A Practical Guide to Creative Writing in Schools: Seven Creative Writing Projects for Ages 8-14

This book contains seven tried-and-tested creative writing projects for pupils aged 8–14. Each project is delivered through a series of workshops and enables pupils to explore a literary genre or writing style, discuss themes and topics and receive constructive feedback about their writing. The projects cover topics such as identity, cultural heritage, tolerance, empathy, morality, dreams and much more. Teachers wanting to run creative writing projects will find this book easy to follow, practical and timesaving. Each project allows students to: • explore a certain literary genre or writing style in detail • be creative and have fun while learning • think about, talk about and discuss themes and topics • receive constructive feedback about their writing • pursue their own ideas • see themselves as ‘real’ writers with a ‘real’ audience • understand that writing can be enjoyable, artistic and relaxing • experience creativity to improve their wellbeing. These ready-made projects are invaluable for teachers who are looking for new and successful creative writing projects for a range of students. They will enable teachers to immediately start making a difference to their students’ confidence and writing skills, allowing them to be as creative and imaginative as possible and use creativity as a springboard for their own writing.

Table of Contents:
About the author Introduction Guidance for Project Coordinators An important note about evaluating your project Overview of projects PROJECT 1 - POETRY PROJECT 2 - AUTOBIOGRAPHY PROJECT 3 - DETECTIVE STORIES PROJECT 4 - GOTHIC CONVENTIONS PROJECT 5 - RESPONDING TO DRAMA PROJECT 6 - SCHOOL NEWSPAPER PROJECT 7 - RESPONDING TO PROSE Evaluating your project Appendix A - pupil certificate

About the Author :
Fiona Clark is a teacher and author and has worked with pupils in schools for over two decades, including as Head of English and Director of Communications in several large secondary schools. She is a University of Nottingham alumnus, has an English Honours Degree, is a member of the National Association of Writers in Education, and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. She has also completed psychology training ‘Teaching Emotional Resilience to Children and Adolescents’ at the University of Pennsylvania and is the author of the best-selling wellbeing book for young people, Things Nobody Tells You When You’re Growing Up. Fiona regularly takes up the role of writer in residence, running creative writing workshops in schools. She has also written for the Times Educational Supplement.

Review :
‘We have seen the impact that creative writing has had on our pupils, not only in terms of literacy levels but also for their self-esteem, mental health and enjoyment of learning. Pupils need to see that their writing has a purpose and the projects here give them that. This book is another invaluable tool for all in the teaching profession.’ Paul Craig, Headteacher, St Joseph's RC Primary School, Jarrow ‘Maya Angelou once said that "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." This wonderful, richly researched, deeply practical and beautifully constructed book is a powerful resource to help our children express themselves, their creativity and most importantly, their stories.’ Richard Gerver, Author, Speaker and expert on human potential ‘If you really want your pupils to see themselves as writers, what more powerful way can there be than to have their work published for a real audience? Easily integrated with the school curriculum, the activities are differentiated to offer choices, so that all can succeed. Familiar material is set alongside the author’s own original texts, bringing a freshness as well as a focus on the writer’s craft. Fiona’s seven creative writing projects provide a supportive framework, enabling young writers to reflect on their writing and collaborate with others – it’s no surprise that they are also linked to increased wellbeing and self-confidence.’ Jo Shackleton, Author of Grammar Survival for Primary/Secondary Teachers ‘This innovative creative writing resource book is a great addition to any teachers’ toolkit. The wide variety of creative writing genres in this resource book will ensure that there is something which will appeal to everyone. As the students’ work is designed to be collated into an anthology, the emphasis on children seeing themselves as creative writers and the idea that each student receives a copy of the publication will encourage engagement. It is very easy to use but most importantly, it is practical and designed to be fun and enjoyable. I am sure that students and teachers will enjoy this book.’ Professor Lynne McKenna, Dean of Faculty of Education and Society, University of Sunderland ‘This is a "must have" book for all English teachers wanting to deliver inspiring creative writing projects for their students. It is rare to find a teaching resource that is not only instantly useable but is also accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities. The book takes away the need for endless teacher planning and delivers "ready to go" writing projects. Each one is aimed at a specific age range and examines a particular genre, through age appropriate texts and engaging creative tasks. As well as promoting a love of creative writing, each project includes thought provoking themes that will encourage every student to think about their own identity and those of others in the world in which they live. Students who complete these workshops will not only become more confident and creative writers, they will also enjoy their learning journey and will be proud of the end result.’ Lynne Jobling, teacher and school leader for over two decades