Lara students to tell their stories

NATHAN RIVALLAND

GRADE 6 students at Lara Lake Primary School are among the first in the state to participate in an inspiring new literacy program.

The Young Regional Writers Program is bringing students and children’s authors to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula for a term of story writing and creativity.

Co-designed with teachers and authors, the program combines online and in-person workshops with Grade 5 and 6 students, focusing on writing and reading.

Lara Lake Primary School is one of 10 local schools participating in the program, with 25 Grade 6 students selected to learn more about planning and writing a story.

Celebrated author and illustrator Jess McGeachin has been working with Lara students this term over Zoom and will soon run an in-person workshop at the Geelong Library.

Grade 6 student Archie said the program had been beneficial so far.

“It’s been great to learn more about writing, planning and figuring out a storyline.”

Fellow student Harper said the group been developing knowledge on characters, settings and maps.

“The first thing we did was we wrote about a special place to us.

“We then based our map off that and used that as inspiration for developing our storyline.”

Assistant principal Emma Castelow said the students were relishing the opportunity.

“The online format has supported students to enhance their communication skills as they share their thinking and work with other participating schools in the weekly Zoom sessions.

“The students appreciate the feedback they are receiving and are excited to share the stories they are drafting at the upcoming in person workshop later this term.”

McGeachin, who will host the Lara students at the Geelong Library towards the end of the term, said she looked forward to reading their ideas in a few weeks’ time.

“Encouraging children to read and to have confidence in their own self-expression and storytelling is so important.

“It’s exciting to see kids embrace their imagination and creativity, and I’m really glad to take part in this unique program.”