Key Stage 2 pupils had a treat on day four of Literacy Week as Dan Freedman, author of the popular Jamie Johnson football themed books, visited the school. Dan ran several Q&A workshops with all pupils from Key Stage 2. In these sessions, Dan explained how he became a successful author following a career in football journalism. Dan outlined the route any writer must take from beginning with a blank page, developing a plot and adding interesting characters. For our budding writers, Dan discussed the influences of footballers such as Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand on his stories. By showing video clips of his interviews with the players, the author looked at how to build their competitive instincts into his fictional football characters. 'Kick Off' (Dan's first book) is in the process of being adapted for a TV production and Dan revealed a trailor for the show. This fitted in perfectly with our theme of books that have gone on to be TV or film productions.
Lots of our children took the opportunity to buy signed copies of the Jamie Johnson books while several lucky children from each year group received free signed books for the interesting questions they asked during the discussions. Football is certainly popular amongst our boys and girls and Dan's visit should inspire not just football fans but all aspiring writers to put pen to paper and try to create their own engaging characters.
