A Selection of Steve's Books
Steve Skidmore
Type of Artist:
Author / Performer
NEW SESSION - SHAKESPEARE TODAY
Based on the graphic novels co-authored with Steve Barlow, this is an interactive and engaging day based on some of Shakespeare's most famous plays and tailored to your requirements. SHAKESPEARE TODAY provides an exciting user-friendly introduction to the plots, themes and characters of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Workshops can be designed to suit but can include an in-depth look at one of Shakespeare’s plays, how to create a graphic novel and/or analysis and performance of a particular scene.
HOW TO BE AN AMAZING AUTHOR
An interactive and engaging presentation on what is entailed in being “an author” and writing from personal experience.
This session encourages students to regard themselves as writers and to value their experiences as source material for their work. It also promotes self-esteem and aims to encourage even the most reluctant writer to help realise their potential. There may also be time for a Q & A session.
Suitable for: Ages 7 – 14 (each talk can be adapted to the specific ages of the audience)
Numbers: 20 – 250+ these are negotiable depending on age of students and size of room. If numbers rise above 250, there may have to have a suitable PA system in place (1 lapel radio mics).
Time: 45 – 75 minutes
THINGUMYBOB
An interactive play reading with lots of audience participation / role play. There is potential for follow up activities in drama, art and other curriculum areas.
Suitable for: ages 4 - 7
Numbers: 25 – 120
Time: 45‐60 mins
ACTION DOGS
A lively and funny interactive literary game show based on the Action Dogs series. Suitable for: ages 5 – 12 and mixed audience (families and friends).
Numbers: 50 – 250+ these are negotiable depending on age of students and size of room. If numbers rise above 250, I may have to have a suitable PA system in place.
Time: @60 minutes
I HERO
A lively and funny interactive literary game show based on the I Hero series.
Suitable for: ages 6 - 12 and mixed audience (families and friends).
Numbers: 50 – 250+ these are negotiable depending on age of students and size of room. If numbers rise above 250, I may have to have a suitable PA system in place.
Time: @60 minutes
WRITING MASTERCLASSES
May be combined with any of the above sessions. The aim of the workshops is to:
enthuse students about the writing process
give students confidence in formulating and planning their work
encourage students to concentrate on use of language for maximum effect
Suitable for: ages 7 – 18 (each talk can be adapted to the specific ages/needs of the audience)
Numbers: No more than 60 – it is better for smaller “class-size” numbers
Time: negotiable, but at least 60 minutes
DRAMA WORKSHOPS
Steve also offers interactive drama workshops using conventions such as role play, hot seating, forum theatre, still images, improvisation etc.
The theme of these can be negotiated and may be used in conjunction with the visit.
ORACY
Using oracy to encourage writing / reading.
Looking at understanding how language is dependent on the roles and the staus of the roles we have.
WIN LUNCH WITH STEVE!
You provide the food and Steve will have lunch with up to 12 students! You can use this as a competition or as a reward for students.
INSET
Steve can offer sessions on:
“Struggling” Readers
Creative Writing
Active Learning
Engaging and Enthusing Boys to Read.
ENGAGING AND ENTHUSING - MOTIVATING STUDENTS TO READ AND WRITE
Practical techniques to encourage reading and writing in schools
Steve will:-
Demonstrate how children’s authors approach their craft in order to produce materials for readers at every stage of their development
Give advice on choosing appropriate texts and motivating students to read
Demonstrate techniques for breaking down the task of writing with practical examples
Examine ways in which developing writers can be encouraged to use their experiences as a stimulus to writing
Give practical tips for planning a story – from a professional’s point of view
Suggest strategies to encourage reading and writing
Developing active learning skills to enhance oracy – spotlight on hotseating, forum theatre, role play, reflection
This session is intended to disseminate the practical ideas and experiences that he employs in the creation of material in an attempt to ENGAGE AND ENTHUSE children in reading and writing activities.
A MESSAGE FROM STEVE!
Hello!
Thanks for looking at the “blurb”! I hope that I will be able to offer you an author visit that will inspire and enthuse your students. I am an ex-teacher and understand both what makes a successful author visit and what you want to achieve by inviting me in to talk to and work with your students.
I have been writing books together with Steve Barlow for over twenty years and have produced over 200 titles. I began writing in order to produce material that engaged and enthused our students and this continues to be my mission!
I have travelled the world visiting schools and libraries delivering talks, workshops and INSET sessions across the age ranges. I spend over 120 days a year working with schools, libraries, universities, colleges, The British Council, The Reading Agency - in fact anyone who wants to use us to help inspire a love of reading and writing.
I have also also appeared many times at the major literary festivals (Edinburgh, Hay, Bath, Cheltenham, NCBF etc.) and the not-so-major ones!
I am asked back on a regular basis to schools which have found that the visits to have been successful. I also run writer-in-residence workshops and writing squads for a range of abilities, from Gifted and Talented students to the struggling and reluctant writer.
I offer a wide range of sessions, so please do also get in touch if you have a specific need for a visit – I am very flexible in what I can offer!
With regard to numbers, I can talk to small groups or large audiences (1000 + is the current record!)
Why invite me?
You want your students to meet a real live author (as opposed to a real dead one!)
You want to inspire your students to read (and write) more.
You want to engage your reluctant readers (usually boys!).
You want to create a “buzz” around the school for reading.
You want some professional insights into how stories are created and structured.
You want all your pupils to experience the visit.
You want a good laugh!
You want any or all of the above!
So, are my visits successful?
I get hundreds of emails and letters expressing thanks for the visits I undertake. Some are incredibly touching and prove to us that all the effort is very worthwhile.
Details
Preferred age range:5-13 YEAR OLDS
(Different sessions will be tailored for the age group chosen)
Maximum number in any one session:
Depends on session chosen – 12 – 600!
No of sessions per day:
3-4 depending on the session(s) chosen
Session Length:
45-75 minutes for talks
Can be longer for workshops – I aim to be flexible and fit in with your day!
Areas prepared to travel to:
ANYWHERE
Transport:
CAR / AIRPLANE
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION IS INCLUDED IN MY ALL INCLUSIVE FEE TO MAKE IT MORE EQUITABLE FOR SCHOOLS WHO ARE LOCATED NEARER TO MY HOME!
Fees:
Hold PLI (public liability insurance):
YES
Website:
the2steves.net
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/the2steves/
Twitter @the2steves
Titles include:
DRAGONSDALE - Snowfall and Dragonfire
I HERO SERIES
MONSTERS LIKE US SERIES
ACTION DOGS SERIES
Testimonials:
So, are my visits successful?
I get hundreds of emails and letters expressing thanks for the visits I undertake. Some are incredibly touching and prove to us that all the effort is very worthwhile.
Here are some of the most recent messages I have received:
From Alex, a primary pupil:
Thank-you for the best day of my life and I hope you come back to west croft one day.
From teachers:
The children’s enthusiasm following their sessions with you continued beyond the day. One parent said her son sat and read one of your books that evening – the first time she’d ever seen him reading without being made to.
I would just like to say a huge thank you for yesterday's library visit. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and a few of our extremely reluctant readers have gained a new love and buzz for reading that we've never seen from them before! It was absolutely brilliant.
Thank you!
From a mum:
I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thank you. My son, Joseph, attended one of your workshops this week and has thoroughly enjoyed himself. He is not an enthusiastic reader (he really dislikes it) or writer, but this week has shown him what he can do and he wants to expand on the story he has written. I’m really proud of what he has achieved this week and can only thank you once again for your enthusiasm. A very happy and grateful mum.
From an LEA English advisor:
Had two more lovely comments about last week. A St Mark's mum rang the school to thank them for sending her son. It's the first time he's got up on time and wanted to go to school every morning!
Another LSA said how the boys at Spittal had been really enthusiastic and hadn't stopped talking about it. Thanks.
From librarians:
The kids haven't stopped talking about your performances, they were blown away! The teachers too haven't stopped talking about it!
Thank you, will book you again as soon as we have the calendar fixed...
My biggest compliment was wow that was the best presentation we have ever had in school, well done......... thank you!
I just wanted to drop you a line on a person note to say a big thank you for what was a really cracking day. In my (too) many years inside schools I can honestly say that you guys were head and shoulders above any visiting speakers I’ve seen before.
From trainee teachers:
Absolutely superb.
I’d recommend to any school that wanted to liven up literacy.
From a year 5 pupil:
From your visit I have learned that writing is fun and adventurous, not just boring and rubbish like I used to think it was.
From a year 7 student:
When my form tutor told me that I had to go to see two authors period 3, I was happy because I missed geography but I thought it was going to be boring. After break when I went into the library I was amazed at how wrong I was because they were really funny and I learnt a lot from them. I really enjoyed it because they made me laugh.
They have also made me think about the positive side of writing and that writing can be how you want it to go. Thank you very much for this opportunity.
I look forward to visiting you!
Published work:
Other information:
Steve Skidmore is an ex-teacher with many years teaching experience. Since leaving the classroom, he has undertaken hundreds of school and library visits across the world, so is able to offer a variety of sessions that are appropriate for your students. Steve is always willing to listen to specific requirements you may have. He aims to be as flexible as possible to meet your requirements and so make the visit an enjoyable and rewarding visit for all concerned.
He has worked with his colleague, Steve Barlow, for many years, writing over 200 books and acting as series editor for several projects with major publishing houses. He has also written for TV and theatre.
Steve was selected as one of the top 100 most influential and creative people working in the UK in 2016 in the Hospital Club top hundred awards. He was one of ten nominations in the publishing and writing section for his work on the groundbreaking NSS G Story App.
Please visit www.the2steves.net for more information about Steve and his work with Steve Barlow.