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Workshops and storytellings
One of my favourites!
I need a minimum of 45 minutes, but given 90 minutes we can have even more
fun.
We read at least 2 different stories, meet Smudge the mouse, sing, dress up
and generally make a great deal of noise! We break midway for drawing and, given time, finish with a competition where I draw different animals for
the children to identify.
Suitable for children from 4 - 7 years old.
I will need a chair, plus a large, tear-off display pad and
black felt pen if I'm to draw.
The children will need coloured pencils or felt tips and A4 paper.
They are best seated
on the floor for the storytelling, but require desk space
for the drawing activity.
I will bring the books with me. I can also supply you with colouring sheets,
for you to
photocopy for the children if you wish.
NB: Follow-up activities are available in the 'Funclub'
section of this website.
Can be done in 1 hour with the younger children, but works better given 90
mins - 2 hours.
I talk about what it's like to be an illustrator and explain
how a picture book comes about.
We read one of the stories and I show some original artwork, then the children
can ask questions.
This is followed by a brainstorming session to generate illustration ideas.
The children then create illustrations of their own on a theme linked to the
story we have read.
Suitable for 7 - 14 year olds.
I will need a table to display my books. Also a large tear-off display pad with blutack
and
a black
felt
pen
(or alternatively a white/black board).
The children will need A3 cartridge paper, pencils, rubbers and coloured pencils
/ pens.
NB: Please ensure there is sufficient desk space for everyone!
I will bring the books and anything else I require to illustrate the discussion.
I need a minimum of 1 hour, although 1.5 - 2 hours is preferable, particularly with
older
children.
Alternatively, I can extend the workshop to incorporate illustration as well,
working with the children on visualising
their characters and illustrating their stories.
I begin by talking about what it's like to be a writer & illustrator. I explain how a picture book comes about and we read and analyse one of
the books. We then use group brainstorming and a series of imagination exercises to create characters and ideas for stories for the children to work on.
Approx 1 hr plus questions.
I talk about and show examples of my work, explain the process of production
of a
picture book and show how characters are created and evolve. I discuss
the relationship between author and illustrator and the role of the publisher
and designer. I look at how
picture books are effected by foreign markets,
and consider the impact of computers on the life of an illustrator.
I can vary the delivery of this to suit anyone from 7yrs to grown up!
NB: There's lots of interesting stuff to learn about, but don't be fooled
- I like to keep my talks as lighthearted and irreverant as my artwork!
