Type of Artist:
In libraries I usually do talks, readings, Q&A. I perform poems, read stories, discuss the process. If my session is linked to my non-fiction titles about World War One soldier and footballer Walter Tull, I also use a power point to show photographs and background.
For my usual full day in a school I will give talks/workshops/performances to all the children and their teachers. This sometimes involves doubling classes up or talking to the whole of a key stage together - I aim to be inclusive.
Talks usually include hints, questions and answers, encouragement to read and write, ideas, details of the writing process, short readings and poetry performances plus stories, laughs and fun!
The subjects likely to be covered in talks and workshops are: getting ideas, revision and reworking, building up a character and Poetry writing and Story Writing workshops.
I work with children from nursery to Year 7
For a talk I have no limit on numbers depending on the room and facilities available. For workshops I prefer class –sized groups
Max 4 sessions
Talks/ readings/performances for the youngest children (Reception) should be about 30 minutes.
For older age groups 45 minutes up to an hour is fine
Brighton area, London, Manchester, East Midlands and Edinburgh area are great for me! I have connections/accommodation in all the above but am prepared to consider any area that is accessible by train - and if necessary overnight expenses are met.
Train and Taxi
PLI
Poetry:
Reaching the Stars
Wonderland Alice in Poetry
Non–fiction:
Walter Tull's Scrapbook
Respect: the Walter Tull Story
Picture books:
Never Shake a Rattlesnake
Knock Knock Open the Door
And 140 further titles fiction/no-fiction and poetry
'Reaching the Stars' has won the North Somerset Teachers’ Award 2018
I am currently one of the National Poetry Day Ambassadors
Photos: