Seem to be having lots of problems this evening trying to do today's update; this is my third attempt, so fingers crossed...
Thanks everyone for braving today's hot, sticky weather to come along to Session 4. And hats off to the Young Writers for working so hard in the uncomfortable conditions. Although we were looking at Book Reviews today, it became increasingly clear as the session progressed that their preference lies in poetry. As writers we do sometimes find ourselves working outside our comfort zones, so in that respect, it was a good exercise. However since I like to be led by where their writing passions lie, I will bear this preference in mind as I plan future sessions. It will be interesting, though, to see how the Young Writers fare in a few weeks when we tackle short fiction, don't you think? In the meantime, Assignment 4 further challenges them (as well as the technological highway) as it is Letter Writing. They can write a letter to anyone about anything - and once again, please don't worry about spelling or layout - as long as they bring it along to Session 5.
It was nice to get a few minutes to chat with some of you today, and I am very grateful for your feedback and ideas. I will be putting together a conscent form with regards to showcasing the Young Writers' work, both at PMT and here on the blog, and handing it out next session. Although I think it is important for their work to be seen, I will respect your decision whatever it is - and I am quite open to compromise; for example you might prefer that I feature their initials rather than their full name.
The next session is on 4th July (not 11th - sorry - my mistake) between 4 and 5 as usual but please do not hesitate to contact me sooner if you have any questions or further feedback.
Finally, thank you very much for your kind contributions to running costs - it was a very thoughtful gesture and very much appreciated.
Good writing everyone.
Wednesday 27 June 2012
Wednesday 13 June 2012
Session 3 Feedback
Stonking good session with our budding writers today. Their enthusiasm continues to touch me very deeply and I am delighted with the standard of work they are producing. They are beginning to find their feet and establish their own styles already - even the shy ones. That, to me, is the most rewarding thing of all and I cannot thank you, the parents, enough for your continued support.
Today we were looking at poems that don't rhyme. As toddlers we learn a great deal from the repetition of nursery rhymes - which is why it is so easy for us to grow up thinking that poems have to rhyme. It is therefore a big leap forward to be able to write poems that don't. As long as you are in agreement, I would like to start including excerpts of their work in this blog - because I think that you will be as surprised and delighted as I am at the talent beginning to shine through. Plus it would be nice for the young writers themselves to see some of their work on show.
I also reiterated to the young writers, my intention to produce a booklet of their very best work as the six month trial reaches its conclusion. It now occurs to me that it would also be very nice if we can have an exhibition of work at the PMT Cake And Coffee Shop and I will discuss this with Amanda before the next session.
The assignment I set today was for the young writers to produce an acronym on their Assignment Sheet. They can use any word or name they like. I am quite happy to see any notes, false starts or rough drafts on the Assignment Sheet as well as the finished piece of work so please don't worry about it having to be perfect. Part of the writer's craft is of course the engineering of a piece and now is as good a time as any for the youngsters to start learning that. I will speak to them about the importance of drafting and redrafting over the next couple of sessions.
The next session takes place on 27 June, 4 till 5 as usual, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to drop me an email (jphlong@live.co.uk) or post a comment on the blog. I really need your feedback so that I can make sure the sessions continue to thrive - and ensure the youngsters continue to enjoy themselves.
Good writing everyone.
Jilly.
Today we were looking at poems that don't rhyme. As toddlers we learn a great deal from the repetition of nursery rhymes - which is why it is so easy for us to grow up thinking that poems have to rhyme. It is therefore a big leap forward to be able to write poems that don't. As long as you are in agreement, I would like to start including excerpts of their work in this blog - because I think that you will be as surprised and delighted as I am at the talent beginning to shine through. Plus it would be nice for the young writers themselves to see some of their work on show.
I also reiterated to the young writers, my intention to produce a booklet of their very best work as the six month trial reaches its conclusion. It now occurs to me that it would also be very nice if we can have an exhibition of work at the PMT Cake And Coffee Shop and I will discuss this with Amanda before the next session.
The assignment I set today was for the young writers to produce an acronym on their Assignment Sheet. They can use any word or name they like. I am quite happy to see any notes, false starts or rough drafts on the Assignment Sheet as well as the finished piece of work so please don't worry about it having to be perfect. Part of the writer's craft is of course the engineering of a piece and now is as good a time as any for the youngsters to start learning that. I will speak to them about the importance of drafting and redrafting over the next couple of sessions.
The next session takes place on 27 June, 4 till 5 as usual, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to drop me an email (jphlong@live.co.uk) or post a comment on the blog. I really need your feedback so that I can make sure the sessions continue to thrive - and ensure the youngsters continue to enjoy themselves.
Good writing everyone.
Jilly.
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