Author Visits

Classes from local state primary schools were included in our programme of visiting authors. One class from each school attended the event which are often not possible to put on in state schools due to the costs involved.

Aims

Author events highlight the importance of reading and aim to encourage the children who attend to read more and read more widely.

At both of these events the authors included their top tips for creative writing, to encourage and develop the children’s own work.

These authors also spoke about their own career paths and talked about how writing is a possible career choice.

Both events also used audience participation, and gave some children the opportunity to take part and increase their confidence when speaking in front of an audience. 

Background

The Library staff at Sidcot School run a programme of author and book related events throughout the year.

Where possible these events are opened up to local schools.

Resources

The costs of these authors were met by Sidcot and were not passed onto the visiting primary schools. However, in conjunction with a local independent book shop pupils were able to buy signed copies of the author’s books.

Staff time in setting up these events can be considerable.

Impact

Several classes used Peter Bunzl’s novels as a class reader

The books of both authors sold well – speaking to an author and owning a signed copy can be a great incentive for reading.

Pupil Involvement

Joffre White event – children in years 4, 5 and 6. Visiting primary school – year 4

Peter Bunzl event – children in years 3-6, visiting primary school – year 4.

 

Frequency

These were single events, one per academic year.

It is likely that similar events will be repeated in the future.