March 2019 saw another brand new venture for me – creative writing groups for little ones and their grown-ups!
Over the course of three weeks, I was lucky enough to have the chance to try out a mixture of workshops in the Garden Room at Moat Brae (Peter Pan House, Dumfries). Although the room is not quite finished yet, it gave us a fantastic space to move and write – look at the view!
Each week of the three-week free trial was split into two sessions: babies & toddlers, and pre-schoolers. The themes each week were the same though – ‘About the Author’ in week 1, ‘Mother’s Day’ in week 2, and ‘Peter Pan’ in week 3. Well, given the venue, we HAD to do something about Peter Pan, didn’t we?!
The children’s favourite part was the interactive retelling of the Peter Pan story, including lots of flying and songs!
By the end of the three weeks, we were all sad to say goodbye! The group had really bonded – the adults were beginning to get to know each other and have a little more confidence in their own writing skills too, and the children (from one to five years old) were loving the space, books, and seeing their new friends, and also getting used to the structure of each session.
There are a number of benefits of writing and storytelling sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Wee Writers sessions help little ones and their grown-ups to:
- Practise eye-tracking and fine motor skills ahead of reading and writing
- Socialise
- Nuture a shared love of stories from the earliest age
Moat Brae is currently closed for finishing touches before it opens fully in the summer. Wee Writers is provisionally scheduled to begin properly on Monday 2nd September 2019 – times etc to be confirmed. For updates, please join the dedicated Facebook group or keep checking this website.
Wee Writers are fun and interactive creative writing groups for little ones and their grown-ups. They are also a great option for one-off sessions at baby groups, primary schools, birthday parties, and more! Please get in touch for details.
Kerrie McKinnel 