JUST WORDS: A Gentle Workshop for Writing for Young Readers
Recharge Your Writing Life Through Children’s Literature, Creativity, and Community
Online • Free • Open to Educators, Writers, and Anyone Curious About Writing for Young Readers
Looking for a different kind of summer professional development?
Step away from data, deadlines, and checklists for a few hours and reconnect with the power of stories. This supportive workshop invites participants to read like writers, explore contemporary children’s literature, and spend dedicated time creating their own original work for young readers. Whether you are a teacher, librarian, literacy coach, graduate student, aspiring author, or lifelong reader, you are welcome.
During This 2.5-Hour Workshop, You’ll
- Study contemporary children’s literature mentor texts
- Explore the craft of writing for young readers
- Generate ideas inspired by memory, wonder, nature, community, and everyday life
- Draft a flash fiction or nonfiction piece
- Reflect with a supportive community of writers
- Leave with fresh inspiration for your writing and teaching
Facilitator: Sarah Donovan is the editor of Just Words and Just YA, an open educational resource hosted on OpenOKState. She is a writer and teacher educator whose work focuses on writing, literacy, and supporting educators as writers themselves. Through her teaching and editorial work, she is committed to creating accessible spaces for creative writing and thoughtful engagement with texts for young readers and young adults.
Write What Interests You
Participants may choose to draft:
- Flash Fiction
- Narrative Nonfiction
- Informational Texts
- Lyrical Nonfiction
- Hybrid Forms
Writers may develop a piece for potential submission to the Just Words open call, but publication is entirely optional: https://sites.google.com/view/justya/home
This workshop is designed for exploration, creativity, and growth—not critique.
You’ll Leave With
- A draft or strong beginning
- Mentor text recommendations
- New writing strategies
- Ideas for classroom application
- Renewed confidence as a writer
- Inspiration for the year ahead
No Previous Publishing Experience Required
Just bring curiosity, a willingness to write, and a belief that stories matter.
REGISTRATION
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 11:30 am CT
This workshop is free and open to all. If you are able, an optional donation helps support the website, maintain free programming, and create future opportunities for readers and writers. paypal.me/DrSJDonovan
By completing this form, you reserve your spot. Space is limited, so please only sign up if you can commit to attending.
