It can be hard to know where to start when writing a short story. You ask yourself: Who will I write about? What will I write about? Where will I set it? Ms Reynolds and her 3rd Year English students are going to start their stories by finding our character out on the street, in Rathgar Village.
Before we went, Ms Reynolds read the following extract from John Steinbeck's novel, 'Of Mice and Men' - a this novel 3rd Years will be reading over the course of Junior Cycle.
Listening Exercise:
One of the key tasks with writing is being able to give eyes to the reader to be able to see, ears to hear and senses to feel what is happening to your characters. Can you please listen attentively and draw the character, Slim, the Prince of the Ranch? Try to capture as much detail as you can.
Draw out the character description …
Comprehension questions:
What adjective would you use to describe Slim's character based on what George observed?
Did you enjoy Steinbeck's writing style? Why? Did you notice any unusual analogies or similes?
Why do you think Steinbeck only had Slim speak at the end of the descriptive passage?
Field Writing Exercise: 'Go Find Your Character'
All writers are great observers, they spend many hours looking at the world and the people that inhabit it. They then research this world in order to make more authentic characters.
Now go outside with a pen and your hard notebook in hand. Pick a discreet place to observe passersby. Who are you seeing? A housewife, a builder, a college student etc. How do you know this? Did you just deduce this information based on what they were wearing, what expression they had on their face, their posture?
Ms Reynolds
Our Transition Year (TY) students hosted a successful coffee morning in the school hall to raise funds for Our Lady's Hospice & Care Services in Harold's Cross. Year groups visited the hall in turn for tea, coffee, and treats. Thanks to Ms. Maxwell, Ms. Talbot, Ms. McGill and all our TY students.
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On Wednesday, the 23rd of September, a group of us TY students had the opportunity to welcome Irish writer Elaine Garvey to our school, where we took part in a two-hour workshop with her. On Friday the 25th of September, we embarked on our weekly trip which brought us northside, to Glasnevin Cemetery, so write Ianis, Vihaan and Matthew B (TY Weekly editors).
Some of our Chinese students celebrated the Mooncake Festival this morning with traditional treats, and stories about the holiday. The round shape of the mooncakes mirrors the bright harvest moon, symbolizing family togetherness and completeness.
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