Community-to-Classroom Connections
Universally, Inc.’s Community-to-Classroom Connections programs bring creators of inclusive children’s literature and products into classrooms and communities to teach about the tools, techniques, and technical aspects of their craft while providing children with positive representation and introductions to professionals from a multitude of backgrounds.
The following are a list of our Community-to-Classroom Connections programs and experiences.
Single Class / Workshop
Universally brings in authors and creators to teach a single class or conduct a workshop session at your schools, educational programs, and nonprofit programs. Q&A will be included throughout and at the conclusion of the class or workshop. Classes/workshops can be held during the school day or after school. Any single class or workshop session may be expanded into multiday or multi-session offerings as part of a Fellowship / Residency. Classes/Workshops are grouped by grade level and age and customized to specific grades, ages, and classes. Sessions can be customized to the needs of a school, program, or organization.
Fellowship / Residency
Universally works with schools and programs to bring partner authors and creators to serve as a fellow or resident artist in schools, organizations, programs or classes, teaching creative and technical skills related to their work. Residencies/Fellowships are programs that last for 2 or more days. Sessions can be customized to the needs of a school, program, or organization.
Featured Partner
Little Ruth Children’s Collection & Author Dee Write
Universally is partnered with Little Ruth Children’s Collection creator and author, Dee Write, to provide workshops and residencies for Universally’s constituents and clients. The following are examples of programming in collaboration with the Little Ruth Collection and Author Dee Write.
1. Let’s Play Pretend Publishing (Grades 1 – 3)
Who says youth can’t run a publishing company?! Dee takes students on a publishing house journey of their own creation. Students will lead and participate in multiple stations of their own publishing house that they run, all while learning about the publishing process from having an idea to producing a published book. Stations will include creating, editing, publishing and selling a class book.
2. Ideation Station (Grades 1 – 3).
Students will be enthused by this incredibly interactive session that blends the art of drawing and painting with the art of writing and storytelling. Dee helps students imagine and develop their own stories using activities that range from creating and coloring illustrative storyboards to adding the words to make their stories come to life. Students can either create an “All In” story through a collaborative process with all their classmates or work on individual stories of their own.
3. Confident Composition (Grades 4 – 5)
Dee helps students grow their confidence in their writing capabilities. Her approach reinforces grade-level technical writing skills and encourages students to use their individual perspectives to confidently tell the story they wish to compose. Students will love this hands-on writing class that helps them learn the technical aspects of writing in an individualized way.
4. All About Entrepreneurship (Grades 11 – 12)
Dee will talk with budding authors who want to publish their own literary works and develop a sustainable brand and business based on their works of authorship. Students will have an opportunity to share and discuss their own related business ideas with Dee and discuss all topics covered in the session.