Students can register for workshops through their school or individually. Applicants are selected on the basis of their creative thinking skills. We give them some abstract elements and we ask them to weave a story around them.

The workshops are divided into three age groups – Classes VI through VIII, IX through XII and college and above.

The duration of the modules varies according to the age group and the intensity. The most elaborate and comprehensive modules last 15 hours – one hour every day or two hours every weekend. There are also weekend programs and an 8 hour condensed program spread over two weekends. The content and structure of the workshops can also be adapted according to the needs and requirements of the institution.

Workshop fees vary from Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000 depending on the duration and intensity.

Before the pandemic, a maximum of 35 students could register for each offline batch, but no more than 15 participants are allowed in each virtual session so that it is easier to interact. ‘

Publish your book

The part of the workshops that students love is that their writing is compiled into a book and published. For Arnava Garg, a Class XII science student at Lotus Valley International School, Noida, the Young Writers Program has been a refreshing experience. “At first it was difficult to convince my parents to allow me to join the workshop, but once they saw the book published, they were also happy.

The workshops are designed to develop skills such as problem solving, empathy, the ability to formulate a unique plot idea and to form a structural situation.

Sara Srivastava, a class X student at Basava International School, found the workshop rewarding. “I had ideas before but I didn’t know how to go about it. It was amazing how much effort went into publishing a book. The instructors were extremely tolerant and listened to our ideas and that is something teens admire.

Students are typically trained by teachers who have experience teaching literature, creative writing, or publishing. The published authors also guide the students.