2. We would like you to think about times when you feel most free.
First, listen to this group poem which was created by poet Dean Atta’s First Story Group at Hampstead School in London

3. 7-minute free write 
When you are told to start, write down the words, “I feel most free when…” and continue the sentence.
Don’t put down your pen until you are told to stop.
Try not to worry about perfecting, just get the words on the page – trust your mind and imagination!
Listen for the prompts as they come from your teacher…

4. Prompts… Are there any activities that you associate with freedom?
Are there any objects you associate with freedom?
Are there any feelings you associate with freedom?
Are there any memories that you associate with freedom?
Use your imagination here and add detail from the senses?
What does your freedom taste like?
What does your freedom smell like?
What does your freedom sound like?
What would your freedom feel like to the touch?

5. Sharing
Find a partner and take turns to share your free write with them
While you are listening, think carefully about any lines which you particularly like and why.
Offer some feedback to your partner:
What was it you particularly liked about the line or lines?
Were they the same as your partner's favourites?
Did they offer you a new interpretation of freedom?

6. Extension: Group Poem
As a class, collect everyone’s favourite lines in order to compose a group poem like Dean Atta’s group did.
You could try two variations:
One in which you keep the “I feel most free when…” refrain at the start of each line
One where you just have a list of the things themselves.
Decide which one you prefer.
Why not display this poem in your classroom or record it as a group?

7. Want to find out more?
You can share your poems on social media via the following hashtags #nationalwritingday and #writeaway.
You can also find out more about National Writing Day via our website
Here you will find a whole range of inspiring activities by leading organisations and ways to engage with creative writing across the country.