Rhode Island Writing Project

10/03/2026

The RIWP Fall Conference theme is “Old School Literacy.” Step back to the 90’s with your baggy jeans, flannel shirts, bandanas, and combat boots in the pre-NCLB, pre-CCSS, pre-HQC, and pre-AI era. We are offering workshops in ELA, history/social studies, and science focused on interactive, culturally responsive, and joyful learning experiences. Explore what brought you to teaching, what makes you stay in the field, and what gives you the energy to keep going. Talk with colleagues about writing workshops, Dungeons and Dragons, using literature circles, seeing the wonders of the outdoors, and so much more. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Alger Hall from 8:30-12. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/ZEcWd2FLVSCBXVqG7

Jeffrey Lawton Autumn Messier Rebecca Tyler Limoges Janet Donnell Johnson Anne Barnhart Anne Pedro

08/31/2026

RIWP had a great summer!

We had our RIWP Kids Summer Writing Camp, where 62 campers across grades K-12 spent two weeks engaging in their own writing process, exploring different genres and interacting with peers! We also had a successful New Teacher Camp, in which 11 educators entering their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of teaching were able to learn strategies for teaching practices, self-care, and tips for day-to-day routines from experienced teachers. They were also able to connect with new peers! Finally, the Open Air Institute was a success as well! This year, 15 facilitators and participants explored the history, culture, and geography of Newport, Barrington, and Coventry, aligning with this year’s theme of “Origins”. Some highlights included participants listening to presentations and speakers at the Newport Historical Society and the Center for Black History, learning about the agricultural past of Barrington, as well as hearing stories about places such as Coventry’s “Rice City” village.

We cannot wait to bring you all more events this upcoming year! Thank you!

07/29/2026

Our merch is on sale! We are excited to work with Spiritwear so you can show off your RIWP bonafides. Here's the link:

07/23/2026

Newport, Barrington, and ...?? Read on to find out our final location for OAI Origins. Be sure to register to reserve your spot today! Newport, Barrington, and ...?? Read on to find out our final location for OAI Origins. Be sure to register to reserve your spot today! https://tinyurl.com/ydf8b32s

Mills in the east, farms in the west
industrialization left, you know the rest.
But there's more to Coventry
we will help you to see.
Your presence at OAI we request!

The General Nathanael Greene Homestead (photo courtesy of Frank Grace)

07/23/2026

Yesterday, we shared that OAI: Origns will begin on Tuesday August 4th in Newport. Read on to figure out our Wednesday destination. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ydf8b32s if you haven't already!

Now known for its bike path and test scores,
Wampanoags were really the first on its shores.
Farming, brick-making, and lace-making
were Barrington's occupations for the taking.
Sign up today and more of this history can be yours!

Barrington Bridge (photo by Billy Wilson)

07/21/2026

The students at our writing camp are hard at work on their anthology pieces. When we took the middle schoolers to the computer lab, they pronounced the desktop computers as "old school" 😆

07/21/2026

Registration is still available for this summer's final RIWP event - our annual Open Air Institute! This is our marquee place-based learning and writing experience. It will be held Tuesday-Thursday August 4th-6th from 8:30am-3:00pm. This year's theme is Origins. But where will we go for this place-based learning you ask? Today, tomorrow, and Thursday we'll be revealing each of the destinations for this year's OAI. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ydf8b32s and follow along below for some limerick fun!

We'll begin in the City by the Sea,
a haven for religious liberty.
Though its past is not all gilded and gold,
for rum and molasses enslaved people were sold.
Join us to learn more about Newport we plea!

Cliff Walk (photo by US Army Corps of Engineers)

07/14/2026

RIWP Writing Camp started yesterday and we're all having a blast!

06/29/2026

There is still time to sign up for W.A.M. on Wednesday!

Join us for WAM: Enchanted Forest promises a morning of inspiration, creativity, and connection as participants explore writing, art, and movement in a beautiful natural setting on Wednesday, July 1st from 9am-12pm. Immerse yourself in a creative outdoor experience inspired by the enchanted forest around us. Whether you are just starting your teaching journey, a seasoned veteran, or a retired educator, this event is designed for you. Cost is $25 for educators, free for teacher candidates.

Register Here:
https://www.ric.edu/visitors-arts-events/events/writing-art-and-movement-enchanted-forest