week 3

   Today the boys worked on their drafts from the template Simon gave them last week. Unfortunately not all the boys turned up today. Although those that did really enjoyed the session.

   Nicholas asked us to move into groups that we had for the footy tipping two weeks prior. Funnily enough all the boys look the same and I started to panic. I couldn't remember who were my boys, but they remembered me and came over with big smiles. I was truly excited to be working with them.

  The boys task was to extend on their ten sentences to create a short story. I was to mentor them and prompt them to extend on their sentences. I asked the boys if I could read their sentences while they were thinking about their story. Both boys had written about being at the footy with their dad and their mother absent. One of the sentences asked the boys to add in an object. One of the boys wrote about a cow in the tree. I thought it was humorous and asked him if he would share his story with his mate. They each read each others sentences and laughed when they realised they were constructing similar stories even though they were sitting at opposite sides of the room the week before. Boys have a big interest in sport.

   The boys felt comfortable enough to pass their draft to me so I could read it and help them think further. It felt really comfortable for all three of us. I think the boys felt they were really achieving. One of the boys read his story out to the rest of the boys. He looked very proud and Nickolas praised his efforts.

   After the drafting Nickolas read some of the book out loud to the boys. Suddenly he asked me to continue. I was surprised at the notion but thoroughly enjoyed reading out loud to the boys. Reading out loud to students has always being an enjoyable task for me. I really get a kick out of sharing stories with kids, sometimes they understand the story a bit better and become more engaged.

   Lastly, we continued our footy tipping for the final round. There was lots and lots of laughs and debates. There were even times we had to do paper, scissors, rock, to decide. Coming up with the 'why' was easy because often this was what we were debating. 

  Before we new it the bell had gone for recess. Orienteering is on the agenda for next week. Hope it doesn't rain.

  

week 2

   Simon Higgons the author of 'The Island of the White Spear' came to Thomas Carr especially for the boys today. He presented in a Japanese fighting costume with a large Samurai Sword. He introduced himself and proceeded to embark upon his story and how he became a writer among many other traits.

Simon Introduces himself in full costume.

Simon performs in full costume for the boys. 

To take a photo was extremely hard. The room was so quiet the small click of the camera sounded like a door slamming.

Simon's talk was so engrossing and enthralling at times he bought tears to my eyes.

  Simon was once a Murder investigator and a Private Investigator. He was beaten down by the unnecessary violence and crime, he gave it away and travelled to Japan to study Judisu. His journey and experiences were conveyed to the boys and teachers in such heart felt passion that no-one stirred nor took their eyes from Simon. He proceeded to enlighten us with a small demonstration of the sword. After doing this he explained that the Japanese were gentle people of wisdom and valued being educated. To be taught was a privilege that was greatly sought in Japan. Age is no barrier.

 The boys with their books 'The Island of the White Spear' By Simon Higgons.

The boys creating the shell of their story while Simon reads out one sentence at a time.

   The students were thoroughly engaged, Simon had them hooked. After the get to know you session Simon moved on with his PowerPoint 'How to create a story'. The workshop had now started and the year eight boys were totally engaged, so was I.  Within minutes these year eight boys who were disengaged in the classroom were writing a story. Actually the shell of a story.

Simon signs the boys books and stamps them with a personally made Japanese Stamp.