How I was Cinderella in the school play and how I nearly ran off the stage when I stumbled over my first solo. But then I remembered my grampa’s words – Fail. Try again. Fail again. Fail harder. Fail better. So I started again and the next solo after that didn’t seem as difficult.

I told them how my first book, Kids Can Cook was rejected many, many times before it was published. And how even now, as a published writer, ideas for books or short stories or articles are sometimes turned down. Such is the life of a writer.

I enjoyed it just as much as the boys and girls did – the sign of a good school visit.

Sarah X

It got me thinking about school visits. I did one this morning – 5th and 6th class. 5th were a dream, interested, keen and engaged. They asked some great questions. 6th were lively – probably the most lively bunch I’ve ever had. I’m not sure they got much out of the visit, but you win some, you lose some. I did my best but ran out of energy towards the end. I was also conscious that I had another class to visit (plus three more this week) so didn’t want to completely wreck my voice.

I’ve been doing rather a lot of school visits over the last few weeks (and years!) and I’ve learned a few things along the way.

1/ If the head teacher is engaged, enthusiastic and meets you at the door – the signs are good and it might just be a very good visit indeed.

2/ If you are shown into the staffroom, offered tea or coffee or something to eat before you go to the classroom - again the signs are good.

3/ If the classroom has books in it, book posters, and book reviews on the walls – the signs are good.

4/ If the teacher does not need a hand bell to calm the class down – the signs are good.

5/ If you are met at the door by the cleaner, are thrown straight into the classroom after arriving; if the classroom has no books in it and the teacher does need a hand bell - well I think you get my point . . .

I should point out the school I visited today was a very booky school and I was met at the door by the head teacher and got buns and pancakes and tea in the staffroom. The classroom had loads of books in it and the pupils were all mad into reading.

Anyway, I live to fight another day. Wicklow Montessorri tomorrow. To present a writing prize to a 12 year old talent called Orla.

Happy Pancake Day!

Sarah X