My Workshops and Talks
Talk 1: Approx. 40 minutes
Suitable for Grades 4 - 7
After introducing myself and a fun icebreaker, I will read a chapter from PAWS or THE BRAVEST WORD and talk a little about the book and the themes included. From there, I focus my talk on DIFFERENCES and how this is something to celebrate and accept not fear nor hide. I cover details of how all of us have a unique story to tell, and that even those who are not big readers or writers are storytellers too. I move on to talking about friendships, feelings, and emotions, including the children in a fun exercise, before chatting about autism and what this is, eventually circling back to PAWS. I close by inviting all and any questions from the children, and emphasis that no comment or question is wrong and that I never judge and always encourage individuality. I can bring with me a slide show to keep the children amused and interacting.
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Talk 2: Approx 40 minutes
Suitable for Grades 4 - 7
Can be adapted for higher grades
After a fun introduction and icebreaker, I will read a chapter from PAWS or THE BRAVEST WORD and talk a little about the book and the themes included. From there, I share a little about my WRITING JOURNEY and approach and encourage even the most reluctant readers and writers in the group to appreciate that they have a story to tell too. I list all the different ways that a story can be told. I cover some of the secrets to creating a stories that engage and enthrall a reader and finish on a fun exercise where the children can get involved and give examples of the important elements to writing an immersive story. I close by inviting all and any questions from the children, and emphasis that no comment or question is wrong and that I never judge and always encourage individuality. I can bring with me a slide show to keep the children amused and interacting.
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Talk 3: Approx 40 minutes
Suitable for Grades 5 - 7
Can be adapted for higher grades
After a fun introduction and icebreaker, I will read a chapter from PAWS or THE BRAVEST WORD and talk a little about the book and the themes included. From here, I begin the workshop on how to create 3-DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERS, looking at every aspect of their personality, appearance, and past. I provide a worksheet for children to complete and build their own characters, encouraging them to look at themselves or someone close to them. With the children's help, I go through the process of building a character, giving them a goal, a conflict, and motivation. I encourage the children to ask why at every opportunity so they appreciate the importance of a character's back story. I close by inviting all and any questions from the children, and emphasis that no comment or question is wrong and that I never judge and always encourage individuality. I can bring with me a slide show to keep the children amused and interacting.
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Talk 4: Approx 40 minutes
Suitable for Grades 4 - 7
Can be adapted for higher grades
After a fun introduction and icebreaker, I will read a chapter from PAWS or THE BRAVEST WORD and talk a little about the book and the themes included. From here, I begin the workshop on how to MASTER SHOW DON'T TELL, the ways in which this can be included, from the world building to filter verbs to emotions, and help them understand how showing can create a more immersive experience for the reader but why telling is sometimes the right choice too. I provide a worksheet for children to complete and list ideas on how to show emotions through body language and thought. With the children's help, I play some interactive games to guess emotions and feelings and personalities. I close by inviting all and any questions from the children, and emphasis that no comment or question is wrong and that I never judge and always encourage individuality. I can bring with me a slide show to keep the children amused and interacting.
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If none of the above work for you, I will happily create a bespoke workshop or talk to fit with curriculum requirements or group needs.
Please don't hesitate to contact me should this option be of interest to you.
[email protected]
Download a copy of the book club notes for PAWS here.
Download a copy of the classroom ideas for THE BRAVEST WORD here.
Download a copy of the classroom ideas for THE BRAVEST WORD here.
Here are some fun ideas on how to use PAWS for your classroom or home...
Write a letter or email to Kate telling her about your friends and friendships, your pets or animals you've met, autism or mental health, or about PAWS. She replies to everyone!
Create a poster or banner or some bunting for the PAWS dog show.
Create a newspaper, magazine, or website advertisement for the PAWS dog show.
Paint, sculpt, build, or create in another artistic way your favourite animal.
Write a newspaper article or blog post about the PAWS dog show.
Write or act out an interview between a TV reporter and the PAWS organisers.
Design a new cover for PAWS, maybe from your favourite scene.
Make a scrapbook about PAWS and its themes and characters using things you find around the home, classroom, or out and about. Include: newspaper/magazine words, sentences, and pictures; photos, flyers or booklets; lists of words that reflect the characters and themes of the book; poems or limericks; objects or drawings, and so on.
Write a poem, song, or some music about the story, characters, or themes.