Linda and Spittal kids have the write stuff
JONATHAN GEDDES
Spittal Primary pupils had the chance to read all about it recently, when a top author visited the school.
Linda Strachan is the Rutherglen school’s author in residence, meaning she will take part in 12 classes with pupils and work with them on a project throughout this term.
The finished project that the writer and pupils are working on will be a magazine, released to parents and the rest of the school on March 7, which is also World Book Day.
The magazine will feature examples of the creative writing and ideas that the P5 and P6 pupils have developed.
Gillian Elliott, the pupils’ teacher, is pleased at what the initiative offers pupils.
She said: “It has been a good start after Linda’s first visit.
“We have been out and about looking at Spittal’s history and seeing if there are any ideas that we can take from that.
“The aim is to develop their creative writing skills and look at ways of keeping the reader engaged.”
Gillian applied for funding from the Scottish Book Trust for the project, and Spittal was one of just nine schools in Scotland to be awarded the residency,and the only one in South Lanarkshire.
Linda Strachan is an award-winning author of more than 60 books for children.
She writes for a wide range of ages from picture books like the bestselling Hamish McHaggis series to teenage novels.
And Gillian feels having a professional author on hand will benefit the pupils - and the staff.
She added: “Having someone who is an established author and very experienced means that she’s already got the children very enthusiastic.
“Linda has different angles to writing (than a teacher) so you’re learning a lot too and finding ideas that you will be able to look at again in the future.
“They are already producing a volume of work and they’re also always engaged with what is going on - it will great to see what they produce.”
Spittal Primary’s project will also be showcased on the Scottish Book Trust’s website once it has been completed.