TEXT: Writers in schools: Case studies: Fairy tales

This project involved Grafton, Pooles Park and Montem schools. Three writers, Cheryl Moskowitz, Diane Samuels and Jim Dunk, each worked in all of the schools over a period of six weeks.

The theme was Fairy Tales and the moral issues behind them. Each writer looked at the subject using a different genre; poetry, short story and dramatic dialogue. At the end of the six weeks, the pupils from the different schools came together and shared their experiences and their work.

Opening Paragraph of a version of 'Rumplestiltskin'

"The most elegant thing about the place was the stretching oak tree. It stood out from everything else because it was so tall and beautiful. As you stood there, you could feel the sun on your back. You could tell it was sunset because of the rose skies, the crimson clouds and the orange sun. There was a gentle breeze flowing in the air and if you stood with your arms out, the breeze flowed all over your body, all around you.

There was a horizon of fields and if you walked through the oak tree forest and the hole in the fence, along the rocky path and straight on through the bush, you would be brought out into a three metre square patch of poppies and a windmill, spinning calmly in the corner of the flower patch. It generated enough power for a day's work."

(Grafton School, Yr 6 pupil)

Comments from teachers

"The children in my class have benefited greatly from this project and really enjoyed the variety of activities that the project presented them with."
(Montem School, Yr 5 teacher)

"The children can often feel daunted by the prospect of telling an entire story.........but the children were hooked in and delivered some great descriptions. All the writers were terrific people and educators and we loved every minute of working with them. What a time!"
(Grafton School, Literacy Co-ordinator)

Comments from pupils

"My best bit was Cheryl the poet who made us choose new names for ourselves because it let out our imaginations and it was really challenging for me."

"My favourite part was when we wrote scripts and performed them because we worked as a group and had lots of ideas to share."

"My best bit of Rumplestiltskin is writing different points of view. This was best because I like putting myself in someone else's position and expressing my feelings."