connect 2017 • 25 Studies show that children who participate with Fighting Words are not just increasing their creative writing abilities, they are more collaborative, enjoy higher self-confidence and show more motivation in other areas of their lives. Thanks in part to support from The Ireland Funds, this creative project is expanding and thriving in Northern Ireland and young people are telling new stories, their own stories, with newfound voices. Want to read stories from the young people of Fighting Words? Visit The Irish Times collection of new writing at http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/fighting-words-2017 WHAT DO TEACHERS in BELFAST HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FIGHTING WORDS? “The less able writers had great exposure to language and modeled writing and they could see how to edit work. The children who usually sit back got the chance to get their say and engaged with story telling. All the children took part and had an input in the story starter. Then they got to finish their own ending. It was fantastic.” “Sometimes the most un-sensible ideas can make the best stories.” 10-11 YEAR OLDS FROM AN INNER-CITY EAST BELFAST SCHOOL SAID THEY LEARNED THAT…. “I’m able to get lost in my stories because I can write what my mind wants.” “To blast out ideas!” “Writing stories isn’t scary!” “A story is just imagination on a page.” Photos: Aengus McMahon