High School Students Inspire Young Writers Through Creative Writing Program

The Imagination Team is a creative writing program designed to support students in grades K through 6 at John O. Tynes Elementary School. Initiated by Valencia High School senior Emily Pasillas, the program was made possible through the support of the REACH Foundation.

Implemented over the course of six weeks, the curriculum introduced students to a variety of literary genres and writing styles, including biography, plot structure, nature writing, nonfiction, science fiction, and poetry. Each session began with a focused lesson, followed by engaging activities that allowed students to apply newly learned concepts in a hands-on manner.

Participants were encouraged to observe and describe objects within the classroom, conduct peer interviews, and craft stories inspired by the natural environment surrounding them. At the conclusion of each session, students shared their written work aloud, providing them with opportunities to practice public speaking, build self-confidence, and celebrate one another’s creativity and growth as young writers.