Cross the Line: Writing My Story

2 Hour Experience at Your Home

This writing and personal essay experience will help kids explore storytelling and their own narratives. Jo-Ellen uses "Cross the Line" to prompt children to think about things they've done and experienced in their own lives. Kids will be asked and ask one another yes/no questions like, "Have you seen the new Batman movie?" and "Have you ever climbed a tree?" They'll cross the line (a tape or chalk line on the ground) whenever the answer is 'yes.'

After the intro activity, kids will circle up with Jo-Ellen and talk about how the questions made them feel, and what other memories came up for them. They'll share ideas and get some time to journal personal stories.

Finally, kids will write their own one-page narratives, and everyone will present to the group. This light and fun experience encourages kids to think and reflect throughout summer, with some work on spelling and grammar.

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About Jo-Ellen

Longtime Educator, Reading & Writing Specialist

Jo-Ellen has had an extensive career in teaching, and taught for nearly 30 years. She was a middle school English teacher for grades 6-8, and a Reading Specialist for grades K-3 students with whom she worked in small groups. She currently teaches 7th grade, and supervises an after school homework club for 1st and 2nd graders. Prior to teaching, Jo-Ellen worked as an editor, and earned her Bachelor's degree in English.

Jo-Ellen is vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

* Fully-vetted, background checked, and interviewed

What Parents Are Saying

We LOVED everything about Grasshopper! The customer service experience was exceptional! I felt like so much intentionality was taken to ensure that the activity would be both age appropriate and fun for my kids. Our experience leader was so easy going and chatted with the kids during the experience, and really took the time to engage and get to know them. We are definitely going to be using Grasshopper again! Thank you!

- Mandi B.

Grasshopper offered my daughter an opportunity to learn in a vibrant, fun setting that was continuously customized for her attention span and interests. Her Grasshopper teacher was fun, engaging and supremely personable. She took the time to get to know my daughter before diving into anything. I felt more than comfortable leaving my daughter in such capable hands…and love that she truly learned some new things from the experience. We will be using Grasshopper regularly to broaden her horizons and expose her to new concepts in a safe and compelling way. The icing on the cake is that the experience took place in our home, at a time that was convenient for us!

- Lauren G.

Our Grasshopper experience was amazing! I have four very curious kids at different ages with different interests, and the experience had all four of them engaged the whole time. Also, as an educator, I was very impressed with how the teacher led the program. She obviously knew what she was doing, and the minute she left, my kids were asking for another experience.

- Sarah L.