Writers Retreat

Writer’s Retreat is a group designed for the cognitively active individual.  Participants are not required to write but are encouraged to use their memory and/or imagination to compose a poem, a bit of prose, or a story.

Poetry can be elicited by presenting an item such as an old enamel coffee pot, a stuffed animal, or a packet of seeds.  One item can be used for all participants or a different item can be given to each.  Participants are encouraged to say something about the item.  The facilitator records the speaker’s words verbatim, then using count or rhyme, place the sentences in an order that makes an easily readable piece of prose or poetry.

Simple activities can create a fun poem.  For example, when a participant has nothing to say, ask them what they had for breakfast.  Follow up with how they liked it, was it hot or cold, could it have been better, and what part did you like the most.

A quick thinking facilitator can put the responses in order to create a poem on the spot.  Use a large dry erase board so everyone can watch the process.  Be sure to transcribe the poem before erasing it and, when time permits, type the prose or poems for each participant so they have their own bit to share with friends and family.

The same group can participate in the creation of a book.  Perhaps they can collaborate on their early childhood experiences and put them all together to form one story.  The facilitator must have questions ready to promote sharing.