Please note that we are fully booked until May 2021, but Ian will be offering school visits and virtual author visits in his new capacity as a children’s picture book author. To discuss this further and pre-book, please contact [email protected]

Drama Workshops for Children

This practical, fun, engaging day will draw on a variety of strategies and research to inspire children to write, perform, create, play and engage using a range of dramatic techniques and games. The day will focus on using a picture book or piece of art and exploring different ways in which children can respond to it, both individually and in a group. With a focus on confidence building, expression, freedom and exploration, this day of drama is sure to inspire!

During the day we will:

-Play a variety of drama games and activities to encourage the children to think about character, feelings, setting and space

-Explore creatice responses to a stimulus, such as a piece of music, a Shakespearian play, a film clip, famous artwork or a picture book

-Respond and create using drama, poetry, art, movement, dance and music

-Work in groups to write, develop, perform and review a piece of drama for an audience

-Develop and encourage speaking and listening skills, group work, resilience, imagination and confidence

The days can be designed linked to a specific topic, story or theme.

Writing Workshops for Children

Fun, engaging, interactive workshops, aimed at children.

During the day we will look at:

-Using picture books to develop reading skills

-Using films and picture books to inspire writing

-How to write in a specific genre and engage your audience

-Illustration and presentation

By the end of the day, the children will be have a finished written product to share

I am what I am: Homophobic bullying and using children’s books to promote tolerance and equality

Perfect for: secondary schools, class teachers, SLT, LSAs, PSHE leaders

This practical course aims to get you thinking about how best to celebrate difference, how to promote equality and diversity, the impact of homophobic bullying and the role of LGBTQ+ characters in children’s literature.

Throughout the day we will explore:

The impact of homophobic bullying

My reading journey – books that supported and nurtured me when coming out

Resources to support the teaching of LGBTQ+ issues throughout the curriculum

Planning to use a range of books and films that recognise and celebrate people in the LGBTQ+ community

I am also happy to talk to groups of children about my personal experiences of bullying or run an assembly on the impact of homophobic bullying.