Chris Thompson's innovative approach to Creative EducationFind out about the exciting Scribing Technique. Downloadable Resources providedInteractive approaches to Story telling and downloadable resourcesIdeas for drama in the classroom with all age groupsStory telling and Magic shows for all agesDemonstration sessions, workshops for teachers, and moreMagic shows , Drama through Irish and much more.























How Scribing Works
A Quick Guide to the Stages of Creative Wriring



Stage 1. Providing story resources
  • Select a starter from the sample "Story Inspirations" or picture collection and / or
  • Create your own story making pack by collecting postcards and eye-catching pictures.
  • Find unusual items, interesting odd things such as an old scrap of handmade paper, an old key, a strange shaped stone, for instance, are ideal to inspire plot ideas
Stage 2. Preparing to scribe
  • Try to find a quiet space. Scribing should take no more than about thirty minutes.
  • Make sure that you and your author are comfortable and that there are not too many distractions.
  • Sit your author next to you so that he / she can see you writing.
  • Explain that real authors don't write books all by themselves.
  • Explain that you are to be their scribe and give them the help that adult authors have.
Stage 3. Planning the story together
  • Introduce the story starter chosen or allow the author to choose an "Inspiration".
  • Talk about the chosen "Inspiration" together.
Stage 4. Drafting the story together
  • Be ready with questions if your author is uncertain how to begin.
  • Be ready with questions about the character and setting. This will help to develop detail and description.
  • Ask your author questions if you don't understand what is happening. This will help to develop the plot.
  • Ask questions if your author is not certain how to end the story.
Stage 5. Crafting the story together
  • Once the story is finished, scribe and author read through the story together. The story doesnot have to be completed in one session. It may be an episode in a longer story. There is nothing wrong with concluding on a cliffhanger.
  • The scribe can still ask questions. These may include:
  • Does the author want to make any changes?
  • Has it got an effective first and last line?
  • What would be a good title for the story?
Making a fair copy
  • Who will proof read the story?
  • Can corrections be made by the author?
  • Will the finished story be hand written or typed on a computer?
Presenting the story
  • Will it be illustrated by the author?
  • How will it be presented?
  • Would unusual methods of presentation be appropriate?
Stage 6. Enjoying the story together
  • Where will the story we displayed or stored?
  • Who will read or hear the story?
DOWNLOADABLE SCRIBING RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE