I don’t make new year’s resolutions any more. Instead, I’ve entered into 2019 with intentions about what I want from this year, and equally, what I don’t want. As the saying goes, ‘start as you mean to go on’, and with any luck, taking this approach will set the tone...
I have been helping people improve their writing for a long time. Using words is a powerful way to communicate, and businesses understand that. We may live in a digital world, but we can’t ignore the need to reach out to customers, to stand out from the competition...
In a recent survey, the National Literacy Trust looked at the relationship between attitudes towards reading and writing and mental wellbeing amongst children. The results suggest children who have a more positive experience with regards to reading and writing are...
If you have a child who finds writing difficult and doesn’t enjoy it, have you considered whether it is the physical act of writing that is holding them back, rather than a disinterest in doing it? The physical requirements for writing are extensive and may surprise...
I’ve been reading a few blog posts recently about how to survive the summer holidays when you’re a work-at-home mum, how to keep your little ones occupied etc. and I realised I am at an awkward age with my three. At 9, 11 and 14 they don’t want to go to kids clubs...
The Summer Reading Challenge for 2018 is called Mischief Makers in honour of the much-loved children's title Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. Children will follow clues and explore a map of Beanotown to find the mysterious buried treasure, with...
Storymakers is a creative writing club for kids. UPDATE: THE CREATIVE WRITING SUMMER WORKSHOPS HAVE NOW FINISHED. FOR DETAILS OF WEEKLY GROUPS FROM SEPTEMBER, PLEASE GO TO THE STORYMKAKERS WEBSITE: http://www/storymakersclub.com In addition to weekly groups, we offer...
On 25th May 2018, the Data Protection Directive will be replaced by the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Although the UK is in the midst of BREXIT, these regulations are likely to be converted into British law and with that in mind, organisations need...
Most children love stories and they all have amazing imaginations. With a little support and guidance, they can become a confident writer too. It goes without saying that if you want to improve at something, first you have to practice. The more you practice, the...
As it's Mother's Day soon (11th March in the UK), I've compiled a list of gifts that would be perfect for mums who love reading and writing. I'm not hinting at all, promise! Coffee and book club subscription I've seen a number of these. You can choose from book plus...
Today marks the start of #NationalStoryTellingWeek and in honour of this, I’m sharing my book recommendation for February and asking the question, do you still read with your children? I’m not talking the dreaded book scheme reading, that from my own personal...
Whilst a certain politician thinks the environment isn’t worth bothering with for him and ‘his country’, I have been both shocked and ashamed to learn of the damage plastic waste is doing to our oceans. Towards the end of last year, I began to make small changes in my...
When you are little, you're encouraged to follow your dream. ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ When you ask this question to a child, you'll hear all sorts of amazing, weird and wonderful answers, from Superhero and Princess, to Premier League Footballer and...
ENOUGH I’ve been out of the loop for some years, but now I find myself with a 13, going on 14 year old and I’m learning there’s been a lot of changed in the world of teenagerdom. Of course, I’m not naive enough to think teenagers will remain tee-total until they’re...
When comedian, David Walliams, signed a book deal with Harper Collins to become a children's author, did he know his stratospheric sales would make him one of the three highest-earning authors in the UK, clocking up print sales of £11m? Possible not, but he might have...
For reluctant writers, the mere mention of story writing is enough to bring them out in a cold sweat. I know from experience that my own little reluctant writer will do the minimum he can get away with when it comes to English homework. He might have ideas, but he...
As our family grows and develops, our home needs to reflect that. We moved into our current home over seven years ago, following a complete renovation. At the time, we had to get everything new, from furniture to white goods, so you know what that means don’t you?...
I'm often asked how do I find time to write and the answer is quite simple - I don't know. Whether you work full time, part time or are a stay-at-home parent, there are never enough hours in the day and using any of this precious time to write seems, well, just plain...
New research shows children who write creatively outside of school do significantly better in the classroom. In an effort to assess how writing enjoyment has changed over the years, along with children’s enjoyment of writing, The National Literacy Trust used data from...
Creative writing is not just about language practice, it supports literacy, helps children develop their reading skills and most importantly, it is fun. I am an avid reader and writer so you won’t hear any arguments from me about how important creative writing is....