Author is impressed by creative children
World Book Day on March 7 and initially I was happy to put on an ordinary book talk, but then Mrs Burke asked me if I would like to do a workshop as well. That’s when I discovered the pupils wanted to try writing themselves.
“I thought that having them all get involved in creating their own book from start to finish was the best way to let them feel invested in their work.
“I left the decision of what kind of story it would be in the hands of the pupils.
“We listed genres and subjects on the board, nominated by them, and the kids voted for their favourite.”
The pupils had just finished a project on their school’s history before the writing idea started, so they were in the mood to delve into the past of Ruthvenfield of long ago.
Class teacher Miss MacKenzie explained: “We just celebrated the school’s 150th anniversary last year. We researched the past life at Ruthvenfield using log books, some past pupils as guest speakers and a trip to Scotland Street School in Glasgow.”
John added: “The children wrote and edited the whole book themselves and took the time to include their own illustrations as well, including designs for their own cover. For that bit we had some help in digital scanning from the school’s support assistant, Mrs Falconer.
“Their teacher Miss MacKenzie and I helped them along the way with hints about character development and story structure, but the work is all their own.”
“It was really fun writing it,” commented P6/7 pupil April Campbell.
“I liked creating the characters and making the front cover,” said classmate Lewis Dawson.
“It was great watching it all slot together like a jigsaw and I liked how I got a special mention in the book,” put in Matthew Allott.
“I liked having my name in the book,” agreed Struan Robertson.
Looking back at his connection with the children, John Bray said: “As an author, there’s nothing I like to see more than children enjoying books and feeling connected to them.
“What better way for them to feel connected than by having a part in writing their own book?
“I’m glad to see that the pupils of Ruthvenfield got so much out of this project.
“They should be very proud, not just of the completed task but also of its quality.
“It really is a great story, I hope they continue to hone their writing skills as they move forward, some on to primary seven and others on to high school.”
John went back to school last week to get his own copy of the book, signed by the budding authors.
Copies of ‘Ruthvenfield’s Portal to the 19th Century’, costing £4, are available to buy at Fun Junction in Perth over the summer holidays and all proceeds will go to Ruthvenfield Primary School.
More details about John Bray and his books, plus free stories and advice about writing can be found at www. jackreusen.co.uk Pick up a copy from Fun Junction