scorpions, skeletons & stories workshop

Suitable for: Years 3-6

Session Outline: Children’s creative writing workshops that are tailored to each year of KS2. Beginning with a group discussion on the key elements of fiction writing, we’ll move on to activities and story prompts that help deepen pupils’ understanding of these elements. In each class length sessions (30-40 minutes), we’ll explore how to plot our stories, what makes an engaging setting, and how to write characters that leap off the page. The aim is not to complete a story but to experiment with narrative tools, and have fun with unusual object prompts inspired by my own writing and my work in museum education. Idea mapping for different learning types and visual storytelling can also be utilized. By the end of the session children will be equipped to write a full story on their own.

These activities cater to various learning styles and interests, while reinforcing key literacy skills, such as vocabulary development, sentence structure, and creative thinking. Children will be encouraged to share what they have produced for applause and engaged constructive feedback. Emphasis will also be made around the role and importance of editing, and next steps for those wishing to submit their stories to competitions.

Number in a group: one class per session, rather than year groups. This allows for maximum participation from students.

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes. This will be adapted to your school’s class length.

Cost: £150 per half day (two sessions), or £250 per full day (four sessions). These prices are for schools within great London. Outside of London, please get in touch to discuss options. Many thanks.

Available: Wednesday – Sunday.

N.B. These workshops have been developed for schools but can also be a fun addition to museum and festival activities, and can be extended in length. Drop me a line to discuss further.

“The Children of Year 6 experienced an afternoon filled with adventure and mystery when Elizabeth came to visit. They were so engaged and entertained that they had a go at writing their own stories! Her Magical Creature competition was an enormous success and encouraged the children to get creative, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks so much for a lovely afternoon with Y6 at Elm!”

- Romy Garner, Year 6 Teacher, Elm Academy, Bournemouth

“We had a wonderful afternoon with Liz. The children in Y4,5 and 6 loved asking her questions and sharing their story ideas. They were inspired by her tips for their own creative writing. We hope she will come back again!”

- Catherine Selwyn, Reading Recovery lead, Queensbridge School, London.

“The children of Cove Junior School were exceptionally lucky to share some time with Elizabeth Waight. Thank you for giving up your time to inspire the next generations of authors!”

- The Year 5 Team at Cove Junior School, Hampshire

Please complete the enquiry form below.

Payment

Once your booking has been confirmed I will send you a confirmation email with an invoice and a payment link. Full payment must be made at least 6 weeks before your visit.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your booking, you can do this by filling out my contact form:

• 6 weeks – If you notify me at least 6 weeks before the date of your visit I am happy to offer you a full refund.

• 4 weeks – 50% charge on your full booking amount

• 1 week or less will be charged at the full amount.  

Inclusion and Diversity

I want to make my workshops fully inclusive and have experience working with children with Special Education Needs. If you feel the workshop will need adaptions, please let me know, and I will put together some options for you.

Risk Assessment and additional information: I am DBS checked and have Public Liability Insurance.