Author visits can often be like a spark to a flame, providing children and students alike with that little extra unidentifiable ‘something’ that can tip them over the edge into discovering an enjoyment, a passion, a gift, that they had not quite realised was there before. I have seen this happen many times in the past, both when working in the library and organising the visits as well as being a teacher in the classroom and witnessing their impact. One of my favourite comments came a few years ago from a teacher in Year 5 who told me that she did not know exactly what had happened, or why, but her class had not stopped wanting to write after the author visit of that year. That, in essence, is what you are after, each time an author visits our school – the ignition of a desire to engage with words and the reading and writing process, which is the key to learning and potential future success.
Last year, we welcomed three authors to school who each, in their own individual way, inspired children and students with their passion for their art – Laura Wall, Stephen Davies and Mark Grist. For Laura, it was her second visit and the staff who were here for her first one, back in 2020, were excited to welcome her back. This year, it is the turn of Mark Grist (a performance poet) to make a repeat visit. He went down so well in the Secondary School last year that the English teachers immediately asked if he could be re-booked. While he was here, Mark also spent a short time with the children in Primary and had a great time. The teachers asked whether he would be happy to come back to be their full-time author in residence this year. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we have welcomed Mark back into school for the past week and a half, in both Secondary and Primary, with another 3 days still to come in Primary next week.
He has been spreading his love of the poetic word and the power that they can wield to spread and share our thoughts and ideas. What has been wonderful to see is the reaction of those children and students who may have viewed poetry as ‘uncool’ – there is nothing better than seeing a group of initially disinterested students completely engaged in his presentations and wanting to take part in the workshops that he has led. The writing and performances that have come out of his visit have been inspiring.
Mark engenders something special in his presentations and workshops – he shifts the atmosphere, making the students lean forward and engage … it has been magical to witness. The microphone ‘crackled’, he drew a beat from the words he used and suddenly, however ordinary they may well be in isolation, those words became ‘electric’. This is not just an author visit; it is an awakening. For many children and students, they have realised that words can belong to them; that language is alive, musical and playful, and not something they need to worry about making mistakes with. Through rhyme, rhythm and story, Mark has reminded us all that writing is not just part of many disparate subjects; it can become a part of who you are
It has been wonderful to see how Mark has drawn students and children into his world, leaving them wanting to utilise a new-found interest in poetic structure – visits like his show that there is always room to have minds changed and developed. The Teachers’ Rap Battle last week was a perfect example of the power of words, drawing an audience in excess of 100 students to watch their teachers battle it out and take risks.
Whether Mark realises it, or not, I think that a simple, yet profound, message can be gleaned from his visit, and it is this: words belong to everyone. You really do not have to be perfect to be powerful. You just have to start. That, I believe, is what we can take from his second visit to Patana, we all have worth and everyone can find a way to share their words – just give it a go. Poets and authors ‘rock’ and we are so fortunate to be able to welcome them each year to spread their joy in using words in such a positive and powerful way … here’s to many more visits in the future!
