The Alternative Press

Unleash the mythical, mystical and magical creatures that are living inside your child’s imagination.  “Imagination Authors Program” is a unique new program being offered over spring break for area 4^th, 5^th and 6^th graders who have a love of creative writing and, perhaps, a penchant for Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and all things Narnia.

“By the time kids get into 7^th, 8^th 9^th and 10^th grade they are so focused on tactical writing that they have forgotten how to be creative and, sadly, don’t ever get back to it,” said Maureen McGovern, owner of Chyten Tutoring, the Millburn company bringing this program to the area this March and April.

In middle school, teachers spend much time in preparation for the standardized assessments given each year.  Therefore, children can lose the ability to think and write creatively, and many of those winged, horned and mysterious creatures they so readily conjure up in their earlier years fade away.

This program, developed by national creative writing experts, offers a module that encourages character development, scene building and plot.  Certified teachers help children foster their love of creative writing as they work together to develop an intricate fantasy world.

“The program shows the children how to find their creative voice,” McGovern said.  “So instead of just saying that ‘The house is old’ it helps them paint the picture as to what has actually weathered that home.”  

The program meets for three hours daily for one week, and offers an innovative approach to “team creative writing.”  Throughout the week, the group will create a fantasy world that includes the development of both major and minor characters and complete back stories and plot twists.  At the end of the week, the children will have created a complete novel.

“Our Chyten teachers guide the students, providing mini-lessons on writing techniques while helping to synthesize student work into one class-wide novel representing those amazing imaginations,” McGovern added.

The Imagination Authors Program will be given at the Chyten Tutoring Center at 227 Millburn Avenue in Millburn, during the weeks of March 25, April 1, April 8 and April 22.  The program is $300 for the week.

Plans are in the works to offer the program at area locations throughout the summer. 

Chyten features one-on-one tutoring, small group tutoring, and specialized classes for students from kindergarten through College.   The staff of highly educated, professional tutors is trained on the proprietary Chyten method that helps maximize success in school and scores on college entrance exams.   Tutors develop an individualized program of study for each child, which helps to motivate and challenge.  Contact Maureen McGovern at 973-564-5220, mmcgovern@chyten.com or http://chyten.com/Millburn-NJ/