Monday November 11th 2024

Dear Diary,

I kicked this week’s school visits off with a day at St Matthew’s Primary School in Stroud. Which — it has to be said — is so utterly marvellous that I didn’t ever want to leave! Respect is among the seven core values at St Matthew’s, and the pupils there displayed respect in bucketfuls during my visit! They sat so beautifully during the morning assembly, were as quiet as mice during the two-minute silence for Armistice Day at 11am, and were impeccably behaved during each of the workshops I conducted. But fear not… we still got up to all sorts of mischief and mayhem together, creating comical characters and silly stories throughout the day!!! Teachers do such a phenomenal job following the national curriculum, and schooling our young ones in everything they need to learn to equip them for the future. Yet so many of the teachers I’ve met recently have said how prescriptive some of the writing tasks in English lessons are, and how nice it is for the children to have a day where they can be more freely creative, with fewer stipulations on what they choose to write, and how they decide to get the words down on paper. It always means so much to me whenever I’m told that my activities have allowed those pupils who wouldn’t normally get stuck into writing tasks to shine. It’s such a thrill to know I’ve inspired someone to tap into their creativity. And such a privilege to be allowed to visit schools and share my joy of reading and writing with so many children. Today, every single pupil shone. Their parents should be so proud of them all… I know I am! Kelly, Emma, and ALL the staff were fabulous, and looked after me so well throughout the day. Helena very kindly provided me with some super photos of the day, helped with the end-of-day sales, and sent me homeward bound with a much-needed cup of coffee! And the St Matthew’s pupils themselves were incredible. It was so lovely to see how excited they all were when I turned up in their classrooms for each of the workshops, and how attentive and engaged they were during the activities. I had such a super day today. And from the smiles on everyone’s faces (from first thing this morning until home time), I have a sneaking suspicion that everyone at St Matthew’s did, too! I can’t wait to return next year with WARNING: May Contain Dragons. And I hope all those who purchased a copy of WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! — or borrow the copy I’ve left in their library — enjoy the rest of the story.