The Ink Tank: A Graphic Storytelling Club for 4th-5th graders

In The Ink Tank, young creators will dive into the exciting world of graphic storytelling. Through drawing, writing, character design, dialogue, and visual storytelling, students will learn how graphic novels and comics bring stories to life.

Along the way, participants will explore a variety of graphic novels, learn from a professional guest creator, and discover how artists and writers use panels, expressions, pacing, and dialogue to engage readers. Through games, creative exercises, and collaborative feedback, students will develop their own unique storytelling voices while building confidence as both writers and artists.

By the end of the workshop, each student will create an original one-page graphic story that will be published in a full-color class anthology. Students will celebrate their work as published creators and take home a copy of the collective magazine featuring stories from the entire class.

No prior drawing or comic-making experience is required—just imagination, curiosity, and a willingness to create.

Program Details:

Day/Time: Wednesdays 2:30 - 4:00pm 

Dates: September 16 – December 9, 2026

Students: 4th & 5th Grade

Location: 546 9th Street, Oakland, CA 94607

Cost: $300, no one turned away for lack of funds (see sliding scale options in the registration form)

Teaching Artist Bio: Tiffany “Ms. Tee” Golden is an award-winning author who finds great joy in working with youth. She is the winner of the 2020 New Visions Award by Lee & Low Books and the inaugural Judith Tannenbaum Teaching Artist Fellowship. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Spalding University. In addition to her own work, Tiffany has also worked with school-aged youth for nearly 20 years, supporting them in sharing their voices and visions.