Programs

 
NOW HEAR THIS! has three key programs: the Students, Writers and Teachers (S.W.A.T.) Residency Project, the HEAR/HEAR Reading Series and the WRITE ON! Workshops program. 
 
 
Each of the programs is designed to be: 

• encouraging - positive, constructive comments, rather than criticism and evaluation, help new writers gain confidence
• stimulating - programs are designed by and cater to the interests of students so that the material remains fresh and engaging; also, discussion and assignments encourage students to write critically about issues in their own lives
• inclusive - while no one is forced at any time, all students are entitled to participate equally in each workshop, regardless of gender, culture, religion, race or sexual orientation; respect of others is imperative in creating a nurturing, creative atmosphere
• accessible - economic factors are not a factor, and all workshops are offered through schools at no cost to students; since all programs are user-specific, no student will be left out due to special circumstances or needs
• empowering - students who articulate themselves through writing are able to express themselves, to speak out against other's depictions of their struggles and confidently claim their identities as their own
• practical - by learning everything from basic literacy skills, to the fine points of expository writing, to how to pen that international bestseller, students gain necessary tools for school- and workforce-related challenges
• fun - maybe most important of all, the programs ensure that students are enjoying themselves - writing is meant to be an escape, after all!

All of our programs work with the School Boards' curriculum, and are able to be tailored to the specific needs of the class.