About The Story Studio
Hi, I'm Sharon Lesley Le Roux. I am a mother, a writer, and a qualified, experienced Creative Writing teacher.
I live in the vibrant, culturally-rich city of Hong Kong, where I run weekly story-writing workshops, as well as writing for a couple of local magazines. I'm also proud to have been a judge and mentor for The Young Writers Competition in Hong Kong for the last two years.
With so many great things in my life, I am truly blessed, as without them I wouldn't be doing what I do. I have great qualifications from two high-ranking UK universities: a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Creative Writing and English Language (University of Leeds), and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English (Lancaster University). I also have twelve years' experience of teaching Creative Writing, in Hong Kong and South Korea. I have an encouraging family, and an imaginative and energising group of friends, whose support and creative input are essential to The Story Studio's existence and success. And, with a passion for creative writing, and for encouraging others, together with a love of the English language (I'm a bona fide wordsmith), I believe I have the best job in the world.
I live in the vibrant, culturally-rich city of Hong Kong, where I run weekly story-writing workshops, as well as writing for a couple of local magazines. I'm also proud to have been a judge and mentor for The Young Writers Competition in Hong Kong for the last two years.
With so many great things in my life, I am truly blessed, as without them I wouldn't be doing what I do. I have great qualifications from two high-ranking UK universities: a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Creative Writing and English Language (University of Leeds), and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English (Lancaster University). I also have twelve years' experience of teaching Creative Writing, in Hong Kong and South Korea. I have an encouraging family, and an imaginative and energising group of friends, whose support and creative input are essential to The Story Studio's existence and success. And, with a passion for creative writing, and for encouraging others, together with a love of the English language (I'm a bona fide wordsmith), I believe I have the best job in the world.
So, why do I teach children Creative Writing?
Well, this world of ours is a fascinating place. When we set out to write a story, we kids (of all ages) become explorers; of the world around us, and of ourselves. As is true of all of us, children are only capable of writing who they are, and when they begin to write creatively, they set out on lifelong voyages of self-exploration and discovery.
Children spend a large chunk of their daily lives inside their own imaginations, and when encouraged to write stories, they get to explore their imaginings, and ideas, opinions, and feelings, about the world as they see it, as well as this thing we call 'Life'.
As a teacher of these explorers, I love my time in the classroom! I am often surprised, occasionally touched, regularly tickled, and just about always truly awed by the stories they write.
Well, this world of ours is a fascinating place. When we set out to write a story, we kids (of all ages) become explorers; of the world around us, and of ourselves. As is true of all of us, children are only capable of writing who they are, and when they begin to write creatively, they set out on lifelong voyages of self-exploration and discovery.
Children spend a large chunk of their daily lives inside their own imaginations, and when encouraged to write stories, they get to explore their imaginings, and ideas, opinions, and feelings, about the world as they see it, as well as this thing we call 'Life'.
As a teacher of these explorers, I love my time in the classroom! I am often surprised, occasionally touched, regularly tickled, and just about always truly awed by the stories they write.
And, story-writing isn't just about writing stories.
Children interested in writing stories, are children interested in writing. The skills they learn, use and master while writing creatively are no different to those they use in any other kind of writing, be it academic or personal. Children who write creatively on a regular basis, improve the technical side of their writing; spelling, grammar, layout, punctuation, capitalisation, and so on. And, importantly, they enjoy doing it.
Children interested in writing stories, are children interested in writing. The skills they learn, use and master while writing creatively are no different to those they use in any other kind of writing, be it academic or personal. Children who write creatively on a regular basis, improve the technical side of their writing; spelling, grammar, layout, punctuation, capitalisation, and so on. And, importantly, they enjoy doing it.
When children study the art of story writing together in classes, they learn from each other's strengths, weaknesses and techniques, as well as being able to receive on-the-spot, varied feedback on the stories they write.
They encourage one another to push at their creative boundaries, and in doing so become comfortable in trying out new things; taking risks, both inside and outside of the classroom.
They grow in their confidence and ability to own their ideas, and feelings, and opinions.
Ultimately, their personal voyages of exploration enable and encourage a willingness to step out into the world as the totally unique individuals that they are, in childhood and beyond.
They encourage one another to push at their creative boundaries, and in doing so become comfortable in trying out new things; taking risks, both inside and outside of the classroom.
They grow in their confidence and ability to own their ideas, and feelings, and opinions.
Ultimately, their personal voyages of exploration enable and encourage a willingness to step out into the world as the totally unique individuals that they are, in childhood and beyond.