Spells Writing Lab http://phillyspells.org Experimenting with words since 2009 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:02:47 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Experimenting with words since 2009 Spells Writing Lab no Experimenting with words since 2009 Spells Writing Lab http://phillyspells.org/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://phillyspells.org Winter/Spring 2012 Workshops Coming Soon! http://phillyspells.org/winter-2012-workshops-coming-soon/ http://phillyspells.org/winter-2012-workshops-coming-soon/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:21:10 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1314 http://phillyspells.org/winter-2012-workshops-coming-soon/feed/ 0 Volunteer Orientations http://phillyspells.org/volunteer-orientations/ http://phillyspells.org/volunteer-orientations/#comments Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:00:15 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=111 http://phillyspells.org/volunteer-orientations/feed/ 0 Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—Crime Scene Investigation http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94december/ http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94december/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:19:15 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1270 Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Register Now

]]> http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94december/feed/ 0 Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—Natural Disasters http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94november/ http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94november/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:13:17 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1266 Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Register Now

]]> http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94november/feed/ 0 Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—The Haunted Laboratory http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94october/ http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94october/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:09:24 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1261 Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Register Now

]]> http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94october/feed/ 0 Your Words. Your Photos. Your Film. Your Voice. http://phillyspells.org/your-words-your-photos-your-film-your-voice/ http://phillyspells.org/your-words-your-photos-your-film-your-voice/#comments Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:25:54 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1245

]]> http://phillyspells.org/your-words-your-photos-your-film-your-voice/feed/ 0 Spells Fall Internships http://phillyspells.org/spells-fall-internships/ http://phillyspells.org/spells-fall-internships/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:40:32 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1235 Do you like kids? Writing? Dressing like a secret agent? If so, this could be the internship for you!

For college students who would like to turn their volunteering into an educational experience and can commit at least 10–20 hours per week to our organization, we offer the Spells Writing Lab Internship.

Interns will work directly with instructors and students, gaining valuable experience in many areas of educational programming and running a non-profit. This is not a boring office job; your internship will involve hands-on participation as a tutor, writing workshop leader, and lab assistant, as well as writing blog posts; reaching out to volunteers, families, schools, and community organizations; and assisting with grant-writing and fundraising efforts.

THE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Minimum commitment of 15–20 hours per week
  • A passion for writing
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and adapt to new situations
  • Experience with kids in a professional setting preferred
  • Editing, proofreading, or design skills a plus
  • Interest in other forms of artistic expression (photography, film, music, etc.) a plus

THE REWARDS:

  • Opportunities to work with local authors and journalists
  • Free admission to Spells Writing Lab events, including our annual fundraiser with a best-selling author
  • Free Spells Writing Lab t-shirt
  • Adoration from our students
  • A sense of accomplishment and pride from helping kids succeed

We are currently accepting internship applications on a rolling basis. To apply, please send an email to volunteer@phillyspells.org. The email should include a PDF attachment of your current resume, and a cover letter pasted into the body of the email that highlights specific skills and experience you would bring to Spells, as well as what you hope to gain from the internship.

We look forward to hearing from you!

]]> http://phillyspells.org/spells-fall-internships/feed/ 0 The Digital Storytelling Project http://phillyspells.org/digital-storytelling/ http://phillyspells.org/digital-storytelling/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 03:15:23 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1220 Your Words. Your Photos. Your Film. Your Voice.

You have something important to say. Whether it’s about your school, your family, your neighborhood, or your identity, you have a story that other people should hear. With our help, learn how to share your story in a dynamic way!

During this free six-week workshop, you will create a 3–5 minute Digital Story—a short, first-person video narrative created by combining recorded voice, still and moving images, and music or other sounds. We’ll supply tokens for public transportation, provide video and still cameras to capture your observations, and help you use multimedia software to bring your vision to life. All you need to bring is you—your thoughts, your personality, and your creativity!

Register Now

]]> http://phillyspells.org/digital-storytelling/feed/ 0 Poetry—Still Spitting http://phillyspells.org/poetry%e2%80%94still-spitting/ http://phillyspells.org/poetry%e2%80%94still-spitting/#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:40:15 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1150 Poetry is everywhere, from pop, to hip-hop, to rap, to spoken word. People use it to express themselves or to send a message. This two-day workshop will help you get your feet wet in the awesome world of poetry. You’ll learn about rhymes, rhythms, beats, and forms, and by the end of the workshop, you will have your very own poem in a brand new Spells anthology book.

Register Now

]]> http://phillyspells.org/poetry%e2%80%94still-spitting/feed/ 0 Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—June http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94june/ http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94june/#comments Sat, 18 Jun 2011 04:05:09 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1132 Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Register Now

]]> http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club%e2%80%94june/feed/ 0 The Spells Film Challenge http://phillyspells.org/film-challenge/ http://phillyspells.org/film-challenge/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:48:22 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1128 Dr. Spells is not only our mysterious founder, he’s also a big-time Hollywood producer. After the success of our first short film, “Super Horse,” he’s ready to commission a new movie from his favorite screenwriters, the students of Spells. Join us for this crash course in filmmaking from green light to popcorn, as we brainstorm ideas, write a screenplay, shoot the movie, and premiere it—all in one week!

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/film-challenge/feed/ 0 What’s Cooking? http://phillyspells.org/whats-cooking/ http://phillyspells.org/whats-cooking/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:35:32 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1124 For one week only this summer, Spells is transforming its lab into a recipe test kitchen, and you’re the chef! We’ll learn how a cookbook author comes up with recipe ideas, cook and sample our dishes, and write our recipes so readers can recreate our meals at home. By the end of the week, we’ll have a cookbook full of rockin’ recipes for no-cook snacks, healthy smoothies, and simple entrees for the whole family to enjoy!

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/whats-cooking/feed/ 0 Comedy Academy http://phillyspells.org/comedy-academy/ http://phillyspells.org/comedy-academy/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:21:37 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1117 Are you quick with a quip? Always cracking jokes? Fooling around and making people laugh? Then you might have what it takes to be a stand-up comedian. During this week of side-splitting laughs, we’ll try our hands at writing different types of rib-ticklers, from knock-knock jokes to riddles to funny stories. We’ll also work on our delivery to make our jokes extra hilarious, and tell them on stage at the end of the week. Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the Spells Comedy Academy!

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/comedy-academy/feed/ 0 The Worst-Case Scenarios of Dr. Spells http://phillyspells.org/the-worst-case-scenarios-of-dr-spells/ http://phillyspells.org/the-worst-case-scenarios-of-dr-spells/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 22:55:26 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1114 Our mysterious founder, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Spells, is a writer, publisher, inventor—and avid adventurer! Join us for this exciting week, as we recreate some of his wildest exploits and find creative solutions for escaping certain death or dismemberment. The Spells Adventurers will be traveling the globe (in our minds) to complete team challenges, craft amazing inventions with simple stuff, and transcribe the stories of our founder’s fantastic feats for future generations.

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/the-worst-case-scenarios-of-dr-spells/feed/ 0 Music Mania http://phillyspells.org/music-mania/ http://phillyspells.org/music-mania/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 22:45:11 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1111 You love music (we know you do) but have you ever tried writing your own song? Have you dreamed of standing on a massive stage in the limelight and singing to the world? Well we have a stage, some light, and possibly even some limes, and we can teach you some of the tools you’ll need to write a song of your very own. Throughout the week, you’ll work with professional singer/songwriters, learn about rhymes, beats, and melodies, and perform your Grammy-worthy hit on stage at the end of camp!

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/music-mania/feed/ 0 Spies Like Us http://phillyspells.org/spies-like-us/ http://phillyspells.org/spies-like-us/#comments Wed, 25 May 2011 03:45:53 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1079 You’ve been recruited to go undercover with Spells Writing Lab for this special one-week Spy School. After an intensive week of training by our operatives, you’ll have the skills you need to become a secret agent. Create your cover story, gather some pocket litter, and become a master of disguise. Learn the art of cryptography so you can send and decipher encoded messages. Then write fictionalized accounts of your most mysterious adventures. Do you have what it takes to be a master spy?

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/spies-like-us/feed/ 0 This Is My Philly Exhibition http://phillyspells.org/this-is-my-philly-exhibition/ http://phillyspells.org/this-is-my-philly-exhibition/#comments Tue, 24 May 2011 14:36:12 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1092 Earlier this year, Spells partnered with AIGA Philadelphia to help kids celebrate their unique neighborhoods in Philly. Under the guidance of graphic design college students from around the region, kids ages 8–12 created a collage and supporting poem expressing their love for their home. Come see the amazing work they created!

Reception on Thursday, May 26, 2011, from 6:00p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Exhibition runs through Friday, May 27.

Moore College of Art & Design
The Widener Memorial Foundation Gallery
20th Street and the Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Free and open to the public.

We hope to see you there!

]]> http://phillyspells.org/this-is-my-philly-exhibition/feed/ 0 Stories without Words http://phillyspells.org/stories-without-words/ http://phillyspells.org/stories-without-words/#comments Fri, 22 Apr 2011 01:46:14 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1066 Sometimes the art in storybooks interests us more than the story! Learn to create stories and tales completely out of pictures. Join us and retell your favorite fairytales with your own drawings, or create a story all your own and take it home to share with family and friends. This workshop focuses on communication and expression through art.

Register Now

]]> http://phillyspells.org/stories-without-words/feed/ 0 The Battle of Good vs. Evil 2023: A Graphic Novel http://phillyspells.org/the-battle-of-good-vs-evil-2023-a-graphic-novel/ http://phillyspells.org/the-battle-of-good-vs-evil-2023-a-graphic-novel/#comments Fri, 01 Apr 2011 21:44:22 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1046 For two Saturdays in March, Spells students crafted an exciting graphic novel that told the story of noble heroes Ikea and Fernanda, and their quest to foil the evil bear-harming plots of Goldilocks. After working together on the beginning of the story, our young graphic novelists created their own fantastical endings for you to enjoy.

The Battle of Good vs. Evil 2023

]]> http://phillyspells.org/the-battle-of-good-vs-evil-2023-a-graphic-novel/feed/ 0 Got a Green Thumb? Garden with Spells http://phillyspells.org/got-a-green-thumb-garden-with-spells/ http://phillyspells.org/got-a-green-thumb-garden-with-spells/#comments Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:53:03 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1012 Have a green thumb? Want to meet Spells volunteers & students? Interested in helping to make Philly more beautiful?

Join Spells Writing Lab and the Village of Arts and Humanities from 9 a.m. to noon on April 2 for Park Day 2011, our contribution to Philly’s Spring Cleanup Day. Spells volunteers will be working with our students to plant a special garden under the “Angel’s Alley” mosaic that faces our building. During tutoring and writing workshops, we often use this area for games and free time, so help us make it even more beautiful!

Materials and tools will be provided, so all you need to bring is yourself in gardening-appropriate clothes. And from noon until 2p.m., join us and our friends at the Village for a block party featuring music, dancing, screen printing, and a free BBQ for volunteers to celebrate our success!

Email volunteer@phillyspells.org to sign you and your kids up for the Spells project at Park Day 2011!

]]> http://phillyspells.org/got-a-green-thumb-garden-with-spells/feed/ 0 Philly Spring Cleanup at Spells http://phillyspells.org/philly-spring-cleanup-at-spells-2/ http://phillyspells.org/philly-spring-cleanup-at-spells-2/#comments Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:28:55 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=1001 On Saturday, April 2, volunteers from Spells Writing Lab will join their neighbors at the Village of Arts and Humanities for the Village Park Day 2011 project, part of the city-sponsored Philly Spring Cleanup Day. We’re inviting volunteers, students, friends, and family of all ages to help us plant the garden under the “Angel’s Alley” mosaic, adjacent to our writing lab. All materials and tools will be provided—just show up in clothes appropriate for digging in the dirt!

In addition to the gardening project, the Village will be hosting a block party featuring children’s activities and screen printing workshops, live performances, and a free cookout for volunteers. It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to see (and help beautify) our space, look in on a writing workshop, and get to know our community, all in one fell swoop! Email volunteer@phillyspells.org to sign up!

]]> http://phillyspells.org/philly-spring-cleanup-at-spells-2/feed/ 0 Spring Break Day Camp: Animal Explorers http://phillyspells.org/spring-break-day-camp-animal-explorers/ http://phillyspells.org/spring-break-day-camp-animal-explorers/#comments Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:52:27 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=992 Sticking close to home for Spring Break this year? Get a tantalizing taste of our summer programming with this special one-week day camp at Spells Writing Lab that’s perfect for animal lovers.

Each morning we’ll transform into Animal Explorers, seeking out local fauna in the green spaces around Spells, writing shaped poetry and animal tales, and discovering our own imaginary creatures while on safari. With special animal guests and plenty of critter creativity, this camp is sure to delight!

Note: all students will be required to have an animal waiver signed by a parent or guardian before participating in this workshop.

Register Now*

*This camp week has a minimum enrollment of 10 students. If the minimum enrollment is not reached by April 12, the Spring Break camp will be canceled.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/spring-break-day-camp-animal-explorers/feed/ 0 Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—April http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club-4/ http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club-4/#comments Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:02:14 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=982 Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Register Now

]]> http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club-4/feed/ 0 Spells Summer Internships http://phillyspells.org/spells-summer-internships/ http://phillyspells.org/spells-summer-internships/#comments Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:57:43 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=974 Do you like kids? Writing? Dressing like a secret agent? If so, this could be the internship for you!

Join Spells Writing Lab this summer as we plan and host a free summer day camp at our North Philadelphia headquarters. Drawing young writers from around the city, our writing camp focuses on a different theme each week, providing enrichment and excitement for Philly’s kids. Interns will work directly with instructors and students, gaining valuable experience in many areas of educational programming and running a non-profit.

We’re now accepting applications for our summer internships, which run from early June through mid-August.

To apply, please send an email to volunteer@phillyspells.org by Friday, April 1. The email should include a PDF attachment of your current resume and a cover letter pasted into the body of the email that highlights specific skills and experience you would bring to Spells, as well as what you hope to gain from the internship.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Minimum commitment of 15–20 hours per week
  • A passion for writing
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and adapt to new situations
  • Experience with kids in a professional setting preferred
  • Editing, proofreading, or design skills a plus
  • Interest in other forms of artistic expression (photography, film, music, etc.) a plus

We look forward to hearing from you!

]]> http://phillyspells.org/spells-summer-internships/feed/ 0 It’s a Mad Libs World: Graphic Novel Edition http://phillyspells.org/its-a-mad-libs-world-graphic-novel-edition/ http://phillyspells.org/its-a-mad-libs-world-graphic-novel-edition/#comments Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:10:33 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=921 Do you like comic books and graphic novels? Then join us at Spells for a Mad Libs-style graphic novel workshop! Learn plot pacing, dialogue, and illustration techniques while working on your writing skills and having a blast. We will be using a fun and inventive template as a springboard to writing and illustrating our own short graphic novel, and the results are bound to be wacky!

]]> http://phillyspells.org/its-a-mad-libs-world-graphic-novel-edition/feed/ 0 There’s a Book for That http://phillyspells.org/theres-a-book-for-that/ http://phillyspells.org/theres-a-book-for-that/#comments Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:00:11 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=941 At Spells, we love books. In fact, our tutoring students are participating in a reading challenge this month to read as many pages as possible. (If you’re interested in making a small donation to Spells this month, we could really use more early chapter books for our challenge.)

Several of the teens from Girl Scout Troop 9920 (which happens to be led by our programming director) have helped out as lab assistants at our summer camp or weekend workshops, so we were thrilled when they created this awesome pro-book PSA. Need to learn how to do something? There’s a book for that.

Click here to view the embedded video.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/theres-a-book-for-that/feed/ 0 Philly Spring Cleanup at Spells http://phillyspells.org/philly-spring-cleanup-at-spells/ http://phillyspells.org/philly-spring-cleanup-at-spells/#comments Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:07:17 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=927 This past Wednesday, there was quite a party going on in our front yard. Our friends at the Village of Arts and Humanities hosted Mayor Michael Nutter and the Philly Streets Department for a celebration of the one-month countdown to the 4th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup Day.

Spells students, who had a half-day off from school, enjoyed African-Caribbean dance music and drumming by Mafalda Thomas-Bouzy, dancers from a local school, and a cookout. They also used their creative talents to craft anti-litter posters during the event.


Wednesday also happened to be the 107th birthday of Dr. Seuss, so during the tutoring session that followed, we also donned Cat in the Hat hats and acted silly.

On April 2nd, Spells will be participating in the Philly Cleanup Day by doing service projects on the Village campus, so we hope you’ll volunteer to help out! Together we’ll rejuvenate this magical North Philadelphia landscape by cleaning, planting, painting, and restoring public art. After the clean-up, we’ll celebrate in true Village style with dance performances, BBQ and live music.

To get involved, please contact brenda@villagearts.org, 215-2257830.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/philly-spring-cleanup-at-spells/feed/ 0 Save the Date for an Evening with Bestselling Author Lisa Scottoline! http://phillyspells.org/save-the-date-for-an-evening-with-bestselling-author-lisa-scottoline/ http://phillyspells.org/save-the-date-for-an-evening-with-bestselling-author-lisa-scottoline/#comments Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:58:32 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=895 Please Mark Your Calendars For

The Writer. In the Ballroom. With the Pen.

An evening with Lisa Scottoline, bestselling crime fiction author of Look Again and the forthcoming Save Me and The Philadelphia Inquirer‘s “Chick Wit” columnist

The Loews Hotel
1200 Market Street

Tuesday May 3, 2011
6:15 pm-7:15 pm VIP reception
7:30 pm Conversation with Lisa Scottoline, followed by personalized signing of Save Me and dessert reception

The event will also include a silent auction.

Invitation to follow.

For tickets and more information, please go to phillyspells.org/events.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/save-the-date-for-an-evening-with-bestselling-author-lisa-scottoline/feed/ 0 Up Close and Personal…With YOU! http://phillyspells.org/up-close-and-personal-with-you/ http://phillyspells.org/up-close-and-personal-with-you/#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:17:05 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=843 Do you want to be an ace reporter? Come to this workshop to learn how to interview and profile a pal! Brainstorm interesting questions, practice your interviewing techniques, and write a feature story about another student. You’ll go home with your very own profile that someone has written about you!

Register Now

]]> http://phillyspells.org/up-close-and-personal-with-you/feed/ 0 Snow (and More Snow) http://phillyspells.org/snow-and-more-snow/ http://phillyspells.org/snow-and-more-snow/#comments Fri, 21 Jan 2011 23:05:57 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=949 This winter’s weather was particularly snowy. And we all know how much kids love snow. So it’s no surprise that the Spells tutoring students were inspired to document the fluffy stuff with this magazine, written and photographed in one afternoon.

(Click on fullscreen for the best reading experience.)

Snow Magazine

]]> http://phillyspells.org/snow-and-more-snow/feed/ 0 The Writer. In the Ballroom. With the Pen. http://phillyspells.org/the-writer-in-the-ballroom-with-the-pen/ http://phillyspells.org/the-writer-in-the-ballroom-with-the-pen/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 03:57:40 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=824

Join us for a thrilling conversation about writing, deploying killer wit, and building a community through words.

The event will also include a silent auction.

Tix are:
Benefactor: $250
(Includes an intimate wine and hors d’oeuvres pre-reception with the author, a presigned copy of Save Me, preferred seating for the main event, and recognition in the program booklet. Please RSVP by April 4 for inclusion.)

VIP: $125
(Includes pre-reception with the author, a presigned copy of Save Me, and preferred seating.)

Patron: $70
(Includes a presigned copy of Save Me.)

Tickets are now available for advance purchase at http://phillyspells.org/store. They will also be sold at the door for $80, pending availability.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/the-writer-in-the-ballroom-with-the-pen/feed/ 0 Happy Holidays! http://phillyspells.org/happy-holidays/ http://phillyspells.org/happy-holidays/#comments Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:30:08 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=794

The Students and Volunteer Staff
of Spells Writing Lab
Wish You a Very Happy Holiday Season!

We’ve had a busy first year at our center in North Philly, and we appreciate all of your support!

Our dedicated volunteers and donors help our organization give the children of Philadelphia a better future through fun literacy-building activities. We look forward to seeing you at tutoring, writing workshops, or fund-raising events in 2011!

]]> http://phillyspells.org/happy-holidays/feed/ 0 This Is My Philly http://phillyspells.org/this-is-my-philly/ http://phillyspells.org/this-is-my-philly/#comments Sat, 18 Dec 2010 06:15:21 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=784

Do you love your neighborhood? What’s your favorite place, building, park, or person where you live? Is there something unique about your home? We believe there’s something special about all the communities that make up Philadelphia. No matter what the size or location, we all feel a sense of pride and love for our neighborhood.

Spells Writing Lab is partnering with AIGA Philadelphia to celebrate the special neighborhoods of our city. AIGA Philadelphia is a local organization comprised of creatives such as graphic designers, illustrators, educators, etc. Under the guidance of graphic design college students from around the city, kids will create a collage and supporting poem expressing their love for their home. Emphasis will be placed on successfully expressing ideas through the integration of image and the written word.

Held at Moore College of Art & Design, participants will have the opportunity to see how professionally trained creatives work. After the workshop, with the help of computers and scanners, graphic design students will work together to design a larger project that features all the pieces created in this workshop.

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]]> http://phillyspells.org/this-is-my-philly/feed/ 0 Read Between the Wines http://phillyspells.org/read-between-the-wines/ http://phillyspells.org/read-between-the-wines/#comments Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:00:38 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=716

One Flight, Two Flight, Red Flight, White Flight

Featuring wines from around the world, paired with a selection of Di Bruno Bros cheese by local sommelier Owen Rothstein and CoolVines. Chaddford Winery will sponsor a booth.

Mix and mingle while comparing tasting notes, reading stories authored by children at our free writing workshops, and listening to light music fare by great local artists. A 50/50 raffle will also be held.

Parking is available during the event at 1845 Walnut Street for a $12 flat rate, and at 2101 Chestnut for a $6 flat rate.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/read-between-the-wines/feed/ 0 Dancing with Hades—Deleted Scenes from the Lightning Thief http://phillyspells.org/dancing-with-hades%e2%80%94deleted-scenes-from-the-lightning-thief/ http://phillyspells.org/dancing-with-hades%e2%80%94deleted-scenes-from-the-lightning-thief/#comments Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:23:06 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=772 During our four-session From Page to Screen workshop at the Painted Bride Art Center this fall, we focused on Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief, the first book in his best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. After watching the film version and participating in a lively discussion about its strengths and weaknesses, the Spells screenwriters tried their hand at adapting extra scenes to make the movie better. These short scenes include toilet bowl swirlies, epic battles, and a celebratory dance party in the underworld. Enjoy!

]]> http://phillyspells.org/dancing-with-hades%e2%80%94deleted-scenes-from-the-lightning-thief/feed/ 0 And Then . . . http://phillyspells.org/and-then/ http://phillyspells.org/and-then/#comments Sat, 20 Nov 2010 20:30:18 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=754 Have you ever thought about what crazy things could happen if you gave an animal a treat? The answer might be more than a little surprising! In this writing workshop based on Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond’s popular If You Give A Mouse A Cookie series, we will explore how small actions can lead to zany consequences, and how an everyday situation can turn disastrous—or hilarious! Taking place at the Gallery at Market East, this is a perfect opportunity for parents to get some holiday shopping done without the kids. And, as a special treat after the workshop, participants are invited to help paint the “How Philly Moves” mural, which is being installed next spring on the exterior of the airport.

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]]> http://phillyspells.org/and-then/feed/ 0 Writing for Your Pets http://phillyspells.org/writing-for-your-pets/ http://phillyspells.org/writing-for-your-pets/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:24:33 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=748 You’ve probably written stories about your pets. But have you ever written stories FOR them? In this wild workshop, we’ll brainstorm what kinds of stories our furred, feathered, and scaly friends would enjoy listening to and create them! For example, we have it on good authority that dogs love tales about treats, chasing things, and bravely scaring off dastardly intruders like the recycling bin. What does YOUR pet want to read about?

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]]> http://phillyspells.org/writing-for-your-pets/feed/ 0 Extraordinary Excuses http://phillyspells.org/extraordinary-excuses/ http://phillyspells.org/extraordinary-excuses/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:13:37 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=743 Are you trying to avoid taking a test at school?  Trying to find a reason to get out of gym class? Forget to finish your homework, but you’ve already used “My dog ate it”? Taking inspiration from the book Dear Teacher by Amy Husband, we’ll imagine incredibly convincing explanations and craft extraordinary excuse notes that are way more creative than your average doctor’s note. We can’t guarantee that these adventurous accounts will result in an excused absence, but we’re sure your teacher will have fun reading them!

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]]> http://phillyspells.org/extraordinary-excuses/feed/ 0 Cheating for Charity http://phillyspells.org/cheating-for-charity/ http://phillyspells.org/cheating-for-charity/#comments Tue, 26 Oct 2010 04:35:59 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=724

Congratulations to Cheating Champs, Catdog!

Last month, Spells Writing Lab held its 1st Annual Quizzo for Cheaters fundraiser at Marbar, on 40th and Walnut Streets. With Philadelphia legend Johnny Goodtimes leading the questioning, teams of up to eight trivia buffs competed in four rounds of fierce and fun Quizzo festivities, including a photo round of famous cheaters.
Teams were encouraged to cheat—for a price. In return for donations to support our literacy programs, they could double their chances of getting the question right with a Double Answer, Phone a Friend at the end of the round, or use The Smart Phone to verify their guesses.

Executive Director Christina Rose Dubb's team carefully planned their cheats to vault up to 3rd place!

At the end of the night, team Catdog came out ahead, thanks in part to their generous purchase of cheats, and garnered the title of Cheating Quizzo Champions. Join us next year as we cheat for charity and keep an eye out for other Spells fundraisers in the coming months.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/cheating-for-charity/feed/ 0 Tutoring Takes Off! http://phillyspells.org/tutoring-takes-off/ http://phillyspells.org/tutoring-takes-off/#comments Tue, 26 Oct 2010 04:31:47 +0000 lizencarn http://phillyspells.org/?p=722 By 3:30 on Monday September 20th, there was already a small crowd of Spells regulars on the stoop of our lab in North Philly. Volunteers were inside quickly assembling the last of the new red chairs to match the vibrant colors that decorate the interior of the building. As the doors opened, there was a stampede up to the loft to check out the new additions to our library and settle in on the big comfy couch. It was time to begin the revamped after-school tutoring program at Spells!

We’ve had a great first month of tutoring, full of catching up with regulars and meeting new students who were drawn to the lab by the promise of a safe space for creativity and enjoying learning. A normal afternoon at Spells (if there is such a thing) begins downstairs with homework and tutoring time—and, now that the weather is cooler, lab coats! Even students who finish their homework early get the chance to stretch their brains with fun games such as Mad-Libs, math bingo, and Bananagrams. After a healthy snack (a favorite being clementines) and story time, we head outside to loosen up our bodies and minds. The art park next door is transformed into a makeshift baseball diamond with home-run sluggers as our Spellsian artists create sidewalk masterpieces with chalk.

For the last thirty minutes, we congregate inside once again for a writing workshop! In the coming weeks, we’ll be using this time to work on ongoing writing projects such as tabletop superhero films and the epic adventures of our eccentric fictional founder, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Spells. Stay tuned to hear more about how our wacky creations unfold!

]]> http://phillyspells.org/tutoring-takes-off/feed/ 0 The Secret Knowledge of Grown-ups http://phillyspells.org/the-secret-knowledge-of-grown-ups/ http://phillyspells.org/the-secret-knowledge-of-grown-ups/#comments Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:21:34 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=535 When your parents tell you to eat your veggies because they’re good for you, are they telling the truth? Is calcium the real reason you should drink lots of milk? And what would REALLY happen if you didn’t brush your hair? Have you ever suspected that grown-ups are part of a vast consipiracy in which they tell you fake reasons for following the rules because they don’t think kids can handle the truth? If so, come to this top-secret workshop, where we’ll uncover the real stories behind the lies our parents tell us. But shhhhhh… don’t let them know we’re spilling the beans, or they’ll try to stop u………………………………

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]]> http://phillyspells.org/the-secret-knowledge-of-grown-ups/feed/ 0 Family Writing Workshop: First Person Museum http://phillyspells.org/family-writing-workshop-first-person-museum/ http://phillyspells.org/family-writing-workshop-first-person-museum/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:09:43 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=416 Join Spells Writing Lab for a writing activity that involves the whole family!  After touring the First Person Museum at the Painted Bride, a ”museum of the people” to exhibit the meaningful stories behind the objects we treasure in our lives, your family will have the opportunity to tell your own stories about your meaningful objects.  Please bring an object (or photograph) that has a particularly special meaning for your family and participate in our own Show and Tell and Write activity.  You will leave the workshop with a collaborative piece of writing that will make the whole family proud!

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]]> http://phillyspells.org/family-writing-workshop-first-person-museum/feed/ 0 Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club-3/ http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club-3/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:01:14 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=412 Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, used a magnet to pull the iron out of cereal, turned milk into curds and whey, and made gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

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]]> http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club-3/feed/ 0 The Ultimate Travel Guide to Imaginary Places http://phillyspells.org/the-ultimate-travel-guide-to-imaginary-places/ http://phillyspells.org/the-ultimate-travel-guide-to-imaginary-places/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:00:11 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=410 Spells Writing Lab is transforming from a laboratory into a travel agency . . . with tickets to your favorite fictional places! Bring along a favorite book (or think of a movie) with an exciting setting and create your very own travel guide for that location. We’ll help you brainstorm where to stay, restaurants for dining, and the can’t-miss sights everyone should see at this imaginary destination. In the end we will compile the Ultimate Travel Guide to Imaginary Places with all of the locales.

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]]> http://phillyspells.org/the-ultimate-travel-guide-to-imaginary-places/feed/ 0 Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club-2/ http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club-2/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:58:23 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=408 Register Now

]]> http://phillyspells.org/totally-irresponsible-saturday-science-club-2/feed/ 0 Perfecting the College Essay III http://phillyspells.org/perfecting-the-college-essay-3/ http://phillyspells.org/perfecting-the-college-essay-3/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:57:03 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=406 Whether you already have started a draft or you’re just beginning the process, join Spells Writing Lab and current college students from Ursinus College for a two-week session that will set you on the right track. The workshop will provide you with general preparation for the college application writing process and allow you to work in small groups and one-on-one with current college students who will help you with your writing!  Class limited to 10 students.

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]]> http://phillyspells.org/perfecting-the-college-essay-3/feed/ 0 Perfecting the College Essay II http://phillyspells.org/perfecting-the-college-essay-2/ http://phillyspells.org/perfecting-the-college-essay-2/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:56:00 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=402 Whether you already have started a draft or you’re just beginning the process, join Spells Writing Lab and current college students from Ursinus College for a two-week session that will set you on the right track. The workshop will provide you with general preparation for the college application writing process and allow you to work in small groups and one-on-one with current college students who will help you with your writing!  Class limited to 10 students.

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]]> http://phillyspells.org/perfecting-the-college-essay-2/feed/ 0 Snapshots http://phillyspells.org/snapshots/ http://phillyspells.org/snapshots/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:52:18 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=399 A picture is worth a thousand works. For famed photographer Gordon Parks, whether it’s a photograph of a worker holding a mop, or of famed boxer Muhammad Ali sweating during a workout, his images told memorable tales. Narrative journalism should also paint a vivid image. What does rain sound like? What does your mom’s kitchen smell like? What color is the neighbor’s cat? Details take the reader on a ride, and make for good stories. We will use some of Park’s most famous photos for inspiration, take our own photos and write short features based on what we captured.
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]]> http://phillyspells.org/snapshots/feed/ 0 A Ghoulish BRIDE Family Spooktacular http://phillyspells.org/a-ghoulish-bride-family-spooktacular/ http://phillyspells.org/a-ghoulish-bride-family-spooktacular/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:18:38 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=345 This year, join The Painted Bride Art Center for Dracula’s tastiest playdate as they conjure up Halloween fun for all ages. No costumes, no worries. On hand will be monster face painting, ghoulish draping, and wicked beads of blood plus anything else you bring along that’s stir crazy. Get on the dance floor and learn MJ’s classic THRILLER dance alongside choreographer Rhonda Moore or just show off your own monster-mash steps. Join Spells Writing Lab and children’s author Elizabeth Encarnacion as she reads ghastly ghost stories and other terrible tales, with a few silly Halloween poems mixed in for the faint of heart. So much more in store for this Ghoulish Family Spooktacular.

]]> http://phillyspells.org/a-ghoulish-bride-family-spooktacular/feed/ 0 Monsters: The Untold Story http://phillyspells.org/monsters-the-untold-story/ http://phillyspells.org/monsters-the-untold-story/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:14:31 +0000 admin http://phillyspells.org/?p=342 They can be scary, ugly, funny, and gross. But do you really know what it’s like to be a monster? It’s not easy. Explore what life is like for your favorite creature. Use your imagination to create a whole life for your monster that didn’t exist before. Does he have monster friends? What does a monster do when she’s not scaring people? Write the untold story of monsters and maybe even help them change their monster ways.

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