Author/Illustrator Writing Workshops in Kalgoorlie for the Children’s Charity Network
I was invited by Illustrator Marjory Gardner on behalf of the Children’s Charity Network to attend a 5 day author / Illustrator workshop program in five different schools in Kalgoorlie WA on Monday 24th – Friday 28th October 2022.
I delivered writing and illustrating workshops to primary school ages prep to year six. One of the schools that we visited was a small remote community at Menzies Community School, where we delivered workshops to the whole school, including several middle and senior school students.
Using writing and illustration processes from my professional practice as an author/illustrator, I introduced the students to a variety of hands on techniques to extend their storytelling, visual literacy and writing skills. Through guided inquiry we discussed and explored the role of characters and settings in storytelling. The students made connections to their community and special places and included personal elements into their writing and storytelling activities through group and individual tasks.
Students enjoyed the game components of the activities and were enthusiastic to share and support each others creative ideas.
Many students enjoyed the freedom to share their ideas and develop their stories through writing and drawing tasks.
Picture books encourage young learners to use visual and written elements to express their ideas and extend their storytelling techniques. Both languages compliment and extend the readers enjoyment and invite imaginative and creative thinking.
It was a privilege to observe and participate in the creative writing and storytelling with these enthusiastic learners.
These programs give students an opportunity to experience and develop awareness of creative opportunities and outcomes that may emerge from their learning in the future and observe pathways and connections from people who have achieved career opportunities using creative skills. All of the five schools that participated gave positive feedback, written and verbal about the importance of including these valuable incursions that support their learning programs.
As official judges of the Art Awards for the Children’s Charity Network 2022, Marjory Gardner and I were fortunate to participate in this very special week. Thanks to sponsors Atco Gas and Perron Foundation who funded the opportunity to promote creative writing and illustrating to regional schools in Western Australia.
#East Kalgoorlie Primary School
#North Kalgoorlie Primary School
What a great week it was Anne! Loved sharing the experience with you.
It was a pleasure to visit these schools with such an experienced professional Marjory. Thank you for inviting me to share this wonderful week.