Our new course, ‘Can You Keep a Secret?‘, is delighting our young pentopaperers. We have been looking at stories with secret corridors in them, characters with secret powers and the dark secrets that we all hold. As a result we have had some great reading out and even a poem or two. This week, we have a wonderful writing prompt created by our resident artist, Linda, in the shape of a painted poster with buildings and houses, each ‘window’ containing a scene that could suggest different secret activities. We are excited to see where this leads, after which we will continue with secret codes, identities, friends and tunnels, amongst other things. We are hoping to end with a Secret Santa for some strange reason.
With grateful thanks to our lovely volunteer Linda, who put this course together and promised a mind-blowingly creative experience. We are loving it!
WHEN: remaining dates are November 23rd, 30th, and December 7th & 14th
WHERE: the Wilberforce Room at the Alton Maltings. It’s a 9.30 am to 11.00 am single session.
WHAT: our topic is keeping secrets …
This course is FULL. Volunteers are always welcome, aged 11(+), for school and Duke of Edinburgh pupils (volunteering category), as well as college, university students and any member of the public (Enhanced DBS checks to be arranged by us in advance if you are aged 16(+) ).
WHO: we have a sparkling and somewhat EVER SO shiny pen to paper team – Eleanor, Etta, Gemma, Henry, Linda, Megan – who are all wonderful, kind and lovely volunteers 🙂 as well as the staff at the Maltings who always look after us so well. Thank you to everyone!
What We Do: At Pen to Paper we teach literacy skills in a fun and interactive way, in a friendly and supportive environment. We use a wide variety of fun activities, tasks and games to help children aged 7-11 to develop creative writing skills, explore their imaginations, creative thinking skills and self-expression. A strong emphasis is put on developing social skills, making friendships, and building self-confidence and self-esteem.
We operate in an informal and non-pressured setting.
When and Where: Courses run on Saturday mornings from 9.30 am to 11.00 am at the Alton Maltings Centre, Alton, with the occasional double. Places are strictly limited at a cost of £25.00 per child, per six-week course.
Self-Development: Secondary school-age children they have the opportunity to come back to work with us as Young Mentors and then at sixth form/college age they are able to come in to work as Volunteers which helps with the volunteering category of such schemes as the Duke of Edinburgh. More recently we have attracted interest from the wider community who wish to ‘give something back’. Do get in touch if you would like to volunteer (an Enhanced DBS check is an essential if you are aged 16+) for a three-, six-month or ‘see how it goes’ commitment.
Who We Are: Run by course leader Sarah Lucas – writer, publisher, workshop provider and language tutor – courses are held during weekends and school holidays only. Now in its eleventh year, Pen to Paper would like to extend a big ‘thank you’ to all who have supported us over the years, East Hampshire District Council, the National Lottery, The Rotary Club of Alton and Medstead, to mention but a few.
Where to Find Information: Contact Sarah on 01420 587351 or at puttingpentopaper13@gmail.com for more details.
Want to talk to us about your child’s literacy or volunteering needs? Do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Sarah Lucas
Pen to Paper, 07500 359308, puttingpentopaper13@gmail.com