On Creative Writing

British author Kevin Crossley-Holland’s advice for aspiring authors/illustrators:

Begin. Continue (meaning: get stuck in, persist when it gets difficult). Make writing a habit, like eating (or praying). Keep a notebook, maybe. Try writing from different viewpoints.

Play word games. Read. Imagine!

Read, dream and write some! Enjoy! Read more. Write more.

The Liquid World

Every year ESFF English teachers and students create a number of activities around a chosen theme. The topic for this year's celebration is linked to 2013 : International Year of Water Cooperation.

'The Liquid World' was the title chosen to name the event. Please contribute your ideas and suggestions for activities to be developed within it. These might encompass video screening, performance, photography, drama, dance, music and song, art exhibits, and many others.

You're welcome to publish your suggestions here! Don't forget to state your name and class!

Life-changing wisdom

the four agreements - don miguel ruiz's code for life In the best selling book 'The Four Agreements' don Miguel Ruiz gives four principles to practise in order to create love and happiness in your life. Adopting and committing to these agreements is simple. Actually living and keeping these Four Agreements can be one of the hardest things you will ever do. It can also be one of the most life changing things you will ever do. As you practise living these four practices your life will dramatically change. In the beginning these new habits will be challenging and you will lapse countless times. With practice these agreements become integrated into your being and every area of your life and become easy habits to keep. Here's a summary of The Four Agreements: agreement 1 Be impeccable with your word - Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love. agreement 2 Don’t take anything personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering. agreement 3 Don’t make assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life. agreement 4 Always do your best - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret. Do these ancient Toltec teachings resonate with you? Any thoughts you would like to share?

Precious Stones

Dear Students, here's my introductory message to you!

Passion 
sets 
imagination

on fire.

Fire breeds creation.

We are all creators

and creation is life.

So I believe

we all need

Space to create

And to breathe

People tell me

School is a place

Devoid of joy

Disconnected

from life

And laughter

They say

School is no fun, 
no playground

School is a fighting arena 
that brings you down

Well, here are some

of the things that I’ve learnt:

School is a mirror

of the world we live in

As in school, 
Out there in the world,

Most people wear

weaponry 'nd armour

Against one another

And we go around

Hiding our scars

Our fears and doubts

Protecting our wounds

'Cause we don’t want to seem

fragile or weak

fearing other people

may put us down

and expose us to ridicule

‘Cause we've been taught 
people will trick you, and cheat you,

beat you and defeat you.

And, what a shame,

people teach the young

That this is the truth.  

So every generation

Learns the same way.

And on and on

We cling to our fears,

And insecurities

Hiding our tears and anxieties

and we keep them safe

- What a waste! -

and guard them

like precious stones, 
these dark gems,

in our tight hearts 
and our clasped hands.

But, you know what? 
The best defence

is no defence at all

That’s what I hold

And wanna share with you all.

'Cause if you believe their lies –

You will believe

you are not good enough

To be loved

And grow

And flourish

And be happy

And you'll settle for average

Or even mediocrity

and will not dare

to collect

what you deserve.

And you become afraid to look

into yourself.

Oh, yes,

you may find frightening things,

but that’s not what puts you off.

What scares the hell out of you 
is that you might find out
how talented,

how prodigiously wonderful,

how unique you are!

But if you dare to take a look inside you,

Deep under the layers of fear, anger, and suspicion,

you will find pearls, sparkling diamonds, 
rubies, sapphires and emeralds –

your joy, your fire, your talents, your courage, 
your strength to be who you really are!

So today I dare myself and I dare you 
to open our hands and hearts 
and pick all those emeralds, sapphires and rubies, 
and diamonds, and pearls,  - 
and, yes, lay the dark gems on your bare hands too -  ... 
One by one, like beeds on a necklace, 
let’s make a guirland 
and decorate the classroom with them!

Teresa Jardim