School Visits: either in person...
I visit loads of schools and libraries every year - I'm often booked up several months ahead, but if you have any requests, just email me. I always try to fit in last minute requests.
My standard session lasts 45mins - 1hr, is aimed at Years 4, 5 and 6, and is entitled "Detective Stories And How I Write Them". I'm happy to talk to groups of any size, and content can be adjusted to suit older or younger classes, as appropriate. Generally, I'll have supplies of freebies like bookmarks or pencils to give out to pupils.
The fee I charge for a visit will vary, based on number of sessions plus travel expenses, and I normally request that copies of my books be made available for pupils to buy, before the event and/or on the day.
...or on live video via Skype
I can 'visit' your class through the internet, via webcam and Skype. This is an ideal option when you're short of time (or you're not in the UK!), and it's cheaper too (a smaller, flat fee). I can send you bookmarks etc free of charge. The only disadvantage is that I can't sign pupils' books! However, I'm always happy to sign by post.
Downloadables
As classroom back-up for my visits (or to use as a standalone resource), I've devised a downloadable file (in PDF format) called "How I Write A Story".
It's a brief run-down of how I approach the subject, and includes classroom activities, points for discussion etc. There’s a second version available, which highlights detective stories and ties-in with my “Saxby Smart” books.
Feel free to use these files as you wish - they're black and white, and A4 sized, so you can print and photocopy them easily. They're entirely free of charge, but if you find them useful, do let me know, so that I can keep them as relevant and up-to-date as possible.
Just click on the links on the right to access the files (or right-click and save it to your hard drive).
Comments from teachers:
“Brilliant stuff... a great resource, many thanks for that”
“Very useful... my Year 5s enjoyed trying out the activities”
Free books
I have copies of various paperbacks to give away to schools for their libraries. If you'd like one, or more, just email me using the Contact Me form. Let me know what you'd like and I'll see if I've got it! There's no charge for postage (err, well, unless you want, y'know, fifty or something...)
I've also written a number of books for schools, including titles in guided reading and SEN ranges for both KS1 and KS2. For a full listing, click my complete Bibliography.
