Workshops Offered

Student Workshops | Teacher Workshops| Trauma Training Workshops

Voices Breaking Boundaries offers three interconnected programs/workshops that enrich literacy experiences for students as well as for educators (Student Literacy, Teacher Writing, and Trauma Training). Each program can run independent of other components. However, for enhanced effectiveness, it is recommended that schools train students as well as teachers.

Student Literacy Workshops

 “I’m really surprised that a project as cool as this one came to my school. I enjoyed meeting a lot of interesting people and making new friends. I liked everything about this program.”
Student Lee High School, Summer 2005

Student Literacy Workshops are set to meet Texas Education Agency (TEA) goals through methods that tap into the creative and higher order thinking processes. Students gain mastery in language arts as well as receive enrichment and extension opportunities. Through weaving in other artistic forms of expression such as music, theater, film, visual arts and more, VBB compels students to better express their voices. All workshops culminate in performance and exhibition that empower students to find places for themselves in their school environments and society. Students of all backgrounds, whether ESL, GT, or low income, gain the opportunity to honor their histories and express themselves through public speaking training.

Workshops provide training in:

• Effective communication, independent thinking and proficient problem solving. Students practice reading, writing, listening and public speaking skills, by performing and exhibiting to a larger audience. Revision, an integral part of the writing process, is taught through peer-editing. Workshop facilitators help students monitor their own progress and form plans of action to attain personal goals.
• Cultural awareness and global citizenship. Through VBB’s emphasis on bringing cultures together and intentional relationship-building, students are taught to demonstrate knowledge of cultures beyond US borders. Students gain interest in worldwide issues and are made aware of current events so they can better discuss issues affecting the USA and the world.

VBB’s writing instructors and artists (musicians, visual artists, audio/video producers) represent different cultures and backgrounds. Each artist is trained in ESL and GT instruction methods.

Final products can include performance training, public speaking, publishing in an anthology (online and/or print), website design, art exhibition, music performance, film screenings and much more.

Learn about Lee High School's 2007 Workshop

Teacher Writing Workshops

 “I always knew my students had much to share but I wasn’t aware of how talented and I always knew my students had much to share but I wasn’t aware of how talented and multi-faceted they were—in so many art-forms or how well they could present themselves—until VBB artists started working with them”
Anita Wadhwa, English Instructor, Lee High School

Teacher Writing Workshops are an integral element of VBB’s presence in a school. Through collaboration with the School Writing Project (Rice University) , the workshops train teachers to be better writers so they can be more effective teachers of writing. The Teacher Writing Workshops expands a teacher’s vision of and respect for the profession. Involvement in writing enables teachers to understand the problems of a young writer and to suggest a range of strategies for success. Other benefits include:

• Teachers connecting with students;
• Teachers developing new strategies and curricular approaches;
• Teachers advancing to leadership positions within schools and the district;
• Teachers reversing a national trend by remaining in the classroom and growing as professionals;
• Teachers learning how to use art to give students a voice;
• Teachers strengthening student-teacher relationships and creating safe environments so students are more ready to take risks while learning.

Each Teacher Writing Workshop trains 8-12 teachers per session. It is recommended that all teachers participating in the workshops remain involved in student workshops so they can replicate methods in their own classrooms.

Learn about Lee High School's 2007 Workshop

Trauma Training Workshops

 “I learned how to listen and show my emotion with other people. I learned that there are many people who want to hear me, and that is fun way to live. This workshop is the best thing that had happened in my life.”
Sharpstown High School, Summer 2002

Trauma Training Workshops by Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) is offered in order to address the shifting demography in Houston as a result of global migration patterns. Trauma Training Workshops also help teachers better serve communities affected by war refugee status, displacement or by poverty and/or homelessness.

Through Trauma Training Workshops (3 per semester), teachers are trained in methods to recognize children in need of outside professional help, as more serious problems arise. Teachers enrolled in the Teacher Writing Workshops have access to feedback from LPCs.

Sessions are open to all teachers on campuses where VBB artists lead student or teacher workshops work. Trauma Training Workshops are currently underwritten at no cost to a school.

All three elements are offered over the course of a semester, two semesters or year-round (fall, spring and summer).