CONTACTING AUTHORS FOR SCHOOL EVENTS
Jo Simmons
Main titles
I Swapped My Brother On The Internet
The Dodo Made Me Do It
My Parents Cancelled My Birthday
Age Ranges
7 - 11
Preferred Event
Talk with reading, activities and Q&A, max one hour
Number of Sessions
Three
Size of Audience
Talks: I've spoken to groups of 100+ children, but smaller groups preferred
Home area
Brighton
Regions Covered
UK
Fee
Links
Contact Details
Author's Comments
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TYPES OF EVENTS I HAVE DONE:
School visits to speak to groups from 30 to 120 children; workshops with groups of 30 children
SCHOOL'S PREPARATION:
Ideally, the school is aware of my visit and has talked to the children about an author coming in. It's great if the children have read a bit of one of my books and even better if they have questions ready. Book sales are a bonus. I am happy to sign books, too
MY PREPARATION:
I am in touch with the teachers before visiting, to find out what they want from the session, what the children have read and what level they are at, and plan my session accordingly. I don't have a one size fits all session, I always tailor each one to the school and the children
THE EVENT:
I introduce myself, explain how I work and what it takes to write a book. Depending on the school, I might talk about creativity in general, or how to plan a story, and I always talk in detail about the story we're focussing on. I break all this up by asking children to do short activities based on that story, I read to them throughout and always allow time for Q&A at the end
I try to get them as involved as possible, and sometimes have a few take part in little games. I show a Powerpoint so the children have some visuals to enjoy as I speak
MATERIALS AVAILABLE:
It's helpful if I can talk in a classroom rather than a hall, so children can use paper and pencils for activities. I need a screen to show a Powerpoint on
TESTIMONIAL(S):
