Author assembly
When a book is launched, I design a new author assembly. This consists of a 35-minute session in which I explain to the pupils how the book was created. I talk about the writing process and explain how Martin creates the illustrations and cover. It also features a live storytelling performance of one of my ‘Impossible Tales’ and concludes with a Q & A. The assembly is inspirational and aspirational, reading for pleasure is promoted and lots of writing tips are shared. In primaries, a book signing accompanies the session.
Skype session
Although my school visits are limited to the North West, I love skyping schools further afield. Skype sessions work really well and I’m happy to have a chat about life as a writer and storyteller, answer the children’s questions and share extracts from the books.
Storytelling session
During the storytelling sessions, I put on the superpowered storytelling waistcoat and use a variety of props to perform a selection of my weird and wacky ‘Impossible Tales’. Crime-fighting wigs. Pirate adventures. Stomach-churning mishaps. Mutated mucus. It’s all covered, along with much, much more, in my mind-blowing Tales. Prepare to laugh, be shocked and most importantly be entertained and spellbound! Audience numbers are only limited by the size of the space in which the storytelling session is taking place.
Writing workshop
My writing workshops are fast-paced and engaging. They cover different aspects of narrative writing including characterisation, use of humour, setting and creating tension, to name but a few. Using my background as a primary teacher, along with my passion for writing, I guide the pupils as they pull apart a short piece of text from one of my stories, plan their own version after lots of discussion and support them as they start work on a first draft. Lots of SPaG and comprehension elements are incorporated throughout. The sessions are aimed at one class-size group of pupils at a time and last for approximately 70 minutes. Timings can be tweaked as required.
If you would like me to visit your school or for more information, including fees, please contact me directly via email at danworsley@hotmail.co.uk or use the contact form.
