school visits
In a 2019 survey, The Literacy Trust found that pupils who have received author visits experience more enjoyment and more confidence in their reading. https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/impact-writer-visits-children-and-young-peoples-literacy-engagement/
Please use the contact page to get in touch if you'd be interested in viewing my author visits information page and / or arranging a visit to your school. Books are available at a discounted price during a visit. I am available for visits in 2019 / 2020 on Fridays. I can offer:
Reading based session 1: A talk aimed at promoting reading in general, with discussion (and optional activities) about favourite books with animal characters. I will also speak about my book 'Little Pearl', including its themes and messages. This will conclude with a Q & A and opportunity to buy books and have them signed.
Reading based session 2: This talk looks at the process of turning a manuscript into a published book. I will speak about blurb writing, cover design and editing, using examples from 'The Second Best Pony'. There will be an interactive editing task for pupils to get involved in. Again, pupils' questions will be answered and books will be available to purchase.
Writing based session 1: This involves character profiling to create a fictional animal character, with much reference to existing fictional animal characters, followed by a writing activity centred around their character. The focus is how to use a character to form the plot of the story. Pupils can work individually or in pairs.
Writing based session 2: This session develops the skills of planning character and plot started in session one, with a focus on different types of narrative hook. Pupils can work individually, in pairs or in small groups.
Optional extra: For an even more memorable day, Lucy the Dalmatian can also make an appearance as a mascot for animal stories!
Please use the contact page to get in touch if you'd be interested in viewing my author visits information page and / or arranging a visit to your school. Books are available at a discounted price during a visit. I am available for visits in 2019 / 2020 on Fridays. I can offer:
Reading based session 1: A talk aimed at promoting reading in general, with discussion (and optional activities) about favourite books with animal characters. I will also speak about my book 'Little Pearl', including its themes and messages. This will conclude with a Q & A and opportunity to buy books and have them signed.
Reading based session 2: This talk looks at the process of turning a manuscript into a published book. I will speak about blurb writing, cover design and editing, using examples from 'The Second Best Pony'. There will be an interactive editing task for pupils to get involved in. Again, pupils' questions will be answered and books will be available to purchase.
Writing based session 1: This involves character profiling to create a fictional animal character, with much reference to existing fictional animal characters, followed by a writing activity centred around their character. The focus is how to use a character to form the plot of the story. Pupils can work individually or in pairs.
Writing based session 2: This session develops the skills of planning character and plot started in session one, with a focus on different types of narrative hook. Pupils can work individually, in pairs or in small groups.
Optional extra: For an even more memorable day, Lucy the Dalmatian can also make an appearance as a mascot for animal stories!
Seaton St Paul's CE Junior School, Workington - 17th and 24th June 2019
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"We encourage our children to have aspirations for the future and having a local author in to visit is a great example of this." Amanda Dickinson, Headteacher
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St Matthew's CE Primary School, Westnewton - 8th July 2019
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"The children really enjoyed the sessions. I noticed some excellent engagement from children who don’t always engage in the same way. They liked seeing the books you had enjoyed in the reading session and hearing you read an extract from your book was good. As for the writing, they really enjoyed that session and enjoyed the activity.
I hope you get lots of bookings! Thank you so much! We sold all the additional five copies I got from you! I may have to sell the school copies next and then buy replacements!" Helen Harrison, Headteacher |
Raughton Head CE Primary School, 15th July
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" The children have not stopped talking about your visit and Lucy!! They all loved the workshop, the quiz was great and pitched well to all levels and the writing character profile prompts were great! We thoroughly enjoyed today; it was very inspiring for our budding authors." Victoria Baker, KS2 Teacher
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Hunter Hall School, Penrith - 4th October
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"Thanks so much for coming. The kids loved having you in, and were buzzing about it all day.
I was really impressed with the way you pitched it - bang on for their age. You definitely won around the reluctant readers and have certainly inspired some of the keen readers to want to become writers themselves (not to mention me!!!) I particularly liked the editing task at the end. The buzz that (name) and (name) got when you were genuinely impressed with their edits has really skyrocketed their writing confidence, so thank you." Kirsten Fletcher, Deputy Head. |
Derwent Vale Primary School, Great Clifton - 11th October
Year 5 students at the school used Little Pearl as inspiration to write and produce a performance poem which was presented to me during the visit. I WAS NOT expecting this!
Morland Area CE Primary School (& others) Gifted & Talented Day - 1st November
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"I was just talking to the group who came to this and they loved it!"
Lynne Wade
Headteacher
Kirkby Stephen Primary School
Lynne Wade
Headteacher
Kirkby Stephen Primary School
Stanwix Primary School, Carlisle - 7th February
"The session really inspired our children and gave them belief that anyone can become a story writer! They were enthused to read all of the stories that you suggested and we have a waiting list of children wanting to take the books home. A great session which I would highly recommend!" Sam Fitzsimons
"The session really inspired our children and gave them belief that anyone can become a story writer! They were enthused to read all of the stories that you suggested and we have a waiting list of children wanting to take the books home. A great session which I would highly recommend!" Sam Fitzsimons