In every 916 Ink workshop, you'll find a couple of key ingredients that make our programs unique. Our approach, an adapted version of the AWA method, allows youth and children to express themselves in a safe and positive environment. By providing a supportive feedback structure, our Inkers gain a better social and emotional understanding of themselves and their peers, an essential set of skills for everyone to develop. Youth leave our programs with increased self-confidence, improved academic ability, and are inspired to continue writing in their day-to-day lives.

You can learn more about how the 916 Ink method works here

Sparks and Prompts

We start off most of our writes with “Sparks”, which are short poems or writing samples that are meant to inspire youth to write, just as much as an offered prompt will. Following Sparks, youth are offered a prompt meant to encourage creative writing.

Prompts may be given in a variety of ways at home and can be anything—from a wooden spatula to Lego Mini-figures to your old dirty shoe. Prompts can be a basket of seashells, interesting pictures or postcards, thought provoking questions, or a combination of things, etc.

Watch 916 Ink Founder Katie McCleary explain prompts and sparks

Sharing and Feedback

After writing, we encourage all youth to share what they have written aloud. Although they may pass, reading their work to others helps them build confidence in their writing abilities. When students share their work, we always offer them positive feedback in return.

To have respect for the writer, feedback should follow specific guidelines:

• All work should be treated as fiction. Never assume the character is the writer (Writer = who authored the writing; Narrator = who voices the writing).

• Now isn’t the time to ask questions about the work—the writer hasn’t had time to make these decisions yet.

• Avoid analyzing the story.

• Keep the focus on the writer/story, not the person giving feedback’s experiences.

Feedback should only focus on positive comments regarding the work:

Remember that this is first draft writing—no critiques or suggestions.

• What was strong about the writing?

• What images or words stood out?

• What will stay with you?

• What do you remember as being awesome?

Share your child’s writing and tag us on Facebook or Instagram and we’ll comment with positive feedback!