Just read (or listen to) the story before the workshop. We strongly recommend reading purely for enjoyment, with no assignments or learning goals in mind. We'll be sharing the important stuff during the workshop! 

Sure! Any abridged version is better than watching the movie. Dramatized or recorded books are fine too--even better, if your child struggles to read. The point is to get the story in his or her head, as effortlessly as possible.

For this book, which wasn't written for children (it contains mild cussing, over-drinking, smoking, and some detailed animal anatomy) you might want your kids to read James Herriot's Treasury for Children instead. They'll get just as much out of our workshop if they read that instead.

Just print the papers and collect the supplies listed in your Prep Packet--we've made them easy to find, and inexpensive. It's perfectly okay to substitute anything that works better for your child's needs or your time and budget.

For extra fun, pack it up as a LitWits Kit! Put the supplies in a box with our welcome note for your child. Kids love the "slow reveal" of opening their kits with us, and taking out each item as needed, one at a time. That's it! We'll take it from there.

Once the workshop starts, you may want to be nearby in case your child needs assistance--that's up to you. (We've tried to make that unnecessary, with simplicity and careful instructions, but you know your child best.) There are also some "pause and think" moments in most workshops, where you might like to engage your child in discussion.

Our writing handout is creative writing, where the imagination matters most. Have your child dictate his or her writing to you; after you've written it down, read it aloud with inflection and enthusiasm, so s/he can hear that their words sound "just like a real writer!"  

Of course, if there's room--we'd love to meet him or her in person (two-dimensionally, anyway)! We limit our two sessions to 25 kids each, and the sessions usually sell out fast. Check out our live Zoom schedule here.

Yes of course! Just email beckyandjenny@LitWits.com and let us know what could have been better, so we can improve. This is our bread-and-butter, so your feedback literally helps FEED us! :)