I’ve spent two days this week in Ballarat. The first day I talked about books and writing with all primary levels at Sebastopol Primary School. We covered everything from drafting, editing, publishing and the challenges in getting the words right. I showed students why I don’t illustrate my own books and they were very encouraging. One group also learned and recited a poem I’d written about Koalas. We read books and considered what it would have been like to be aboard a convict ship in 1841. Despite all the horribles of that journey, there are always a few students who want to join that trip.
The second day was all about poetry. Young writers from six schools in and around Ballarat travelled to Sebastopol to take part. We began the day as a group of about 70 students, then broke into smaller groups to undertake poetry workshops. My session was free verse poetry and man those students came up with some amazing lines! Other sessions were blackout poetry and art poetry. As always, I wish there was time to also attend the other workshops.
The final part of the day involved the students breaking into small groups, writing, workshopping and selecting a rhyming verse invitation. The final seven were performed to the assembled students and I had the task of choosing one. The chosen verse will be used as the invitation to the closing ceremony of the Young Writers Program where parents and other invitees will have the opportunity to view the work of the students.
A great initiative, devised and delivered by some amazing teachers and schools. Congratulations to all who were part of it.
Oh, and it was cold. -4 overnight. But so crisp and clear the next morning. Just lovely.
