PRIMARY SCHOOL
STORY WRITING WORKSHOPS
John Houghton

Information for teachers

What can you expect if you invite me to your school?

• An experienced writer and public speaker

I have written some thirty-five published books of fiction and nonfiction and I have been a storyteller and writer for most of my adult life. I am comfortable addressing small groups or many hundreds at a time, and I enjoy doing it.

• A stimulating and memorable time

My visits usually commence with a whole school or whole year group where I stride around doing dramatised readings from my work. I then answer questions from the children. These sessions vary from 30 - 40 minutes, though I once had to do 2 hours! One teacher remarked kindly, 'Children should leave school with a store of inspiring experiences. Few will remember revising for SATS but they'll remember your visit for the rest of their lives!'

• If your school is performing Hagbane's Doom – the Musical, I can help the children taking part develop their characters.

• Acting out parts of my books with KS1 children and answering their questions.

• Workshops that complement KS2 class work.

My interactive storytelling and writing workshops are usually with one class at a time or with smaller groups of KS2 children, and they occupy a normal lesson period. I try to provide a lively, stimulating and fun session 'outside of the box' that will enhance pupils' writing experiences and storytelling abilities. To do this I weave some of the following elements into my workshops:

• Overcoming the blank page - a threat or an invitation? Mind maps can help.
• Using your imagination - where images come from - how to catch them.
• Finding a setting and bringing it life - creating authenticity - appealing to the six senses.
• Inspiration and perspiration - sources - self-discipline - practicalities.
• Creating believable characters - description through dialogue and direct observation - making characters three-dimensional.
• Storyboarding the plot - the importance of conflict and tension - introduction, interaction, climax, resolution - time & space - mythic structure.
• Finding the underlying theme - why write the story - moral and motive.
• Discovering your own style - learning from others - what makes you tick - unblocking your gift.

We explore these themes together by question and answer, simple exercises, visual aids, small group work and discussion and make it as much fun as possible.

What will is cost? This is a big question in a time of economic restriction. My rates are lower than those recommended by the Society of Authors and vary according to what is required of me. Just ask. It will help you to know that I am based in Bournemouth, Dorset, and I am happy to visit for the day without overnight accommodation up to 100 miles radius. So, currently, at 20p per mile my travel costs by car will not exceed £40 for 100 miles each way. If your school is further away you will normally need to meet the mileage cost plus overnight Travelodge cost.

For further information, details of availability and costs, and a booking form, please contact me.