Fighting Words

On Monday, November 18th, a class of budding writers set off to visit the ‘Fighting Words’ Centre. Third class had no idea what to expect but each one of them came back excited and definitely inspired by the experience.

I’m told the first one they heard (but never saw!) in the centre was Mr. Mc Conkey, the editor, who told them they wouldn’t be able to write a story. Naturally, they had to prove that wrong! With the help of some volunteer tutors, the pupils set about creating their own story. If Mr. Mc Conkey was worried that they would not have enough ideas for a story he was badly mistaken. The creative pupils of third class had so many ideas for storylines and characters that they had to vote for their choices in the end! Each child had a part in creating the story and as it came together they saw it being typed up on a big screen as they composed. When the first part of the story was completed each child got a printed, personalised copy of the story, with their picture and an “about the author” page, to take home.

They are now back in school putting their own, individual ending to their stories.

All of the children were delighted with the visit, some of the highlights being the magic door, the editor’s office and, of course, proving Mr. Mc Conkey wrong! Many of the children were really impressed at seeing how the illustrator worked along with them to illustrate their story. Several of the children felt they couldn’t pick out a highlight – “it was just all great!”

The childrens’ book is called “The Chronicles of the Kitchen” and it is available to view on www.fightingwords.ie.

All the finished stories will be available in their classroom soon.
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