Coming Into Our Own ...

What a stonking Young Writer session on Saturday! I introduced Vicky as my new assistant and asked her to tell the Young Writers a little bit about herself.  It was very lucky she was there because, with fourteen youngsters in attendance, we had to take up two double tables - which meant Vicky could sit with one whilst I sat with the other.  Also present was Jenny who is linked to the Croydon Literacy Scheme.  Jenny was there to have a look at how we operate because she has invited me to go along on 20th June and present a Writing Workshop for them.  She has said any members of Addiscombe Young Writers are welcome to come along so if you think you and your young wordsmiths would enjoy a different kind of Writing activity, let me know.  The session is on 20th June, 5pm to 6.30pm at the Central Library in Sutton and Jenny will be sending me more info to pass on to anyone interested.

Saturday's session covered report writing again.  We looked at the various topics that would make for good reports, such as pets, hobbies, school, nature, history etc etc and, as usual, the children did not disappoint, putting in their own ideas.  Everyone seemed really fired up and there was a brilliant atmosphere!  The assignment set was to write a book review in time for the next session on 7th May and, as promised, I will absolutely ensure I have a worksheet in place for the Ghost Stories session that day.

Finally, just needed to add something that has been talked about with the library staff which may need further discussion.  The Young Writer group, as you have no doubt noticed,  is absolutely flying at the moment!  We have an average of three new members at each session and at least two enquiries during the course of those sessions from parents who think their children may be interested in joining.  At the moment we are averaging between eight and eleven children per session with occasional weeks - like last week, where we have fourteen or more.  Because of this - and a lot depends on how the next couple of sessions go - we might, at some point, have to  put a cap on the amount of members who can be safely accommodated at the library during each session.  This may mean we need to start a waiting list with strict criteria that once a member reaches eleven, they have to leave in order to make space for a new member.  Now please don't worry about this as it is only being talked about at this point and may not amount to anything.  But health and safety, as I am sure you appreciate, has to be taken into consideration.  I will be having further discussion with the library staff and will keep you informed.  I just wanted to update you on what might be taking place over the next few months.

That aside, I just wanted to say a massive thank you the the library staff, Vicky, Jenny and everyone else for their continued interest in - and support of - Addiscombe Young Writers.

See you on the 7th and Good Writing everyone.

Brief Reminder

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at Ashburton Library for our latest session.  What with family weddings, get-togethers and general exhaustion, I am afraid I did not get another work sheet done in time for tomorrow and because of this, we will stick with report writing for one more week and then we'll move on to a popular story form - the ghost story.  I rarely set a genre for the short stories I urge the children to write so this should prove a good challenge.  And I will ensure I do have a new worksheet available for that session.

See you all tomorrow then.

WOW!!!!

Truly amazing session on Saturday.  Thank you to everyone who came along - including our three Newbies.  We were looking at writing reports and everyone was given a work sheet.  Just to refresh memories - reports feature real life events which are told in a newsy style (and I forgive those members who came up with headlines such as "I Was Bitten By a Vampire" because it just goes to show how active their imaginations are).  But for the actual assignment, the idea is to write about something they have experienced, seen or heard - and some of the ideas that came up included trips to museums and tricks played on April Fool's Day.  Which just goes to prove that even with their fertile imaginations, most of them did grasp the difference between writing a story and writing a report.

In the crazy rush of finishing when the session ended, I completely forgot to send Maddie off on her travels and was somewhat surprised to find her and her diary still in the bag when I got home.  She obviously wanted to come home with me for a change so I guess even little teddies must find too much travelling somewhat tiring!  I am sure she'll be ready to go again when I bring her to the next session which is on 16th April.  And - just in case you missed it, here is a list of the sessions coming up between now and summer: 7th & 21st May,  11th & 25th June, 2nd & 21st July.  We will then finish up for the summer and our first day back will be 10th September.  How swiftly time flies when you're having so much fun!

So see you on 16th, everyone, and keep up the good work!