Today’s guest post is written by our trustee volunteer John, who helps out nearly every week with the Piglets:
I am the one and only middle aged male assistant who helps out during the Tuesday afternoon Piglet sessions. I have to admit I look forward to attending and assisting Ella which usually involves joining Ella and the children in the circle, and becoming involved in the game or activity Ella has chosen to jump-start the session. I always get the job of setting up tables and chairs so the ‘freshly inspired and keen’ young ones can begin writing. In that section it is best to melt into the background to be available only if and when someone gets stuck or asks for assistance. Mostly they all have their noses almost touching the paper and their pens busily scribbling away like rats running up drainpipes. At the end of that section the children proudly read the splendid written work they have produced. That part always fills me with admiration and respect for them as I witness their sincere enthusiasm and their skills in writing out their ideas that seem to come to them in abundance: character development, dialogue, scene description, aspects of relationship to the animal world, nature and, most of all the world of fantasy. Added to this is the unique variety each young individual brings to the group.
It is impossible at these points to refrain from dishing out lots of well deserved praise and encouragement. It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to be part of all of these activities.
John Fee.
Thank you John for all your hard work! We really appreciate it and it is great having you to help out.
Find out more about volunteering for Little Green Pig here.
Found your blog a total joy to read! Thank you xx
Thanks for the comment Kate! Let us know if you run any similar projects as we’re always keen to hear from other people doing writingly things. Ella
What a lovely post John. I’m sorry we can’t have you around in the Saddleback group too! It is good to remind ourselves that it is of course a privilege to be let into other people’s imaginations, which is what the workshops enable us to do each week. I’m sure the Piglets value your help enormously.