Creative writing and poetry: One line at a time

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Dates

2027: 19.04.2027 – 24.04.2027 | 17.05.2027 – 22.05.2027 | 21.06.2027 – 26.06.2027 | 26.07.2027 – 31.07.2027 | 30.08.2027 – 04.09.2027 | 27.09.2027 – 02.10.2027 | 04.10.2027 – 09.10.2027

2028: To be announced (Ask for dates)

Intro

Writing is more than just grammar and spelling. It is a powerful way for students to think, feel, and express themselves. “Creative writing and poetry” is a practical inspiring course that helps educators and youth professionals bring playful, low-pressure writing practices into any classroom.

Including a variety of activities like quick word games, mind maps, simple poetry, and journal prompts, you will discover how putting pen to paper can clarify thoughts, boost confidence, and ignite imagination.

Who is this for?

This course is tailored for education, cultural and youth professionals of all levels – including teachers, leaders, counselors, mentors, camp leaders, extracurricular activity coordinators, and more – who want to encourage open student expression through writing.

No prior creative writing experience is required – just curiosity and a love for learning.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand writing for student development: Discover how regular writing practices help students organize complex thoughts, express their identity, and deepen their overall learning process.
• Practice diverse writing formats: Explore mind mapping, short poems, and quick freewriting to help students organize and express their thoughts effortlessly.
• Separate expression from perfection: Learn how to create low-pressure writing tasks where participants focus on sharing ideas rather than worrying about mistakes.
• Encourage playful learning with word games: Master engaging language activities and playful challenges that make writing fun and accessible for every learner.
• Build classroom writing rituals: Establish daily or weekly writing routines – from short haikus to reflective journal prompts – that build confidence over time.
• Foster supportive sharing environments: Gain practical strategies to help youth participants read their work out loud and listen to peers with empathy and respect.

Modules

• Module 1: The story and power of writing. Explore the history and cultural role of the written word, discovering how writing has helped humans capture memories, connect cultures, and express thoughts at every stage of life.
• Module 2: Scaffolding creative thought. Try out simple visual frameworks – like mind maps and structured outlines – that help students turn raw ideas into clear, organized thoughts.
• Module 3: Low-pressure writing rituals. Step away from rigid grading to practice freewriting and exploratory prompts that encourage participants to express themes freely.
• Module 4: Poetry and spoken expression. Practice short, accessible poetry formats like haikus and short reflections, experiencing the power of sharing stories out loud in a supportive group.
• Module 5: Playful language games. Discover a toolkit of fast-paced word games and lateral thinking exercises designed to break writer’s block and energize your youth group.
• Module 6: Applying it in the classroom. Workshop original activities with European peers and design simple lesson plans to apply creative writing across any activity and lesson type.

Course Outcomes

• Build a ready-to-use writing toolkit: Walk away with a rich collection of word games, poetry templates, and journaling prompts ready for immediate classroom use.
• Support holistic student growth: Use reflective writing techniques to foster self-awareness, critical reflection, and confidence across all learning stages.
• Enhance subject teaching: Integrate creative writing tasks into any subject to deepen comprehension and critical thinking.
• Unlock inclusive expression: Create a welcoming learning space where quiet or hesitant participants feel empowered to find and share their authentic voice.
• Cultivate European educator connections: Exchange creative teaching ideas with an international network of peers, building long-lasting European cross-border partnerships.

Equipment

Participants should bring a laptop or tablet for sharing digital resources during the course.

See all available courses we offer.