I’ve visited St Kentigern’s quite a few times before so it was lovely to return for a couple of mornings to share Eric Appleby and write with some of the classes.
Tuesday kicked off with a Key Stage 2 assembly where I introduced the children to Eric. I explained how I developed the idea from a story seed into a full story. The children saw the illustrations at the various stages, from the pencil sketches to the final versions which went into the book. The session finished with an extract which the children agreed matched Martin’s illustration on the PowerPoint. Phew!
After following Year 6 back to class, I recapped the main points from Blown Away, one of the original Impossible Tales. The children had read the story and their job was to create an alternative ending. We pulled apart my writing and they discussed their ideas. After planning out their writing they made a start on a first draft. The children worked really hard and I can’t wait to read the final versions.
After a book-signing session at break, I joined Year 5 to see what they could come up with. Some of their endings blew me away! Just when I think I’ve heard all the possible endings someone creates something new. Brilliant!
During my second morning, I was lucky enough to write with Year 3 and 4. They worked their socks off and created lots of different ways of ending the story. We had a fab time!
When the pupils have finished their endings and edited their writing I hope to post some examples on here so watch this space.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at St Kentigern’s. The children and staff were a joy to work with, as they always are. Thanks to Mrs Wygladala for inviting me in. Hopefully I’ll get to return very soon.