It’s been just over a month since Aerodynamics of Biscuits’ was published! …and with 9 school visits, 2 bookshop events and 2 book launches under my belt I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.
I have recently made two more successful author visits, one at Newton Ferrers C of E Primary School and one at Marldon C of E Primary School, both in Key Stage One, so I thought I would share ‘MY FOUR P’s’! My top tips for working with children aged 5-7yrs.
This time last week I was gearing up for a whole day author event at West Thornton Primary Academy, Croydon, arranged by the National Literacy Trust and funded by Arts Council.
Warmly welcomed by the staff and pupils, I was in awe of this outstanding school. The atmosphere was more like that of a university lecture than a primary school. Children worked at independently at stools, under the stairs, on bean bags and were able to talk to me in detail about their learning and assessment. It was easy to see that the children had very high levels of self-challenge, motivation and engagement and the school’s use of ICT was instrumental in this.
So it was a real privilege to be asked to work with the children of Year Two… who were also that week preparing to hold their own parents evenings! What a great idea! Continue reading
Today words (nearly) failed me… and please note, this doesn’t happen often.
At an event at Waterstones, Drake Circus, Plymouth I was totally overwhelmed with the love and support from friends, family and shoppers.
Today saw the return of the ‘Mr Biscuits-Clare Helen Welsh’ combo as we ran an event for the children and families of Newton Abbot (some of you may remember we won 2nd prize at Newton Abbot Carnival in August!)
Thank you to the children, parents and staff for an enjoyable visit at Marldon Pre-school Playgroup! There were hats, hooks, ships and plenty ahhhharrrrrrrs as we enjoyed ‘Aerodynamics of Biscuits’ and the greedy, sneaky, squeaky pirate mice!
I am, once again, blown away by children’s ideas, enthusiasm and creativity… this time with Year 4, 5 and 6 at Lady Seawards Primary School, near Exeter. It’s a privilege to be a part of their wonderful worlds and I can’t help but smile as they share the in’s and out’s of their characters. This time, armed with an enormous list of adjectives, we interviewed each other to make sure we had created a character we knew really well. Here is Jade answering questions fired at her by a crime watcher reporter in the school assembly.
Another lovely school visit, this time with the children and staff of Sparkwell All Saints Primary School. I’ve never met so many Olivers all in one room! I hope you are enjoying your copies of ‘Aerodynamics of Biscuits’ this bedtime and also enjoy the copy in your school library. Belated congratulations are in order for your recent OFTSED inspection, too!
Happy reading!
I’m a biscuit loving, picture book author!
And what better to way to spend the day than with the lovely children and staff of The Erme Primary School dressed as pirate mice!
On Monday I did something I have never done before… let 25 balloons loose for a Year 4 writing workshop! It could have gone in either one of two ways, but thankfully the balloons were the perfect prop for character development. Honestly, you need to try it!
