🖊 Write It Out!

🖊 Write It Out! A Creative Writing Adventure for Jewish Kids
Where Big Ideas, Brave Voices, and Bold Words Come to Life

Led by English Professor Jon Stern

Professor Jon Stern is a longtime college English teacher from California who brings energy, humor, and heart to every class. He’s taught students of all ages at Porterville College and College of the Sequoias, and is especially loved for making writing fun, challenging, and meaningful. Professor Stern knows how to connect with young writers, he encourages big ideas, helps build strong skills, and always adds a spark of creativity (and laughter!) along the way.

📝 What’s This Class All About?

This isn’t your average writing class, this is a creative, confidence-boosting adventure where Jewish kids get to express themselves, be heard, and grow in ways that go far beyond the page. The goal? To help kids break free from the fear of failure or judgment and discover that their words have power–and so do they.

📚 What Kids Will Learn:

We’ll dive into writing, editing, and revising—but that’s just the beginning. Kids will also learn how to take constructive criticism like a champ, build resilience, and use feedback to grow stronger and more confident—in writing and in life. Expect plenty of laughs, "aha!" moments, and proud high-fives.

🎨 Teaching Style:

Hands-on, high-energy, and 100% real. This class is about showing up as you are, taking creative risks, and having fun along the way. We celebrate effort over perfection and believe that failure is just proof you’re trying something brave. I’ll be there every step of the way, cheering your child on and guiding them through every challenge.

✍ What to Bring:

Paper
Pencil or pen
And most importantly… a curious mind and a big imagination!

🎯 Why This Class Rocks:

It’s a super fun, screen-free way to spend the afternoon
Kids learn to think, read, and write critically (and creatively!)
They’ll discover the joy of using their voice with clarity and confidence
They'll connect with their Jewish identity in a fresh, meaningful way
It’s a safe, positive space to grow, explore, and shine

Slava Lerner, PHD, proud dad to Sofia, will be assisting Jon in each writing class and joining us for every session. Slava is endlessly patient, especially with kids, and has a deep love for math, physics, geometry, and engineering. In his 20s, he was active in Gesher, a Jewish youth club in Odessa, where he led activities and guided groups of children at summer camps. He later taught engineering at a technical college and, after moving to the U.S., went on to earn his PhD.

🗓 Dates for Fall Session:

September 3, 10, 17
October 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19, 26
December 3, 10, 17

Let’s turn blank pages into bold stories—and turn our kids into fearless, thoughtful writers who know just how powerful their voice really is.