Course 37, ‘Exploring the Natural World‘, will now run as a series of three double sessions at the Alton Maltings on December 5th, 12th and 19th from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. The course was originally designed as six separate sessions but because of the second lockdown we had to make alternative arrangements. Course content will focus on fiction and non-fiction topics with an emphasis on adventure and survival. We will start by creating our own physical worlds in shoeboxes, go on to describe these worlds, as well as the characters and animals that might inhabit them, before exploring the opportunities for stories, poetry and playscripts.
In a recently-published Oxford Review of Education, researchers concluded it might be wise to “focus on the social skills development of children who struggle with reading and writing between the ages of seven and nine, because these skills are respectively important to literacy outcomes at that age.”
There are many different pathways used in teaching for the best outcome of each child. At Putting Pen to Paper we continue to recognise the importance of social skills in each child’s development; the ability to interact with children not just of a similar age but especially those who are older, can help improve social confidence which in turn can bring a positive effect on writing ability and thus development. Following the review, (Oxford Review of Education, Cambridge University), we are committed to continue the emphasis we place on developing social skills for all involved at pen to paper.
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What We Do: At Pen to Paper we teach literacy skills in a fun and interactive way, in a friendly and supportive environment. We use a wide variety of fun activities, tasks and games to help children aged 7-11 to develop creative writing skills, explore their imaginations, creative thinking skills and self-expression. A strong emphasis is put on developing social skills, making friendships, and building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Working alongside the school curriculum to support and complement academic learning, we operate in an informal and non-pressured setting.
When and Where: From September 2020, courses reverted to Saturday mornings from 9.30 am to 11.00 am at the Alton Maltings Centre, Alton, with the occasional double. Places are strictly limited at a cost of £20.00 per child, per six-week course.
Self-Development: When children move onto secondary school they have the opportunity to come back to work as Young Mentors and then at college they can come in to work as Volunteers which helps with the volunteering category of such schemes as the Duke of Edinburgh.
Who We Are: Run by course leader Sarah Lucas – writer, publisher, workshop provider and language tutor, the courses are held during term-time avoiding half-term holiday weekends where possible. Now in its seventh year, Pen to Paper has been successful in its bid for 2020-2021 from the National Lottery’s Community Fund.
Where to Find Information: Contact Sarah on 01420 587351 or at puttingpentopaper13@gmail.com for more details, including to request a copy of the course booklet which contains:
- the aims of each course
- full terms and conditions
- Safeguarding Policy
- Child Protection Policy Statement
- Certificate of Public Liability Insurance, and
- directions to the Maltings.
An Application Form and list of testimonials is also available upon request.
“Dear Sarah, I just wanted to drop this and say thank you so much for this year. Doing my Gold Dofe Volunteering with Pen2Paper has been amazing – it is an amazing organisation with such lovely and creative children making the experience so rewarding . It has also been amazing for me as it contributes wonderfully to the degree I want to take at university (I want to do English Literature). Thank you especially for finding a way for me to continue volunteering whilst being in lockdown as it’s been a massive help to my award … “
Do get in touch if you would like to volunteer or talk about your child’s literacy needs. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sarah Lucas
Pen to Paper, 07500 359308, puttingpentopaper13@gmail.com