If you missed the wonderful webinar presentation from Written Out Loud, click below to catch the video replay! We are forming a special HS4CC Crew for those interested, link in post.
Written Out Loud
Pioneered at Yale. Developed in Hollywood. Written Out Loud is revolutionizing how students learn and love to write.
10/20/2025
Special Pricing for HS4CC Families
- 20% off for families who register for one of our programs by choosing a time option listed on our website: November & January classes. The code for the 20% off is HS4CC_20.
- 30% off for families who are able/would like to form their own crew (minimum of 4-5 students). Flexibility to choose a day and time that works best for the crew. The code for the 30% off is HS4CC_30.
We are assembling a special HS4CC crew to take advantage of the 30% off promotion! If you want your teen placed with other HS4CC students, contact Maria Di Gregorio at maria.digregorio@writtenoutloud.org. If we don’t have enough to form our own crew, she will still find a great crew for your teen and you can use the 20% off code.
Previously:
This is not a sponsored post. I want to lay that out right in front because I don’t often write about “just” high school curriculum, but I’m loving a program that I stumbled on recently that I think is probably going to help a LOT of you with teens that are struggling.
Several weeks back, I had the privilege of meeting professional screenwriter Joshua Shelov. He was excited to tell me how he’s using the Hollywood “writer’s room” model and bringing it to students for an interactive and super cool writing program called Written Out Loud.
Glimpse into the actual SNL writer’s room where the TV show’s writing staff collaborate to write scripts, skits, and plots.
Written Out Loud is a hands-on, interactive program that flips the traditional writing instruction upside down by helping kids and teens learn to write out loud, together, and about stories they love. Each small group is called a “creative crew” and works under the guidance of a trained “story director” who leads them through the brainstorming, story development, and writing. By the end of the program, every student becomes a published author holding a professionally designed book with their name on the cover. This is NOT your typical “curriculum” but can be used as a full-year writing program or an enrichment for an already-enthusiastic writer.
I’ve met with their team twice, and I love what they are doing. I struggled with some of these same barriers with my teens, so I think there are four ways this program can really enhance a homeschool writing program.
- It’s less mechanical or “rule-bound” than a lot of writing programs, which can cause some students to focus so much energy on the rules that they can’t express their ideas well.
- Written Out Loud is an interactive live group program. This is getting harder and harder to find! Online writing classes tend to be completely isolated activities, whereas this is a creative and vibrant class. (Remotely on Zoom)
- Rather than templates, workbooks, or essays your student doesn’t want to write, this program is all about risk-taking and brainstorming. Revising and a positive forward focus.
- Where are your teen’s last written assignments? Probably the same place ours are, in a computer file never to be seen again. I love the process of professionally formatting and publishing the book for each student. They’ll really have something to show for their work!
In the final semesters leading up to dual enrollment or college enrollment, unlocking the writer in your student is a great investment. In addition to developing college-ready writing skills, I love the soft skills of collaboration and team building (things that people often struggle with in college and at work). The final published book provides a tangible achievement that can be shared with family, included in a college portfolio, or discussed in an admissions essay as proof of initiative, collaboration, and real-world learning.
I’ve invited them to present a free info session next week, and you’re all invited to come check them out. I’m sure we will record it for those who have to miss, but we’d love to have you live on Zoom so you can ask questions and learn more about this cool program. I’ll be on hand to help with any HS4CC questions as well.
Note: a “crew” is perfect for a small group like your homeschool coop, youth group, writing class, or club. It can be a mix of ages.
