The Mount’s celebrations for the York Literature Festival opened this evening with a one-of-a-kind international workshop.
Bringing together writers and illustrators of children’s books with primary school teachers, the hybrid workshop invited professionals to network and delve into thought-provoking discussions looking at creative ways to better inspire children to love reading in the digital age.
Writers and authors from York, across the UK and as far away as the US and Australia exchanged ideas with local teachers of key stage 1 and key stage 2, each group thirsty for the other’s insights. The in-person group enjoyed the setting of Miss Capper’s beautiful Reception classroom to explore various questions submitted in advance by each participant. Topics covered included:
- How can authors make school visits as engaging and inspiring as possible?
- What do teachers look for when choosing books to teach in class,
- What does it mean to be ‘a reader’ in a world that has digital devices,
- How do we nurture creative writing?
The workshop facilitators were Rose Drew of Stairwell Books and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI), local author Dawn Treacher, NE Coordinator of SCWBI who worked with the in-person audience, and editor Isobel Kent who facilitated the online audience. The Mount’s Head of English, Adam Dawson, oversaw the discussions and brought together the inspiring hybrid plenary session. Unsurprisingly, the workshop spilled over the allotted time as participants eagerly shared their collaborative ideas and swapped contacts.
The participants, both online and in the room, so thoroughly enjoyed the workshop it is likely to become a regular event to help connect local schools with authors and illustrators, and keep finding innovative collaborations to nurture children’s love of reading.
The Mount’s Creative Composition Competition is open for children in the UK up to the age of 18 years to send in their entries for creative writing, poetry and even tiktok performances! Entries close 26 March.
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