The School Gym was transformed into a Christmas workshop full of elves and trolls when prize-winning author Matt Haig paid CHS’s young storytellers a visit.
Talking to the Juniors in the School Gym and pupils from local schools, Matt spoke about his writing and where he gets his inspiration during an assembly, jam-packed with festive audience participation.
Hearing about how he was inspired to write The Boy Who Stole Christmas after his son asked the question, ‘what was father Christmas like when he was younger?’ Matt explained that good things can come from asking good questions.
Together, Matt and the pupils considered unusual words taken from history and what they could mean, including ‘hornswoggler’ and ‘afternoonerly’ as well as why the word ‘impossible’ is elves’ least favourite.
The session, which was also conducted in sign-language, ended in a Q&A during which Matt spoke about his school English teacher inspiring him before the pupils put their best elf and troll noises to the test in a closely contested team-competition.
