New Beginnings

Every year begins with new resolutions. Some are old versions of broken promises or unfulfilled dreams and wishes from previous years; others are works in progress to help improve our lives, beliefs or to capture those moth-eaten dreams. Mine is the latter.

Because I’m not worth it!

Safe guard!

Shout out self worth.

Keep communication

Open and safe and free for all –

But me!

 

 

 

Pic courtesy of https://twitter.com/scottdurairaj/status/833692383401406464

 

 

The Hook

Every Friday afternoon, my Writer’s Club meet to share our latest work, new ideas and, of course, complete the flash fiction and haiku challenge of the day.  All this is done in half an hour.  But, one of the first questions I ask when a story is discussed or an idea is framed for peer discussion is: what’s the hook?

Books flow in abundance from adults willing to share their lives or create escapes for others to enjoy. The purpose of these writings, the hook, is vitally important for any child to grasp if they want to become good writers. I can correct their grammar and spelling or focus on punctuation till I’m blue in the face. Alas, it doesn’t make their stories any more interesting if they don’t have a hook, a purpose.

Through so many sites, companies, self-help books and other paraphernalia,  we are taught the winning structure for getting our written word published – the how-to and what-not-to-do. In school, we focus more on getting the children to write legible sentences that fulfill the protocols set by government standards (which never stay the same). While some children sail through and grasp the concepts thrown at them with ease, others struggle and need a change of tack to get them to enjoy learning about grammatically correct sentences that mean absolutely nothing to them in the scheme of things. But, imagine if, just for a change, we focus on their enjoyment of the task. Imagine if we motivate them to find what’s missing from their work and to add it in all on their own.

That’s my purpose. I find the key to turn the engine to get the child motivated enough to find the missing link. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. That doesn’t mean I give up trying different ways, nor does it mean I ever think a child is a failure or incapable of improvement. It’s thinking outside the proverbial box of education and finding that spark to ignite the young minds to infuse their work with their personalities; to find the hook. I aim to enhance their skills as writers and become something that won’t tick all the boxes immediately, but will send them off with a confidence to learn more and achieve something greater than just a good grade: self belief.

So, the next time you enter a classroom or run your intervention groups, think of that exceptional child in the corner looking at you with his or her chin held in defiance to learning…and smile. You are the seer, the oracle. Give that child the key to unlock the knowledge trapped inside and set his or her mind free. After all, what’s the hook to this tale?

Happy #Wensfriesday

It’s the middle of the week and I have a hunkering for a midweek treat.  Our heatwave is causing a ruckus with eating habits and I’m burning more energy running around classrooms than I normally do.  Not that I’m complaining – it’s nice to have warm hands for a change as I’m usually the poster girl for Frosty.

Warm rays are drying my slightly damp hair and the sounds of children playing interrupt the droning noise of traffic.  My son is learning to play netball and has a knack for clap-catch. Still, the appeal of a sweet treat drowns out everything else.

Some exciting things will be developing over the next few weeks which will require more hard work and dedication.  I love a challenge, especially when it involves motivating children to find their inner writing talents. NaNoWriMo is a go too which means I might not have time for my own challenge; it’s hard enough finding time to finish my books.

Right, enough chatter.  I’m off to find some fudge, chocolate or hidden stash of nougat!  Enjoy your Wensfriesday. 

One More Day

I know that most schools have started their new term, but I couldn’t resist sharing this amazing flash mob version of One More Day for the teachers out there.  Thinking of you all over the new term!

Book Tuesday: Cecil the Bully – Chapter Eight

If you’re like me and tend to miss updates on stories, here is a link to the previous chapter of Cecil the Bully – Chapter Seven.

Now, continuing on from poor Thomas shaking and shivering at the thought of Ms Crow’s undivided attention on him…