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Minecraft Writer’s Workshop

Real writing skills, powered by Minecraft.

Each Tuesday in October 2026 (10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27)
3:45–5:15 PM (90 min. per session)
Mustang Library | Book Discussion Room
10101 N. 90th Street
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Ages 9–13
Tuition: $200
ESA Approved Vendor
Enroll Now

Class Overview

Your child already loves Minecraft. In this four-week workshop, that passion becomes the launchpad for real writing growth. Each week, students take on a Game Goal in their own Minecraft world at home, then bring their experiences to class — where we turn mining, crafting, building, and adventuring into vivid, well-crafted writing. It’s not screen time with a worksheet stapled on; it’s genuine instruction in the skills strong writers need, powered by a world kids can’t wait to explore.

The four-week journey

Week 1 — Punch trees & gather resources → sensory description & close observation
Week 2 — Craft & gear up → persuasive writing: students invent their own mob or item and write a persuasive pitch for it.
Week 3 — Build or upgrade your base → point of view & place writing
Week 4 — Set off on an adventure → narrative arc & the hero’s journey
Class-long Project — Their Minecraft logbook: across all four weeks, students keep a journal of their gameplay — capturing observations, ideas, and writing week by week into a personal record they’ll finish the workshop with.

How it works

Each week follows a simple rhythm. At home, students complete that week’s Game Goal and writing activities — with full instructions provided to both students and parents by email. Then they come to class, completed work in hand, for 90 minutes of off-screen individual and collaborative activities, discussion, and a preview of the week ahead. Students are always invited, never required, to share a bit of their writing or simply talk about how their week went — a low-pressure space where every writer feels comfortable.

What families can expect

Between sessions, please be ready to provide some screen time for the Game Goal and minimal support helping your child follow the written instructions. Everything is spelled out clearly and sent to you directly, so you’re never guessing what comes next.

Miss a week? You’ve still got everything

Because every student and parent receives the complete written curriculum, a missed session is never lost. If your child is sick or has a scheduling conflict, they’ll still have all the instructions they need to complete the writing activities on their own time — or to run the whole workshop again later with a brand-new Minecraft world.

Finish strong

Students email their final assignment to earn a Certificate of Completion — a proud finish to four weeks of real writing work.

Class details

Dates: Tuesdays, Oct 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2026
Time: 3:45–5:15 PM (90 min. per session)
Location: Held at Mustang Library — Book Discussion Room, 10101 N. 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Ages: 9–13
Class size: limited to 10 students
Tuition: $200
Payment: ESA (via ClassWallet) or direct pay
Items needed (between classes): a device that runs Minecraft + some parent-supported screen time
Bring to class: completed work, a notebook & pencil, and a closable water bottle (no other food or drinks)
Register Now

Meet Your Instructor

Vida Mercer is a published author and editor, a writing instructor with Brave Writer, a second-generation homeschooler, and a Minecraft player who games alongside her own kids. She can geek out about the latest update or debate the coolest mob with the best of them.

Along the way, she noticed something surprising: the very skills children build while gaming — a sense of narrative, rich descriptive vocabulary, and sharp attention to detail — are the same skills strong writers rely on. She created this workshop to tap into those hidden strengths and show kids (and their parents) that they’re already writers in the making.

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Drop-Off, Supervision & Behavior Policy

Full details — including our refund and withdrawal policy, liability waiver, and media release — are on our [Terms & Conditions] page. You’ll confirm you’ve read them when you register.

Supervision is limited to the classroom during class time (3:45–5:15 PM). The instructor cannot supervise students before or after class, or if a child leaves the room (for example, to use the restroom). Please plan drop-off and pickup accordingly.
You’re welcome to stay. There’s room for a couple of parents to wait quietly in the classroom if your child is more comfortable with you nearby. You may also wait in the library itself. If you’re not comfortable with the supervision limits above, please plan to stay close by.
Reachable contact required. A phone number where a parent or guardian can be reached during class must be on file at registration.
Behavior: Repeated disruption will be addressed with a parent or guardian, and a student may be asked to step out if needed.
Health & refreshments: Please keep your child home if they’re unwell. A closeable water bottle is welcome; no other food or drinks are allowed in the room.

Registration

Before registering, please review our Terms & Conditions, Liability Waiver, and Media Release.

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A number where we can reach you during class time
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Student Age
This class is for ages 9–13.
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Payment Method
An invoice will be emailed to you and your registration confirmed on receipt of payment.
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Facebook group (which one?), Instagram, ESA vendor listing, Friend/word of mouth, Other?
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I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions, including the drop-off, supervision, and behavior policy.
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Media Release
I give permission for photos or video of my child to be used for promotional purposes. (Optional)
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Your child’s spot is reserved upon registration. Shortly after, you will receive an invoice by email — once it’s paid, your enrollment will be confirmed.