National Writing Day

Do hope you didn't miss National Writing Day yesterday. There were events all over the country to encourage creative writing, especially among young people. The initiative was led by First Story, the organisation that works with teachers and pupils in secondary schools in low income communities to promote writing as a important and valid means of improving literacy and confidence. With the emphasis in schools these days so often put on non-creative, exam based subjects, I'm certain that it's more important than ever that young people have the opportunity to play with words, tell their stories through them, gain confidence in their ability to communicate in writing - with spelling and grammar appropriately learned but not squeezing the pleasure out of every written encounter!!!

If you haven't visited it already, do go to the National Writing Day website. Especially if you're a teacher or have children of your own you're hoping to interest in creative writing, there are loads of ideas there and some very useful downloadable resources.