Mollel adopts a flexible approach in his writing workshops and writing residency programs which he can tailor to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. He adopts a project-based approach in work with students so they can bring about an end result that, as much as possible, they can share and publish in-school or online, and which others including Mollel can comment on. As much as possible, he encourages students to make use of their life stories, as material and inspiration for written stories and writing projects. In the context of students’ projects, he mentors students in vital aspects of the writing process: point of view, voice, focus, and how to develop character, ideas and thoughts. He also guides them to achieve effective and clear writing, and a sense of audience: matching the style of their work to whoever they are writing for. Mollel hopes to help students to develop skills in writing, editing, listening and presentation. He aims to demonstrate to students that mastery or competency in writing is essential in life no matter what profession they choose and whether or not one entertains aspirations to earn a living as a writer. To discuss how he can adapt his programs to suit your curricular or general needs, contact Tololwa Mollel

Grade: Description:
K - 1

Mollel shares a story or gets students to share their personal stories. He then leads students in creating a group fictional story out of one of the shared stories. He weaves into the emerging story spoken contributions from students, pointing out briefly a few crucial things about making a story (such as the beginning, the middle and end), what happens (plot), what the story is about (theme). Students contribute pictures with captions for the story.

2 - 3

Tolowa shares a personal story, and then encourages students to share their stories. He guides them to identify the characters in those stories, where the story is happening (setting), and what happens (action). Students write out their stories, capturing the details of what they shared orally in their logical flow.

4 - 6

Mollel shares with students a personal story, then gets students to share their own personal stories and memories, then use them as a springboard to fictional stories, using the magic question: what if? Students make plot outlines, tracing the beginning, middle and ending. Then students work from the outlines, focusing particularly on the opening. Using examples from the students’ work, Mollel demonstrates the importance of a good beginning. Students complete and share their stories.

Junior High & Senior High

Mollel works with Junior and Senior High school students in some of the following ways, according to the students’ needs:

  • get students to use memories and life stories as a spring board to fiction.
  • works with students on their writing projects one on one, and/or provides critiques for their work.
  • offers writing clinics in aspects of the writing process: plot, character and motivation, setting, tone, images, dealing with writer’s block, getting started on a project.
  • shares with students observation about and insights into the writing process by various writers and commentators, Canadian and others, contemporary and non-contemporary.
  • provides students with list of avenues for students who want to get published.