WHISPERshout Writing Workshop

By | February 14, 2023

Contact Name:
Heidi Mordhorst

Email:
heidi.mordhorst.poet@gmail.com

Phone:
(240) 755-5345

Organization:
WHISPERshout Writing Workshop

Organization Website:
https://www.whispershoutwritingworkshop.net/

Brief Program Description:
The mission of WHISPERshout Writing Workshop is to bring the power of poetry to the youngest learners in our public school systems, no matter the limits of their family income. Combining poetry–the perfect genre for beginning readers and writers–with drama, music & movement, and visual art, engages children aged 4-7 and unleashes their creativity. As an ESOL-certified early literacy specialist as well as a published poet, I provide the tools and strategies young writers need to get their ideas down on paper, often through collaborative composition.

Grade Ranges:
Pre-K, K-5

How are most of your sites currently operating?
In-person

Are you planning on offering virtual programming during the summer of 2021? No

Do you have the capacity to provide in-person summer programs in 2021? Yes

  • How many sites could you operate? 4

  • How many children could you serve per site? 3 groups x 8 kids (up to 10 if provided with assistants)

Do you have the capacity to provide in-person afterschool programs during the 2021-2022 school year? Yes

  • How many sites could you operate? 4

  • How many children could you serve per site? 1×8 (up to 10 if provided with an assistant)

What counties are are you interested in working in?
Montgomery

What types of programming do you offer?
Literacy, Arts, Cultural Awareness, Social-Emotional Learning

  • Additional services:

Do you have ESSA approval in any county in Maryland? No

  • If yes, which counties?

Do you provide transportation to your programs? No

Are you interested in partnering with other program providers? Yes

  • Briefly describe the kind of partnerships you may be looking for: I would be interested in becoming a provider within existing OST programs depending on funding.

Additional notes/comments:
This is a new project for a former full-time classroom teacher in MCPS. I'm in the process of incorporating as 501(c)3 in order to be eligible to apply for grants and run my programs at no cost where appropriate. I could really use some help in figuring out what MSDE guidelines, permits or licenses I need to operate both at public sites and in my home studio in Silver Spring. Thanks!