Hello, Halloween parent. One of the reasons I love teaching creative writing so much is that I enjoy writing so much myself. I thought I’d share exciting news that the fiction models guide is close to finishing; I’ve just finished a story about cakes, and am now starting a story about a screaming tree and a villain called Lord Hardsilver, inspired by a visit to the incredible Port Meirion, which is a creative writing paradise! The guide will contain models and full lessons on every feature, so your child can learn to use these features in their own exam-winning writing.
Here’s a tip for the day to try with your child. This is how I came up with the idea for the current story. Visiting anywhere, take pictures of anything you can, including the same object from different angles. Back at home, simply choose three pictures and ask your child to create a story that links all three pictures, in any order. The story will likely already have a structure, since the pictures you took were from the same area. For example, a lake, autumn leaves and a stone that resembles a face.
Rather than stick to one picture, the act of linking the pictures takes advantage of the fact we humans are very good at finding patterns or associations between given objects – even when there is no real link. For example, if I ask you to imagine a story or create a link that could connect a tortoise and a paperclip, your brain will probably do it (perhaps the tortoise is a jewel thief who uses the paperclip to pick locks from a Lego house, keeping the treasure under her shell), whereas, if I had asked you to think of associations that connect only to a tortoise, it’s unlikely your brain would have thought about a paperclip!
If you think your child would enjoy or benefit from creative writing lessons from a teacher who absolutely loves writing, why not reach out now? With the 11plus exams nearly over for this year, I’ll be taking on another handful of online students. I’m currently teaching Y4, Y5, Y8, Y10 and Y11 students, preparing for both the 11plus and GCSE English Language exams.
Simply email leemottram@11plushappy.com.
Right, time to pick up my own pen and bring Lord Hardsilver to life. Happy Writing!
Lee, London.
