School Visits

I love to visit schools to share the joys and challenges of reading and creative writing - especially mystery and adventure stories.

Everyone has great stories inside them, just waiting to be told. Let’s work together to set them free!

In addition to mystery-solving, I like to talk about animals, empathy, history, plotting, and books that make you laugh. I've worked with lots of libraries, book festivals and home-education groups too. I'm always happy to tailor talks and workshops to suit each setting.

Please get in touch via e-mail if you'd like to discuss a visit. helen(at)castlekey.org.uk

For now, a brief overview of what I can offer...

Talks and workshops linked to the Adventure Island series are suitable for Y3-Y8 and are all about how to plot like a criminal mastermind to create a great mystery story, complete with clues, villains, puzzles and peril. We'll work on exciting action scenes, compelling suspense scenes and the all-important top-secret ingredients.

The Secrets of the Tombs books are for a slightly older readership, so activities based on this series are most suitable for Y5-Y8. There’s still plenty of mystery and adventure, this time with a focus on creating interesting characters and fabulous settings and incorporating the rich worlds of history, myth and legend. Topic links include the Ancient Egyptian and Mayan civilisations.

 

For younger children (Y1-4) The Time Dogs series combines lovable pups, time travel and true-life history. We’ll talk about what makes a story and put our imaginations to work to make up some new ones, featuring journeys, quests and our favourite animal characters.

I can come into school for a single talk or workshop, but typically stay for a half or full day, to do a combination of an introductory talk with Q and A, followed by interactive workshops with individual classes or year groups.

Most workshops last for about one hour but can be adapted to fit in with the school day and for the specific requirements of your school. I am more than happy to work with teachers/librarians in advance to tailor just the right visit for your children.

The day often finishes with a book sale so that children have the chance to buy their own personally signed book. There is, however, no obligation to include a sale as part of the visit.

I am a member of NAWE and hold public liability insurance and an Enhanced DBS certificate.

For further information including fees and travel expenses, please contact me on helen(at)castlekey.org.uk.