A Great Week at Tom Price Primary School

This week we have had visiting author, Norman Jorgensen working with all students. Mr Jorgensen has been sharing his stories with the children, answering questions and working with our writers club on how they can enhance their own writing. Each day I have had students full of enthusiasm sharing what they have learnt. For a full write up from our Literacy Coach, Mrs Penny Bingham, see over the page.

Popular Western Australian children’s author, Norman Jorgensen entertained students from Kindergarten to Year 7 during his recent residency at TPPS. Norman kept students enthralled as he shared amusing stories of his childhood and early years of schooling in Narrogin; of the teachers and people in his life who have been reinvented as characters in his books.

In the weeks leading up to Norman’s residency, students had the opportunity to explore, in detail, a range of his publications, including Jack’s Island, In Flanders Fields, The Last Viking, Call of the Osprey and A Fine Mess.
Students’ understanding of these texts was enhanced as Norman shared with them some of the background to his stories and the process he went through to draft and redraft the stories before sending them to the publisher and finally seeing them in print.
Students from the writers’ group were particularly privileged to have Norman provide some valuable insights for aspiring authors and to hear him read the text from his latest picture book. With the working title, Blind Faith, this is a poignant story of loyalty, commitment, adversity and courage.

As a result of Norman’s visit, students have commented that they are inspired to read more of his books and some have indicated a renewed interest in writing.