Bronze Age writing workshops
Author Robin Price writes:
The Bronze Age is a period of history that is stuffed with story writing potential. Whilst researching the children’s series The Olympuss Games, I discovered that some of the fields near my home in Bedfordshire are crossed with the remains of ancient walls dating from the Bronze Age. Who could believe that 4000 years ago whilst the mighty Achilles was camped outside Troy getting the wooden horse built, some nameless king of the Beaker People was defending Ivinghoe Beacon.
China is also a great source of Bronze Age stories. The Qin Shi Huang Emperor and his legendary Terracotta warriors can inspire some great writing.
If you want to write your own Bronze Age story, the ‘flash writing’ story maker on this page will speed you through the planning part and help you get going. (Teachers: see the instructions below the story maker for tips on how to use it in class). I have picked the Trojan Horse for this example – as it is often taught in schools. If you’d like to write a story about the Vikings, the Romans or the Stone Age – click on one of the historical periods in the right hand navigation.
WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOLS
When I’m not writing books I lead history workshops for primary and secondary schools I have run workshops for Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust and the Young Archaeologists society. I also visit international schools with Author’s Abroad. Introducing history through creative writing is great fun and I’m amazed at what the pupils can come up with when they write their own stories.
Email info@mogzilla.co.uk to discuss.
For my free .pdf ‘7 Tips for teaching story writing’ email info@mogzilla.co.uk with ‘Tips’ in the subject line.
ABOUT MY BOOKS
If you want to find out more, check out my profile on Lovereading.co.uk’s author profile page
Instructions
With this simple writing frame you can move swiftly through the planning and get their ideas flowing onto paper.
I often do one example first on the board as a ‘demo’ getting them to vote on options.
1. Put the class into pairs. Give them the writing frame to each pair. Get them to pick one option each.
2. Tell them to write from the most exciting part of the story.
3. Tell them to write the story one sentence each. (Make sure you give them one sheet of A4 between two writers.)
After 5-10 minutes of planning you’ll get everyone writing (in pairs). Within an hour the class should be ready to share out their stories.
An interactive version of this frame is available at the Creative Writing Club website.
P.S. Seven Tips for Story Writing
For my free .pdf ‘7 Tips for teaching story writing’ please email info@mogzilla.co.uk with ‘Tips’ in the subject line.