Young author inspires students at St Finn Barr’s

Mason Hill has a passion for storytelling which has seen him write over 40 books. If you are like Mason, have a passion for stories, and would like to read some of his wonderful work, his books are available at St Finn Barr’s Catholic School Library where Mason happens to be a student in Year Three! 

Writing and encouraging students to tell their stories is an important component of any Literacy curriculum. With the Storytelling Showcase wrapping up last week, and more than 30 storytelling awards presented to students across Tasmania, the appetite for storytelling remains strong within students in CET schools.

It is important for teachers and families to engage in storytelling with young people as there can be many important benefits that reading and storytelling can have on young minds. It can extend their vocabulary, activate imagination, help them learn knowledge about the world and what it means to be human, and build their identity. 

18 months ago, Mason approached St Finn Barr’s Librarian Ms Jess Cross, and asked if the library could publish and circulate student stories so they could be shared with other students. This was an easy decision for Ms Cross as she could see the passion that Mason had for storytelling and hoped that it would have the same effect on some of the other students in the school. The next time Mason visited the library, he held in his hand a simple, homemade book titled ‘the Bear in the Sea’. This was the first book in a catalogue of stories that are available to be borrowed from their school library written by Mason. 

During Library lessons, Ms Cross would read Mason’s story to each class from Kinder through to Year Six. They would all thoroughly enjoy Mason’s tales. Mason explained his love for storytelling, “I just love books. Sometimes they are funny, sometimes they might be boring, but most of the time they are just amazing!” He said, “I think most of my books are really funny. One of my favourites is a book I wrote called Fox in a Beehive, it’s about this little Fox who gets stuck in a beehive when he’s trying to get some honey.” 

After reading and listening to his stories, other students at St Finn Barr’s felt encouraged to write their own stories to share with their peers. One student in Year One created a book adopting a number of Pokemon with friends that had amazing illustrations. Another student in Year Four wrote two books, one named Total Drama which was a mix between I’m a Celebrity and Survivor, the other was titled Fred the Worm which was written in collaboration with three other students in their class. These books are all available to be borrowed and enjoyed by students at their school.

Ms Cross spoke about the pride she experienced when sharing student stories in her library. “It is so wonderful to have these special creations in our library collection. A student will request to borrow another student’s book which really warms my heart.” She said, “I am so very proud and amazed to have the students who are creative and passionate about writing and illustrating, and just as proud of the students who show interest, encouragement and wonder towards our student authors and illustrators.” 

Mason’s passion for storytelling was clearly evident, and he plans on being a famous author when he is older. Like a seasoned media professional, he explained, “One day, I feel like I’m going to write a book that is really impressive. So I’m practising my writing for that big moment.” Mason’s books are already very impressive, and it was a pleasure to read his wonderful stories whilst getting to know his friends who also loved his books. 

St Finn Barr’s have been able to hone in on their students' love for storytelling, and help foster an enthusiasm for learning and reading, a vital aspect of students becoming Literate Learners for Life!