Spring Break Literary Workshops

Spring Break Web Splash 2022

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We have not yet decided where we will journey to for Spring Break 2023, but you can peruse our previous literary destinations for an idea of what is in store!

Maybe you found the map in a mysterious-looking trunk in your great aunt’s attic. Maybe a wizard knocked on your door one evening and gave it to you. Maybe you inherited it from an elderly uncle you always suspected was a pirate. However you got it, it’s yellow and faded. You squint in the dim light, trying to read its markings. The words that reveal themselves are familiar - The Labyrinth, Wonderland and Hogwarts (of course) - and beside each a special pin acts as a passport stamp. Collect one or all ten limited edition pins (a pin for each destination).

About Spring Break at Christianne’s Lyceum

At the Lyceum we believe that every book contains treasure. Whether it’s an unforgettable character who feels like a new friend or an idea you never would have thought of on your own, stories glitter with riches beyond our wildest dreams. During our Spring Break programs, we’ll be treating classic works of literature as the exciting locations of this buried treasure, adventuring into them to see what glittering hoards we’re able to uncover. Each day of our Spring Break program is devoted to one book, allowing us plenty of time to read selections and then use these readings as the jumping off points for exciting artistic creations and adventurous outdoor forays. Children don’t need to have read these books before attending - our program is designed to work both as an introduction for newcomers and a celebration for those who have visited these pages before.

Our schedule is customizable. Your child can come for a day or two of our programming, join us for a week, or join us for the entire two weeks. Each day stands alone, but also links thematically to all the other days. This makes it easy to drop in for a day of Harry Potter magic, or The One and Only Ivan’s chivalry, but it also means that those joining us for longer benefit from a rich and layered experience.

About Our Instructors

All of our programs are created by Dr. Christianne Hayward, one of Vancouver’s preeminent children’s literature and literacy specialists, in conjunction with her highly qualified staff. Each class benefits from an elevated staff to student ratio, and the diverse passions of the Lyceum team. For information about our instructors, please click here.

A Note About Age Ranges

We work to ensure that our programs benefit from their broad age-range. The Lyceum’s unique storytelling approach breaks through presumed age recommendations for literary readings, bringing complexities into focus for younger readers and extracting deeper themes and global resonances for older readers. Older participants are presented with valuable leadership opportunities, while younger students are inspired by their older classmates. After all, what would Aslan have been without the Pevensie’s? Or Harry without Dumbledore’s guidance?

Snack and Lunch

There will be a supervised 1.5 hour lunch period during which we will screen selections from the film adaptations of the day's book (or a related film) and take a trip outdoors (weather permitting). Students are asked to bring a packed lunch.

The Lyceum provides a healthy pre-prepared snack for participants, which includes: rice crackers, cheese, water, and a variety of fruit. We are able to accommodate most allergies.

Covid-19 Protocols

The past two years have allowed us to fine-tune our approach to addressing Covid-19 challenges, so we are confident that the Lyceum remains a safe, creative refuge for children in our community.

We will continue to implement government health and safety measures to ensure the safety of our students and staff members. Face masks, sneeze guards, air filters, a new HVAC unit, physical distance (when possible), proper hand hygiene, frequent sanitization of high-contact areas, and health checks are some of the measures we have included in our daily routine to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection.

Should you have additional questions, please email us at lyceum@christiannehayward.com.