When Peterborough pupil Crawford Johnston (pictured) came up with the idea of “Creative Writing Magic Money Cards” he thought it would help him understand and revise for English grammar. But two years later the 13- year-old’s creation is being used across the country.
The glossy aid - a little bigger than a pack of cards - explains concepts such as the use of paragraphs, onomatopoeia and includes compelling and creative structures for different ways to start a short story. “Money” points are allocated to each card and pupils are encouraged to use as many as possible to increase their “winnings”.
Designed for 9 to 15-year-olds (KS23), the kit has attracted the attention of the Secretary of State’s office and heads in the region.
Jonathan Lewis, assistant director of education at Peterborough City Council, has arranged for the cards to go to all primaries.
Crawford, who was at primary school when he developed the cards, said: “I thought it was an idea that was just going to work for me. But I wanted to make it fun - like a game rather than another lesson.”
See www.creativewritingmmc.co.ukWhat else?Try BiddickPhil’s creative writing prompts for 10-minute tasks pupils will love.
