“My daughter just wants more time in her unicorn world,” said a mother of a new pentopaperer. That got me thinking. Reflecting. A lot of what we do is based on creating something like an underground world, a pumpkin city or observing a crime scene in the desert, coming up with ideas, being able to describe what is being made. The visual stimulation is important. It does not suit all so we do try to cater for those who learn in other ways. The message is clear: let children dream, play and create and the writing will follow – and we really DON’T insist on a perfect first draft so many children think they have to produce.
This November we begin Course 47, ‘Disco Drama!’. We’re going to look at how to write a song, what makes songs popular, rhyming, Disney classics and yes, throw in the topic of spellings. Bookings are now open with only two spaces available. In the meantime, if you have not read our latest blockbuster, Space, Hats & Magic, take a peek at what follows. At £9.99 it’s great value for children aged 5 and upwards. It might even inspire them to write poems and strange stories from space. Is there anybody out there? It would seem that there is.
The fifth bonkers book is a super mix of fantasy fiction, stories about space, magic and … a murder of hats. Is there such a thing? Isn’t it a ‘murder of crows’? There’s snake-throwing and talk about our chamber – the infamous ‘Pit of Death’. To give you some idea of what kind of writing is in the book, here is Etta’s amazing BLURB, voted ‘Best Blurb’ by our young pentopaperers:
‘Are you ready to enter a world where children are allowed to let their minds run wild and put their imaginations into one little book? Jump into your spaceship and whizz to the wonderful world of Doodah! Meet the crazy, cooky, cool, funny, happy, funky characters that bring our stories to life. Disappear into the Planet of Poem where we write about the moon and snowmen and crime, where every other sentence rhymes!
Does this interest you? If it does, you have found the right book!‘
Thank you to our amazing volunteers, Josh, Harriet, Caity and Carina who have helped the children get their ideas down onto paper this past year and to our new recruits, Orla and Ash and Pearl and Elodie who have just joined. Welcome to you all!
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: Courses run on 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 £25.00 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 sixth form/college they can come in to work as Volunteers which helps with the volunteering category of such schemes as the Duke of Edinburgh. Do get in touch if you would like to volunteer. We are currently looking for one to two volunteers to cover January 2023 onwards (Enhanced DBS check an essential if you are at college) for a three-, six- or other commitment.
Who We Are: Run by course leader Sarah Lucas – writer, publisher, workshop provider and language tutor – courses are held during term-time avoiding half-term holiday weekends where possible. Now entering its tenth year, Pen to Paper has been successful in its bid for funds to cover the school year 2022-2023 from the National Lottery’s Community Fund and extends a big ‘thank you’ to all who have supported us over the years.
Where to Find Information: Contact Sarah on 01420 587351 or at puttingpentopaper13@gmail.com for more details.
Want to talk to us about your child’s literacy or volunteering needs? Do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Sarah Lucas
Pen to Paper, 07500 359308, puttingpentopaper13@gmail.com