We often hear about reading for pleasure but how about writing for pleasure? A recent research report by the National Literacy Trust states that children and young people’s writing in 2023 continues to be at crisis point. It cites ‘enjoyment of writing’ at the lowest levels recorded since 2010.
One comment that we recently heard from a teacher in a primary school where we were about to deliver a workshop, really stuck with us. They said:
‘There’s so much SPaG terminology we have to incorporate into teaching story writing that the children’s imaginations have disappeared. It’s like someone has turned a light off and all their ideas have gone.’
Primary Year 3 Teacher
If you’re in a similar situation and feel as though your class would benefit from a fun and engaging story making workshop, then you’re in the right place.
About us
Here at Magical Story Jars, we believe that creating stories in a unique, hands on and engaging way builds confidence, improves literacy and what’s more, is lots of fun! Our innovative approach to creative writing for primary schools is designed to ignite imaginations, motivate children to write and develop a lifelong love of literature.
Founded by passionate children’s book enthusiast and mum of two, Beth; Magical Story Jars is the culmination of years of dedication to children's literature and creative expression. Inspired by her own family's love of conjuring up stories, Beth's vision is to empower all children to become enthusiastic, confident writers and imaginative thinkers with the help of Magical Story Jars. Each jar contains a collection of ‘story ingredients’ including the all-important ‘magic dust’ to bring the stories to life, along with diverse story characters, exciting settings and problematic plots.
To find out more about Beth’s Magical Story Jars work click here.
How can we help your class?
By delivering an interactive, hands on workshop developed and trialled alongside experienced educators and children. The workshop is aligned to the national curriculum (English programmes of study:KS1 and KS2) and has been designed specifically for primary school children in years one through to four.
Through a workshop that includes an oral ‘Magical Story Jars story’ alongside the use of story cards, the story makers poem, intriguing objects, magic dust, wands and other hands-on activities to enable the children to understand story structure in a fun and interactive way.
By using fun filled resources from the Magical Story Jars range to ignite imaginations and make the story writing process hands on, bite-sized, focused and perhaps most importantly of all - fun! Follow on resources can also be purchased for those wishing to embrace the use of story jars in the classroom on a long-term basis.
Workshops can be adapted to suit schools’ individual requirements. Each class workshop can last between one hour right up to two hours dependent upon your requirements, the time available in your school day and the intended learning outcomes.
Through the creation of a magical, sensory rich and supportive writing environment where all children are encouraged to see themselves as creative story makers.
Would you like to find out more?
If you’re interested in adding a sprinkling of magic to your classroom with a Magical Story Jars workshop, or you have questions to ask, then get in touch by using the form below or emailing beth@magicalstoryjars.com for an informal chat about how we can best help. Magical Story Jars offers a wealth of activities and resources to inspire young writers and ignite a lifelong passion for creative writing.
Don’t take our word for it! Take a look at some testimonials below.
The workshop(s) were wonderful. They were well planned, resourced, prepared and totally engaging. All the pupils regardless of their age or ability were hooked. The children enjoyed writing their stories. My staff would highly recommend Beth and the Magical Story Jar workshops.
Louise Freeman, Primary School Headteacher
‘That workshop was great fun Beth’
Maksym, year 3/4
‘Children need to be able to articulate their ideas before writing them. Magical Story Jars help children to improve their communication skills, narrative talk and language development.’
Mrs Butler, Primary School Teacher
Beth was a delight to work with. So enthusiastic and willing to be flexible to suit our needs. The activity far exceeded our expectations in how well it was received by visitors. One commented "“We did magical story jars, it was brilliant. 7 year old wrote the longest story she has ever written, she didn’t want to leave.”
Jenny (Play and Learning Manager at Eureka! The National Childrens Museum)
Beth is collaborative and passionate about running engaging workshops to develop creative writing skills. As an educator, I teach Education in American Universities in Florence, I find her approach fantastic as students are able to improve their writing skills and creativity. I would strongly recommend Beth to all educators who are looking for an entertaining, engaging and above all educational experience run by an experienced writer who puts great passion into everything she proposes. Beth and I have been working together every summer since 2019.
Debora Chillini, Founder of StoryTime English Labs and teacher of Education in American Universities in Florence, Italy
“It was brilliant story inspiration”.
Elsa, year 3/4
