Your choice of three sessions for ages 7-12. See "The Details" at the bottom of this page for more info and to purchase the series.
SOLD OUT - join the waitlist here! We do have openingis on Tuesdays on Zoom,
We're all about teaching literature in fun, hands-on ways! Our workshops are delightful for kids who love reading already, and inspiring for kids who don't. In fact, we've turned hundreds of reluctant readers into avid enthusiasts since 2010. What's more, everything we do is loaded with meaningful layers. It's amazing how much kids can learn while they're "just" having fun!
"I am continually amazed at your creativity, depth of teaching, and kind encouragement to each student. Your books choices are so beautiful and I absolutely love your dedication to celebrating diversity and inspiring compassion and empathy. You guys are the best! Thank you for investing in [my daughter's] life. Your classes make the world a more beautiful place!" -Donna S.
Our 4-workshop in-person series of
"Your workshops are certain to be among the fondest memories this group of kids will have of their schooling years! What a beautiful gift that they connect over books rather than games or media. Bravo! Thank you!" -Kimberly J.
for live-in-person workshops
(We also offer workshops live on Zoom)
Before each workshop, your child will read or listen to the story for fun, with no assignments in mind. (You'll provide the book; see "The Details" for purchase links.)
During each workshop, we'll go through the narrative arc, reaching into the story to "do what the characters did" in creative, memorable ways to unpack the book's lessons.
"Thank you! Congratulations on such an incredible idea. Your program is exactly what schools are missing, and what makes literature exciting to kids." -Kari G.
WHAT YOUR CHILD GETS
all supplies and materials
an audiovisual introduction to the author
the geographical context of author and story
a walk-through of the story’s plot, pausing to “do what the characters (or author) did,” including:
a creative writing assignment based on writing done by the author or a character
at least one meaningful project that imparts lessons in fun, hands-on ways
a straight-from-the-story snack —what we call “BookBites”
intangible takeaways from discussions and creativity, such as:
a great time exploring a great book, and the desire to read many more
an empathetic literary model of someone who learned invaluable lessons about coping, growing, and overcoming
WHAT YOU GET
the chance to bond with your child (or whole family) over a great book
your happy child learning literary and life lessons, while you do something else!
"What a wonderful time my kids have at LitWits! And I love reading their work, so creative and funny. They are very proud of what they accomplish in class and read it aloud to all at the dinner table that night." - Heather M
for Santa Cruz workshops
Santa Cruz Session Choices
Wednesdays 9-12 (ages 7-12) - SOLD OUT - join the waitlist here!
Thursdays 9-12 (ages 7-12)SOLD OUT - join the waitlist here!
Thursdays 1:30-4:30 (ages 7-12)SOLD OUT - join the waitlist here!
Important: You'll make your choice on the registration form, emailed right after purchase (if you've subscribed to our list, which you can do at checkout or in your account settings.) If you still don't get the email,and it's not in your spam/promotions folder, reach out.
Schedule
Feb 19 or 20: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry* by Mildred D. Taylor (1976) Please note that because of its subject matter, this book has some language and violence our chosen books don't usually include.
Mar 19 or 20: Homer Price* by Robert McCloskey (1943)
Apr 16 or 17: Gentle Ben* by Walt Morey (1965) If this is your child's spring break and s/he can't come in person, let us know and we'll bring the supplies for our Zoom version (Tue 4/15 1-3p) to our March workshop.
May 14 or 15: From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler* by E.L. Konigsburg (1967)
*Titles link to Amazon. We make a small commission on anything you buy through our Amazon affiliate links.
Location: All six workshops are held on the campus of Vintage Faith Church, 350 Mission Street, Santa Cruz.
Ages: 7 and up. Our activities are geared to accommodate a range of ages simultaneously.
Prep: None! Just have your child read or listen to the book before each workshop. Abridged versions are fine, but not film versions.
Cost: $360 per child for the semester (four 3-hour in-person workshops); price includes all workshop supplies and materials.
At checkout there's an option to pay in monthly installments: (Charter school parents, scroll down for instructions.)
Charter schools: LitWits is an approved vendor for Ocean Grove, South Sutter, and Sky Mountain charter schools. If you're with one of those schools, enter discount code CHARTER to save a seat and check out without prepaying.
Makeup ("pre-miss") option: We don't prorate or refund for missed workshops, but if you know ahead of time that your child will miss a workshop, s/he's welcome to attend our all-ages Zoom version of that workshop--just ask. (We can't guarantee we'll get you the supplies in time, but DIY prep instructions are included with the Zoom workshop.)
Cancellation Policy: Cancel by February 1 for a full refund. Between February 1-21, we can refund 50%. After February 21 we can refund 25%.
Becky and Jenny, sisters and LitWits founders.
Becky's a literature-based homeschool teacher, author of a study skills curriculum, and a journalism major who spent four years as a newspaper staff writer. She's working on the biography of a fascinating Bay Area woman of history whose diaries she found at the flea market.
Jenny's been a K-6 teacher and a K-12 language arts tutor. She has a BA in English literature and an MFA in creative nonfiction and poetry writing. She’s the author of MINE, a creative historical biography, and her scholarship, essays, and poems have appeared in several journals.
After checkout, we'll email your registration form.
(Check your spam folders, and let your patrol know that LitWits is safe.)
join the waitlist here!
(Your child/ren won't be on our roster until you fill that out.)
"My background being in teaching literature, directing a writing center, and theater, I so deeply appreciate the creativity and quality of what you're doing in LitWits! Actually, I can hardly believe it! What a gift you two are." -Joy L.