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Word Play
Published 11th December 2009 at 19:12 0 Comments

Thirty schools in outer London are to host writers and poets as their students engage in a little word play on their way to becoming more engaged, inspired and motivated readers and writers. Word Play is part of Eastside's literature development programme and in 2010 we will be working with primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and pupil referral units on projects which include spoken word, short stories and creative responses to reading and writing.

Eastside's literature development programme is well established and we have sent writers, poets, spoken word artists and creative practitioners to hundreds of schools throughout London. Our first Word Play projects have now taken place and we have already heard about how previously reluctant boys now: "love writing so much, I want to do it everyday" and how the most reticent students have found their voice. Children will be writing to report on what matters to them and using words to share their enjoyment of a wide range of exciting fiction and poetry and most importantly reading and writing for fun.

In 2010 we want to reach out to even more new schools that we have not previously worked with and are focusing on schools in North and West London. We are looking forward to the varied and exciting projects that we will be delivering in schools over the coming months. Next year we will be celebrating international writing with students in North London where poems are on the menu as we create poetry inspired by healthy eating. Pupils in West London, will be sharing the adventures of 'Max' in Where the Wild Things Are, and young people attending a pupil referral unit will build their confidence through an exploration of different genres including thrillers, crime fiction and horror stories.

If you are taking part in a Word Play project, why not leave us a comment (below) and tell us what outcomes and results you have witnessed?